Redwood City Underage DUI Defense Attorney
DUI Under 21 in the Bay Area
A detention with a 0.01 or greater blood alcohol content can pose a serious threat to the future of a minor or someone under 21 years of age. Bay Area criminal defense and DUI lawyer Shelley D. Dwyer will listen to the unique facts of your case, find solutions that are appropriate for your unique needs and goals, and fight to protect your future. Backed by more than 30 years of legal experience, we have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you evade unfair charges.
Call (650) 419-2940 or contact us online for your free initial consultation with a highly experienced Bay Area underage DUI lawyer.
Zero Tolerance Law California
California utilizes a zero-tolerance policy regarding drivers under the age of 21. This means that a person under 21 can face a 1-year suspension of their license with as little as 0.01% of alcohol in their blood. In many respects, these laws are harder on young people than on adults.
What to expect:
- When a person under the age of 21 is facing a drunk driving arrest, there is great opportunity to negotiate with prosecutors in an effort to find a punishment that is seen to fit the individual.
- It is very common for minors and persons under 21 to receive greatly reduced penalties or to be charged with lesser offenses, especially if their blood alcohol content was found to be relatively low.
- Special DMV hearings exist for minors and persons under 21 that will determine the young person’s driving privileges. Again, there are many alternatives to make sure school and/or work needs are met.
- In addition, young people can be charged with DUI as an adult as well and face stiffer penalties.
- Thus, there is a wide range of potential penalties a person under 21 may face.
- It is extremely important to contact an experienced DUI attorney in the Bay Area to help explain what alternatives are available and to negotiate for the rights of young people.
About BAC Tests for Drivers Under 21
Because of the zero-tolerance policy, minors and persons under 21 cannot refuse to take a hand-held breath test – even though these tests are considered so unreliable that adults can lawfully refuse them. Since the law states that persons under 21 cannot drive after consuming a measurable amount of alcohol as measured on these machines to be 0.01, they can be considered reliable enough as evidence to suspend their driving privileges.
Your lawyer can attack this evidence and its flaws. Hand-held machines are difficult to calibrate and they are often handled by persons who are inexperienced or unqualified to do so. Administration of these and other tests are governed by specific rules. When these rules are not followed, inaccuracies can result. Speak to experienced DUI attorney Shelley D. Dwyer about the evidence in your case.
Get Help from a Skilled Underage DUI Attorney in Redwood City
If you are facing a drunk driving arrest, contact the Law Office of Shelley D. Dwyer by calling (650) 419-2940.
Call now and schedule your free case evaluation with our dedicated underage DUI lawyer in Redwood City.
