Seattle Underage DUI Attorney

Were you charged with DUI and are under 21?

In an effort to curb underage drinking and driving, Washington lawmakers have made it an offense for individuals under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol, and the BAC (blood alcohol concentration) that will result in charges is .02. It is not necessary for the individual to be exhibiting any indication of intoxication for the charges to be filed. This BAC level would ordinarily be registered after consuming only one beer or one glass of wine. Any individual under the age of 21 who has been pulled over and tested for alcohol intoxication and then registers at .02 or above will be charged with minor DUI. A Seattle criminal attorney from Blair & Kim, PLLC has the experience and proven record you need when you need to fight back.

Minor DUI Charges in Seattle: Fight back!

The penalties for this offense are exceptionally harsh, including a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. There is frequently a long probation, up to two years, and it may be required that the individual has an "alcohol assessment", attend alcohol treatment classes, drug counseling, be required to do community service, submit to random testing as well as be required to attend a DUI victim's panel. They will also have their driver's license suspended for 90 days. There are several issues that must be addressed quickly if you are hoping to avoid the extreme penalties of a conviction. The criminal charges of minor DUI must be defended; the suspension of your driver's license will be addressed at a hearing before the Department of Licensing if you hope to retain your legal right to drive. You have only a short period of time in which to request this hearing -- 20 days from the date of the arrest. After a conviction, not only will the individual be without the ability to drive, they will be required to purchase high-risk insurance for the 3 years subsequent to the conviction, at very expensive rates.

Should you have registered at .08 or higher in the breath test, the charges will be prosecuted as an adult, and if convicted, the penalties imposed by the court will be those that an adult driver will face.

Contact a Seattle DUI defense lawyer from Blair & Kim, PLLC if you have been arrested and charged with minor DUI. There could be opportunities to get the charges dismissed.