Early Termination of Probation after a DUI Conviction

If you have been convicted of a DUI, you probably received a probationary sentence. Each state has its own specific guidelines, but the general process to request an early termination of probation is generally consistent across the board.

Benefits of Early Termination after a DUI Conviction

The main advantages in obtaining an early termination of probation include avoiding costs associated with probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and achieving a possible expungement of the DUI conviction from your driving record. Another benefit is that you remove the risk of getting charged with a DUI probation violation.

You may also feel that not having probation “hanging over your head” can help you move on with your life after a DUI arrest and DUI conviction.

Steps to Obtain an Early Termination of DUI Probation

To begin the process, you should get in touch with your DUI attorney and have him file the early termination motion in the same court where you were convicted of the DUI. It is good for your DUI lawyer to talk with the prosecutor and convince him to possibly support the motion (or, in the very least, not contest it).

In some states, writing a letter detailing why you feel you qualify for early termination and submitting this letter with the motion is a good idea. You should include a recommendation from your parole officer as well.

The judge considers several things when deciding whether or not to decide in your favor:

* Have you paid all of the DUI fines and DUI fees related to your DUI conviction?

* Have you completed any/all substance abuse programs and/or other counseling requirements?

* Have you fulfilled all conditions mandated in your DUI sentencing?

* Have you maintained/sought a job?

* Did you go back to school to finish or further your education?

* Did you receive any specialized job skills training?

* Did you give of your time and volunteer to the benefit of others?

The judge will also look at any hardships you experienced as a result of being on probation. Did you lose a job? Did you miss the possibility of a promotion? Did you fail a background check because you were on probation? Do you have travel restrictions placed on you that affects your employment?

Basically, the judge wants to know if you are a danger to the public and if you have learned from your mistake and are taking positive steps to move forward in your life in a constructive way.

When Can I Apply for Early Termination of Probation after my DUI Conviction?

Most states require you to complete at least half of your probation term before you can be considered for early termination. In California, the penal code leaves the decision solely to the discretion of the judge. Although the judge could grant early termination at any time in the probationary process, it is generally understood that you must complete at least 18 months for a felony DUI conviction.

In some cases, your DUI attorney may appear before the judge on your behalf. It depends on the circumstances of your case and this is something you should discuss with your DUI attorney before he files the motion.

In many cases, once you are successful in receiving early termination of probation your DUI attorney can ask the court to grant you an expungement of your record. Hopefully, with the help of a qualified DUI attorney, you can work to put the DUI conviction behind you and move on to a more positive phase of your life.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

State legislatures have been under increasing pressure to punish drivers who are arrested for DUI or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. State DUI laws vary, and if you have been arrested for a DUI, it is important to contact a DUI lawyer who is familiar with the DUI laws of your state.

DUI Penalties

DUI convictions may result in any of the following:

• Fines – All states charge fines for DUI convictions. The DUI fines for a first time DUI conviction can be as high as $2,000 in some states.

• Jail terms – Most states require confinement in jail. Although in some states, such as Texas, the confinement may be for as little as 72 hours and no more than 6 months.

• Community Service – Many states require the DUI offender to perform community service. Often the amount of community service is at the discretion of the court.

• Probation – Most courts require probation. The time varies by state but generally is from one to two years. Most DUI offenders will be required to complete the following while they are under probation.

• Drug and Alcohol evaluation program – DUI offenders generally have to complete some type of evaluation program which will determine how likely they are to commit a DUI in the future and to educate them on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. If, through the evaluation, it is determined that the DUI offender has additional issues with alcohol addiction, the terms of the probation may be updated.

• Attend and complete a DUI Education course – Most states require DUI offenders to complete an alcohol education class. In Texas, for instance, drivers must take the class within 180 days from the date of the DUI conviction. If the driver meets this requirement they may be able to avoid the one year drivers’ license suspension.

• Attend a Victim Impact Panel – Not all states have this requirement, but many do. The goal of the Victim Impact Panel is to educate the DUI offender on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

DUI offenders will be given an Order Granting Probation from the DUI court. It is important to follow the specific requirements outlined in the order, which are unique to the offender’s DUI case.

Additional DUI Penalties

What if a DUI offender has an aggravated DUI charge: they were arrested with a minor in the car, they caused injury or death, or they have prior DUI arrests? Although the following information is only a general list of some of the DUI penalties which are assessed, many states have similar DUI penalties for aggravated DUI convictions.

• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device – Many DUI offenders who have been arrested for DUI may be required to install this device on their car. The Ignition Interlock Device requires the driver to provide a sample breath which is analyzed prior to driving.

• Alcohol Treatment Program – There are a variety of alcohol treatment programs which may be offered through the state’s probation department. Multiple DUI offenders may also be required to participate in outpatient programs.

• Restitution to the victims of DUI accidents – DUI offenders who have caused injury or death may be required to provide additional restitution to injured parties, especially if the driver’s insurance policy does not cover all of the damages from the DUI accident.

• Zero consumption of alcoholic beverages – Some DUI offenders may be required to abstain from consuming any alcohol. This will be enforced through random or periodic urinalysis. Certain states, as a condition of the DUI offender’s probation, may not be able to go to a bar or tavern where alcoholic beverages are consumed or sold.

• Enhanced DUI Penalties – All states have what are termed “look back” laws which are the number of years that the court will look back to decide if a DUI conviction is the first, second or third for the DUI offender. For instance, Texas has a 10 year look back law. If a DUI offender has been convicted of a previous DUI within 10 years from the current DUI arrest, the current DUI is considered the driver’s second, not first, DUI.

Drivers who are charged with multiple DUI convictions, in many states, may have their DUI penalties enhanced. Keep in mind many states also have agreement with other states that they will share information about DUI arrests. For instance, if you are a resident in the state of Texas but you get a DUI in another state, if your current DUI occurred less than 10 years from the previous DUI conviction (in the other state), you could be charged with a second DUI.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

For more information about your DUI case, contact a DUI lawyer. Fill out the FREE case evaluation form and a DUI advocate will contact you to discuss the facts of your case. You can also visit our website at http://www.duiattorneyhome.com. For immediate assistance, call our 24/7 DUI Help Line at 1- 866-228-3201.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

The Field Sobriety Test is a series of tests given to drivers to ascertain their level of impairment and establish probable cause for a DUI arrest.

Each test was developed after much research by the NHTSA. Police officers are trained in the administration and evaluation of these assessments. Many drivers who are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not aware that these tests are optional and they could refuse them.

The tests could possibly include the following:

* Nystagmus: The police officer will hold a pen (or other object) about twelve inches away from the driver’s face. The officer then slowly moves the object from one side to the other while watching the driver’s eyes. The officer is looking for the eyeball twitching or shaking. This involuntary movement of the eye could indicate that the driver has ingested an intoxicant. The officer is also paying attention to any incriminating statements the driver may make during the test.

* Standing on One Leg: The driver stands with their feet together, arms at their side and they are instructed to lift one leg off the ground while counting aloud. The officer is looking for wobbling, swaying, raising the arms, or hopping. Research shows that a person who demonstrates two or more of these indicators has a 65% chance of having a BAC of at least .10.

* Touching Finger to Nose: This assessment entails the driver to stand with his feet together, close his eyes, and raise his index finger and touch his nose. The officer is looking for the same body and eyelid tremors as in the previous test.

* Walk and Turn: The driver takes nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line. They then turn, and take nine steps back. The police officer is seeing if the suspect can keep his balance while walking and turning and if he can follow instructions.

Divided Attention DUI Tests

These tests are designed to check how well a person follows instruction when their attention is divided. This is a skill that is necessary when operating a motor vehicle. A driver must listen and complete a task while performing a physical movement. An impaired person would have trouble completing a simple mental exercise when their attention is also required to execute a physical exercise.

Alcohol Screening Test

This is a preliminary alcohol-screening (PAS) test. The police officer uses a portable breath-testing machine that records an instant measure of a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The officer is supposed to notify the driver that this test is voluntary, but sometimes they do not.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

Many DUI attorneys are trained in the theory and administration of field sobriety tests and understand their shortcomings. The interpretation of these tests is subjective.

If you or a family member has failed a DUI field sobriety test and have been charged with a DUI, contact a qualified DUI attorney in your state who can help you develop a viable DUI defense.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

The acronym DUI stands for “driving under the influence” of alcohol or drugs, but the actual definition can vary from state to state. Did you know that “driving” in some states may actually include sitting in a parked car in a parking lot or driveway? Some drivers have been arrested in a parking lot, sleeping in the driver’s seat of their car.

So what does the state mean when they say “legally impaired” and do you have to consume alcohol to be considered impaired? No, you can be legally impaired, according to state laws, if you have taken any substance, including prescribed medication, which has limited your ability to safely operate your motorized vehicle. So when exactly can you be found guilty of DUI or driving under the influence?

When are you DUI?

1. You have consumed enough alcohol to register a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher using a blood, urine or breathing test.
2. You have been driving and the police determine that your driving ability has been impaired by either drugs or alcohol. Your BAC does not have to be at or above the illegal limit if the officer has evidence that your ability to see, hear, walk, talk or drive is not at a normal level and is unsafe for operating your motorized vehicle.

Keep in mind, in some states the police have the legal authority to force you to take a blood test to determine if you have been using drugs or drinking. Even if you have taken a legally prescribed dose of medication, you can be convicted if you are found to be impaired.

Field Sobriety Tests and DUI

One of the most common methods law enforcement officers use to test a driver’s impairment is the standardized field sobriety test (FST). The FST generally includes the following:

• One-leg stand – the driver must stand on one leg for approximately 30 seconds without losing their balance, falling or placing their foot back on the ground.
• Heel-to-toe test – the driver must walk a certain number of paces along either a real or imaginary line, counting a loud, turn and return along the same line. The person must complete the test without losing their balance, falling, or stopping.
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – the HGN test measures the involuntary jerking in a driver’s eye as they track an object from side to side. A law enforcement officer generally uses a flashlight or small pen, guiding it approximately 12 inches from the driver’s face, to track the movement of the driver’s eyes. The early onset of nystagmus, or jerking of the eyeball, may be an indication that the driver has been drinking. There are, however, many reasons why a driver may have an unusual nystagmus that do not have anything to do with alcohol consumption.

Should you take the field sobriety test? It may be hard to know at the time unless you are familiar with your state’s laws. In some states you can refuse to take the field sobriety test without suffering any penalties. In other states a refusal of the FST test could be used against you in court. Keep in mind, if a police officer has additional evidence that you are DUI they can arrest you even if you refuse to take the field sobriety test.

DUI Penalties

DUI penalties and fines have dramatically increased over the last 10 years as groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and state legislatures have worked together to stop drunken driving.

DUI penalties also vary by state and it is important to talk to a DUI lawyer immediately following a DUI arrest to find out the DUI penalties you may face. Common DUI penalties include loss of a driver’s license for a specified amount of time, a fine, possible jail time, probation, community service, driver rehabilitation school, and substance abuse counseling.

If you have killed or injured another person or if this is your second, third or fourth DUI, the penalties you face will be even more severe.

The fact of the matter is that driving in every state is not a right; it is a privilege. The state institutes very specific laws and statutes which regulate legal driving actions and if you fail to follow these laws, the state has the right to revoke your license. The courts and police have wide discretion to enforce state driving laws.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

If you are interest in contacting a lawyer, fill out the FREE case evaluation form and a DUI advocate will contact you to discuss the facts of your case. Visit our website at http://www.duiattorneyhome.com or call our 24/7 DUI Help Line at 1- 866-228-3201.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

Wrestling superstar Kurt Angle was arrested early Sunday morning on charges that he was driving under the influence of alcohol. A driver spotted Angle’s car swerving in and out of lanes on Interstate 66 in Virginia. That same driver informed Virginia State Troopers who responded and took Kurt Angle into custody.

Angle was transported to Warren County Jail and booked. He later posted a $2,000 bond and was released at 3:31 a.m.

Kurt Angle won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics for wrestling. He then joined the WWE in 1999 as a star wrestler until 2006 when he was suspended for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and for an addiction to pain pills (he had become addicted following an injury).

He was released from his WWE contract and he worked to get his life together. He seemed to be back on the right track, joining Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and shaking free from his addiction demons.

Lately, it appears Angle’s old problems have resurfaced. This recent DUI arrest is his second in six months (he is currently on probation from the first violation).

Since his release on Sunday, Angle has claimed that he is being framed. His lawyers claim that Angle passed a breathalyzer test and said, “We understand Kurt will be entering a plea of not guilty in response to any infractions and/or offenses.”

Other sources went on to say that Angle believes the cops are just trying to make an example out of him. The police are not commenting on the matter saying that the case will be tried in court.

Although Angle may have passed the breathalyzer test, it is still possible for someone who passes a breathalyzer test to be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol if the court can prove that the driver’s ability to drive was impaired.

It sounds like Kurt Angle and his DUI attorney are ready to fight the DUI charge.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a DUI and feel it was in error, contact a qualified DUI attorney in your state to help you decide the best course of action for you.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

The Associated Press reports that D.J. Williams, the Denver Broncos linebacker, is scheduled to appear in court in January for a misdemeanor charge of DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to turn his headlights on while driving. This second DUI arrest occurred hours before Williams was scheduled to appear at the Broncos’ training camp.

Williams was scheduled to appear in a Denver County Court House Thursday morning for his motions hearing, but according to his defense attorney, Harvey A. Steinberg, Williams was unable to attend because he had been injured during last Saturday’s Broncos’ win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The court rescheduled the motion hearing for November 17, 2011, and the DUI trial has been scheduled for January 17, 2010.

Williams was the Bronco’s leading tackler in 2010 but after his November 12 DUI arrest the Broncos stripped him of his captain responsibilities and he now faces a potential multiple-game suspension from the National Football League. This is William’s second DUI arrest in his last seven years of play with the Denver Broncos.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) you may have questions about what to do next. How will this affect your current job or future employment opportunities? What if you have court actions pending such as a child custody case? Do not try to fight a DUI alone. Contact a DUI lawyer for more information. DUI attorneys understand DUI laws and can review the laws of your state with you prior to making any decisions about your DUI case.

DUI lawyers can also help drivers or passengers who have been injured by a driver who was DUI. DUI lawyers can review your car accident and determine if another driver’s negligence caused your personal injuries. State laws vary, and in some states drivers may not be able to file a personal injury claim unless their car accident injuries reach a specified monetary threshold or they suffer serious bodily injury.

DUI arrests and convictions can have serious penalties and high fines. If you have been arrested for DUI, even if this is your first DUI offense, you could be facing probation, jail time, alcohol education classes, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device or loss of your license. Talk to a DUI lawyer now.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

According to the Associated Press, Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets defenseman, was arrested for boating under the influence of alcohol in Minnesota late Wednesday evening. The Hennepin County jail booked Byfuglien around 11 p.m. but did not formally charge him. He was released early Thursday morning.

Byfuglien played for the 2010 Chicago Blackhawk team, helping them win the Stanley Cup championship, but was later traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. He has played in 341 NHL games to date, scoring 75 goals and 87 assists. Last year when he played with the Chicago Blackhawks he scored 20 goals and had 33 assists in 81 games.

Boating BUI Laws

Just like DUI laws, states have created BUI (boating under the influence) statutes to protect boaters and boating passengers. State laws vary, but states generally allow law enforcement officers to stop boaters if they think that they are intoxicated and are unable to safely operate their boat.
Boating under the influence has very serious consequences and BUI penalties can include criminal charges, jail time, heavy monetary fines, revocation of a boating license, and high insurance rates.

A variety of factors can affect a boat operator’s ability to safely operate their boat on the water. Unlike drinking and operating a motorized vehicle, boat operators will have to contend with a variety of other factors such as sun, wind, loud noises and other boats. The United States Coast guard claims that if alcohol is a factor in a boating accident the fatality rate can increase substantially.

So how does the state prove you were operating a boat under the influence of alcohol? Like DUI laws, many states allow for a per se BUI charge if the driver is operating a boat with a 0.08% or higher BAC or blood alcohol concentration. Many states also have per se BUI laws for minors, which means a minor can face an automatic BUI charge if they operate a boat with any alcohol in their system.

Hiring a Attorney for a BUI

If you have been arrested for boating under the influence (BUI), it is time to talk to a lawyer. For more information about DUI fill out the FREE case evaluation form and a DUI advocate will contact you to discuss the facts of your case. Visit our website at http://www.duiattorneyhome.com or call our 24/7 DUI Help Line at 1- 866-228-3201.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

A ‘look back’ period is a legal expression that refers to the length of time that a previous offense remains on a driver’s record and can be used to add penalties if a new DUI offense is committed. A look-back is commonly used in DUI law to identify repeat DUI offenders and amplify the consequence to hopefully reduce recidivism.

The number of years that can be considered in the look back period differs greatly from state to state. The lowest term is five years with the maximum of a lifetime. The average look back period for a drunk driving offense is ten years. This means that if you commit two DUIs within ten years, your DUI penalty for the second DUI is greatly enhanced. If a third drunk driving arrest is recorded within the look back time, the DUI offense could be upgraded to an aggravated drunk driving misdemeanor or even a felony DUI. Again, this is dependent upon specific state laws and how drunk driving laws are affected by the DUI look back period.

It is important to note that most DWI look back periods begin and conclude on the date the person was arrested for the DUI, not the date that they were convicted. For example, if someone was arrested on Jan. 5, 2001, and then arrested again in March of 2011, the second drunk driving offense would be treated as the first because the ten year look back period would have ended.

Length of DUI Look Back Periods by State

As stated previously, the length of time of the DUI ‘look-back’ varies widely in some states. Here is the breakdown for each state:

*Five years:

Rhode Island, Oregon, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Hawaii, Delaware, Colorado, Alabama, and Florida (second offense)

*Six years:

Ohio

*Seven years:

Washington, North Dakota, Arizona and Colorado (third offense)

*Ten years:

Texas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Utah Tennessee, South Dakota, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, Minnesota, Maryland, Maine, Connecticut, California, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida (third offense)

*Twelve years:

Nebraska and Iowa

*Fifteen years:

District of Columbia

*Lifetime:

Vermont, New Mexico, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Kansas

In Michigan, any third DUI committed within your life will result in a felony DUI charge even if it is sixty-years from the date of your first DUI arrest. A second DUI offense in Wyoming and New York could be raised to felony status. Obviously, the laws that govern DUIs vary greatly from state to state so it is very important to contact a qualified DUI attorney to help you sort out the specifics.

Statistics for Drunk Driving

An NHTSA study of twelve states revealed that about a third of all drivers arrested for DUI each year are repeat DUI offenders. The lowest percentage of DUI drivers were found in Iowa at 21%; conversely, the highest rate was found in New Mexico with 47% of all drivers arrested for DUI being repeat offenders. The median number was between 31% and 32% arrests and/or convictions. An older study (1980) conducted in California showed that all of 44% of drivers convicted of a DUI were convicted again within ten years.

As in all legal matters, there needs to be a balance between appropriate punishment and securing the rights of the convicted driver. The goal is to decrease the recidivism rate of DUI offenders while still protecting the rights of the driver so that one mistake does not turn into a permanent black stain on his driving record.

Since statutes define specific DUI look back periods, the state legislature should set-up suitable windows to identify repeat drunk drivers while avoiding needlessly harsh DUI consequences. If you or a family member has been arrested for a DUI, please contact an experienced DUI attorney in your state to help guide you through the DUI laws and statutes specific to your situation.

Related articles

• What Happens To My License After A DUI Arrest In Illinois (duiattorneyhome.com)
• What Happens If I Refuse DUI Chemical Test in Florida after a DUI stop? (duiattorneyhome.com)
• Florida hardship License after DUI (duiattorneyhome.com)

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

Whether you have consumed alcohol and your blood alcohol level is above the legal limit of 0.08% or you have smoked marijuana, the primary concern for law enforcement officers is whether the substance has impaired your ability to safely operate your motorized vehicle. Alcohol and drugs both affect your reaction time and judgment and consuming drugs can create a public safety hazard and put, not only you at risk, but other drivers and passengers.

Testing for illicit drugs and conclusively determining the impact they have on the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is more difficult for drugs than alcohol and for this reason some state laws for drugged driving have “lagged behind” laws that have been created for driving under the influence of alcohol.

With that said, however, there are many states (i.e. Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota) which do have per se laws which make it illegal to operate a motorized vehicle with any level of illegal drugs in the blood. Other state laws are less harsh or definitive and law enforcement officers may arrest a driver for drug use if they believe the driver is “impaired”.

Drug Evaluation and Classification programs have also been created and implemented in many states to help police officers recognize when a driver’s behavior is affected by drug intoxication.

Many drivers may think that smoking pot does not affect their driving, but drug use can affect a driver’s attention, balance, coordination, reaction time and perception. Studies and research have concluded that drinking and drugged driving may be linked behaviors and that marijuana does negatively impact a driver’s perception of speed, concentration and coordination.

Driving is a privilege not a right. Although more research may be needed to understand the full impact of a driver’s drug use in unpredictable driving situations, driving under the influence of drugs is illegal and dangerous.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana or any other illicit drug, it is time to contact a DUI lawyer. DUI laws vary by state.
For more information about your DUI case you can contact a DUI lawyer. Fill out the FREE case evaluation form and a DUI advocate will contact you to discuss the facts of your case or visit our website at http://www.duiattorneyhome.com. For immediate assistance, call our 24/7 DUI Help Line at 1- 866-228-3201.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!

Twenty-eight percent of all 15-20 year olds who die in a car accident were drinking. Every state has a “zero tolerance” statute which makes it illegal for people under the age of 21 to drive with any alcohol in their system.

Zero Tolerance for underage drinking

While each state’s DUI law varies on its zero tolerance classification, most states have set the “designated concentration” at .02%. This is less than one beer for the average teenager. Some states have set the cut-off at .00% and any adolescent driver with a trace of alcohol in their system is automatically in violation of the underage DUI law.

Penalties for DUI

If a juvenile is arrested for DUI they are also charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, and the punishment is different than that of an adult charged with DUI.

Some states will issue an automatic suspension of the minor’s license. Some states will revoke the license for a period of time varying from ninety-days to three years. The judge may also order the minor to attend an alcohol and driving education class.

Additionally, the minor’s car may be impounded. Other DUI penalties include performing community service, paying fees associated with any damages, and/or fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. In some cases, the juvenile may spend two days to one year in jail. Probation may also be required.

In addition to DUI penalties handed down by the court, a juvenile may face other consequences. A young driver is already subject to increased insurance rates due to their high risk status. After a DUI conviction, an insurance provider may raise the driver’s rates much higher or drop them altogether. Without insurance coverage, the young person would not be able to legally operate a vehicle.

If the juvenile driver is later convicted of additional underage DUIs, the DUI penalties involved will be more severe. Underage drivers who refuse to take a breathalyzer test at the scene may also have to deal with harsher DUI penalties.

Hiring a DUI Lawyer

The complexity of juvenile DUI laws and penalties vary from state to state. The best way to navigate the courts and determine what the best course of action for you and your family is to consult with an experienced DUI attorney in your state.

DUI lawyers can review your DUI case and determine your next step. Most importantly, a DUI attorney can develop the most effective legal defense strategy available for you minor child.

Ready to get Help?

Complete our Free Case Evaluation form and a DUI Lawyer will review your case for Free!