Orange County DUI Attorneys

Under 21 DUI Defense Lawyers in Orange County, California

Underage DUI charges require an Orange County DUI attorney who is experienced in this particular type of DUI defense, as under 21 DUI charges are slightly different than typical adult DUI charges. Any individual who is under the age of 21 and is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration of .01% or higher, may face DUI/DWI charges under California’s “Zero Tolerance” law and other drunk driving laws.

The Orange County DUI lawyers and attorneys at Coffey & Coffey understand how to effectively defend an under 21 DUI charge. These cases are often complex, as the individual may face DUI penalties for up to three separate charges:

Zero Tolerance Law and Underage DUI

When a driver under 21 has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01% or higher, he or she may be charged under California’s Zero Tolerance law. The arresting officer will confiscate the individual’s driver’s license and the driver will then need to schedule a DMV hearing regarding the suspension of his or her license. If the hearing is lost, this will result in the one year suspension of his or her driver’s license.

An Orange County DUI attorney can represent an underage driver at his or her DMV hearing, in order to contest the suspension of his or her license and prove that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was not .01% or higher. A skilled Orange County DUI lawyer may be able to win the DMV hearing, resulting in no license suspension for the driver.

Orange County Under 21 DUI: BAC of .05% or Higher

When a driver’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is .05% or higher, and the driver is under the age of 21, this is an infraction under California Vehicle Code 23140. Without the help of a skilled Orange County underage DUI attorney, the driver may face the penalties associated with this offense, including an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Orange County Under 21 DUI: BAC of .08% or Higher

A driver under 21 years old with a BAC of .08% or higher may face typical adult DUI misdemeanor charges. The penalties associated with a typical adult driving under the influence charge include fines, jail time and license suspension.

An underage DUI charge in California carries heavy penalties, including the possibility of being charged will all three offenses listed above. It is important to not take any chances with your future, your driving privileges and your freedom. The Orange County DUI lawyers and attorneys at Coffey & Coffey can offer you excellent defense for underage DUI charges. We handle cases throughout all of Orange County, California, including Newport Beach, Fullerton, Westminster, Santa Ana and Laguna Niguel.

Contact an Orange County Under 21 DUI Attorney at Coffey & Coffey today!