Jo-Anna Nieves
Founding Attorney
San Leandro Underage DUI Lawyer
156+
Reviews
Although it is legal for adults to consume alcohol, it remains illegal for individuals who are under the age of 21 to do so. As a result, underage persons who have both consumed alcohol and are driving while under the influence of alcohol may face harsher penalties that individuals who are over the age of 21. Consulting a San Leandro underage DUI lawyer may be wise if you or a family member is facing these criminal charges.
When you are convicted of DUI, you have a permanent criminal record that may be highly damaging to your future. You may have difficulty finding employment, gaining admission to college, or even finding a place to live. Therefore, you may wish to contact a criminal defense lawyer if law enforcement officers accuse you of underage DUI.
State law presumes that individuals who are under the age of 21 are driving while under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or more. For individuals under the age of 21, however, the law is one of zero tolerance. Therefore, underage individuals may face DUI charges even if their BAC is well below .08 percent.
Under California Vehicle Code § 23136, individuals who are under 21 may not drive if they have a BAC of .01 percent or higher. A violation of this vehicle code section, however, will not result in DUI charges. Individuals will only face a civil penalty in the form of a one-year license suspension through the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV, and will not end up with a DUI conviction on their records.
If, however, individuals are caught driving with a BAC of .05 percent or higher, they will face DUI charges. These charges are an infraction and thus not as severe as DUI charges for an adult, but they can nonetheless result in a license suspension, fines, and mandatory completion of a DUI education course. As an underage DUI lawyer in San Leandro may advise, multiple convictions under this section can result in harsher consequences, as well.
If individuals who are under the age of 21 drive with a BAC of .08 percent or more, they are subject to the same DUI charges as an adult would face under Cal. Vehicle Code § 23152. They will also face a violation of the state zero-tolerance law. Underage violators can face the same penalties as individuals who are over the age of 21 and are facing DUI charges, including substantial fines, three to five years of probation, incarceration, mandatory DUI education courses, license suspension, and more.
Underage DUI is a criminal misdemeanor that will create a permanent criminal record that will appear on background checks by prospective employers, landlords, and educational institutions. Losing driving privileges can have a significant impact on future opportunities, as well. For those who do not have a valid license, they may face a delay in the ability to get a license for at least one year. The inability to drive can cause hardship, particularly for individuals who are attempting to work and support themselves. Whenever individuals are facing any DUI-related charges, consulting an underage DUI attorney in San Leandro is likely to be highly beneficial.
If you have been arrested and accused of underage DUI, you must act immediately to protect your rights and safeguard your driving privileges. As these cases can move rapidly through the criminal justice system, getting legal advice right away can be crucial to your defense. Working with a San Leandro underage DUI lawyer may be the most effective way to defend yourself against these charges.
A tarnished criminal record can cause severe damage to your future. Protect yourself and your future opportunities by enlisting the help of legal counsel today and learn what defenses might be available in your case. In doing so, you may be able to reduce the charges or penalties that you are facing and avoid the unwanted repercussions of an underage DUI conviction.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important
Successful Immigration-Safe Resentencing
Case Dismissed after Completion of Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court
All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed without Trial
Motion to Vacate Granted
Restraining Order Denied and Sealed
Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial
No Charges Filed
No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention
