Sanford Underage DUI Charges

DUI Lawyers Serving Sanford, Florida

Slightly different DUI laws apply to drivers under the age of 21. Because a person must be at least 21 years old to lawfully consume alcohol, driving with virtually any level of alcohol in one’s system may result in driver’s license suspension. Florida DUI law authorizes law enforcement to detain a driver under the age of 21 if the officer has probable cause to believe that he or she has any level of alcohol in his or her system. The officer has the authority to request the driver to submit to a breath or blood test to determine his or her blood alcohol concentration.

A DUI lawyer at Katz & Phillips, P.A. may be able to help you if you or your child is facing underage DUI charges in Sanford, Florida. We have a great deal of experience in defending all types of drunk driving charges and will apply our extensive knowledge of Florida underage DUI law to defend you against license suspension or possibly criminal charges, depending upon the nature of your case.

License Suspension Penalties for Underage DUI

If a driver under the age of 21 operates a motor vehicle while with a blood alcohol concentration of .02% or greater, he or she may face a 6-month license suspension by the Florida DHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.) A second or subsequent underage DUI offense may result in a suspension of 1 year.

If a driver under the age of 21 refuses to submit to a breath or blood test, he or she will face increased penalties. A first refusal will result in driver’s license suspension for 1 year. A second or subsequent refusal may result in suspension for 18 months.

If a driver under 21 years old has a blood alcohol concentration of .05% or greater, the court will also require that he or she complete a substance abuse evaluation and course before his or her license is reinstated.

Contact a DUI attorney at our firm today for more information about underage DUI in Sanford, and how an attorney can help you.