Tacoma Underage DUI Defense Attorney
Underage Drinking & Driving Defense
Underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States. Federal studies show that underage drinkers consume anywhere between 10 to 20 % of alcohol consumed in the nation. Drunken driving is also the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States.
There is a zero tolerance policy in most states, including Washington, for juvenile drivers or drivers under 21, who are operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. According to state statute 46.21.503, a person under the age of 21 may be charged with a misdemeanor Dui for simply having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02 %. Individuals under the age of 21, who are stopped and found to have alcohol in their system, will lose their driver's license for one year.
For many teenagers, just driving within an hour or two after drinking one beer is enough to surpass that 0.02 % legal BAC limit. If your child receives a drunken driving citation, he or she has only 10 days to request a stay or hearing. Also, if your child is under 21, a Washington drunk driving conviction will go on their record into their adult years, when they will be looking for employment and looking to make a career and life for themselves. A felony conviction can have devastating effects on your son or daughter's life and future.
When minors are charged with DUI or underage drinking, their rights are different from those of adults. The biggest difference, however, is that juveniles do not have a right to a jury trial. They also do not have a right to a public proceeding. They are entitled to full notice of all charges against them, the right to a fair hearing and the right to confront hostile witnesses. If your teenager has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, then you need a Seattle underage DUI defense lawyer who is familiar with the juvenile justice system in the state of Washington. You need a criminal defense law firm that is highly experienced and has an excellent track record with DUI defense.
If you need to defend your child's DUI or underage drinking charge in Washington, contact McNeese & Trotsky PLLC. We will help you navigate the complex juvenile justice system and help secure the best possible outcome for your teen.
Free consultations ● Our office is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, just a few blocks from the King County courthouse