If your child was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you’re likely frightened, stressed, and overwhelmed. There’s a lot to figure out in the wake of a DUI arrest, which is why it’s recommended that you hire a DUI lawyer to help you understand your legal options.
The question you are probably asking yourself is: What happens if you get a DUI under 21 in California?
California DUI Laws for Underage Drivers
Unfortunately, California is known for its high rates of DUI injuries and deaths year over year. In 2023, 1,355 people in California were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Moreover, drivers of legal drinking age are not the only impaired drivers on the road. Underage minors are often involved in DUI cases, too. Alcohol is the most widely used substance among youth in the United States.
Underage drinking is problematic enough, but matters become significantly more dangerous when vehicles are involved. In California, underage DUIs are prosecuted differently from other DUIs to account for the offender’s age and lack of life experience.
Recent reports revealed that California has some of the weakest DUI laws when compared to other states. Even so, you stand to face real consequences for impaired driving, even as a minor. Under California law, it is illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 percent or higher if you are under the age of 21. You can also be charged with DUI for operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hire a DUI Lawyer in California to Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you’re facing DUI charges in California, it’s wise to secure legal representation from a local criminal defense lawyer you can trust. Navigating California’s DUI laws can be complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with state criminal laws. A California DUI attorney can represent you and advocate for your interests in and out of the courtroom.
Kolacia Law Firm is the firm to call if you’re facing challenges with an underage DUI case in California. With over 20 years of experience under our belt, Kolacia Law Firm is ready to help you through every stage of your DUI case. Daniel Kolacia, our founding attorney, was a District Attorney before becoming a criminal defense lawyer, so our team brings experience from both sides of the courtroom to the table.
Over the years, we’ve earned:
- BBB accreditation
- An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Five-star Google rating*
Our high-profile cases have even been featured on CNBC, Dateline, the Los Angeles Times, and a handful of local papers.**
Contact Kolacia Law Firm
Don’t guess your way through a DUI case. Let a local attorney from Kolacia Law Firm help you avoid harsh California DUI penalties. You can call us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team and get started on your case today. We’re located near I-10 and I-15, making it an easy trip for our clients throughout Southern California.
*Reviews from past clients and industry accolades do not guarantee future case results.
** Prior case results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case varies and should be evaluated according to its own merits.
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