If your child has been charged with an underage DUI, they could be facing serious consequences if convicted. Florida has very strict laws regarding underage drinking, including a Zero Tolerance Law that could derail your child’s future. After receiving a call letting you know your child has been arrested, the next step is to contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale underage DUI attorney to help you through this difficult situation.
At The Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A., attorney Carlos M. Amor offers the dedicated representation your loved one needs.
Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Florida underage DUI lawyer by calling (954) 453-7200.
Why Choose Attorney Carlos M. Amor?
The Importance of an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Underage DUI Lawyer
Carlos M. Amor is a criminal defense lawyer based in Florida who has been helping people in the state for more than 15 years. He’s known for thinking outside the box and will work tirelessly to find the right solution to the unique problems each client faces.
Because he has spent most of his life in Florida and completed all his legal studies here, attorney Carlos M. Amor understands how to defend people facing legal challenges in the state. He knows the local courts, allowing him to prepare targeted defenses for those who depend on him.
Attorney Carlos M. Amor was peer-rated for the highest level of professional excellence in 2022 via the Martindale-Hubbell rating system, making him a dependable option in South Florida.
Understanding Underage DUI Charges and Penalties in Florida
In Florida, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for those 21 and over is the same as in the rest of the country — 0.08%. If your child is driving with a higher BAC, they may be charged with a DUI. For those under the legal drinking age, however, the limit is 0.02%. This is Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law.
If your loved one is pulled over and submitted to a DUI test or if they refuse it, they may be charged with a DUI and arrested. If convicted, there are numerous penalties your child could face.
Those who are under 21 and have a BAC of 0.02% or more may have their license suspended for six months if it’s their first offense and for up to a year if they have a previous DUI. If they have a BAC of 0.05% or higher, they’ll have to complete a DUI course, counseling, and an alcohol evaluation, too.
If your child had a BAC of 0.08% and was under 21 years old, they may face up to $1,000 in fines if convicted, along with a year of license suspension, up to six months in county jail, vehicle impoundment, and community service hours.
Someone who is underage and refuses to take a sobriety test when pulled over will automatically have their license suspended for a year. After a second refusal, that increases to 18 months.
Attorney Carlos M. Amor provides free consultations via video conference, phone, and in person.
Underage DUI Defenses
By hiring The Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A., you and your loved one can get the support you need after an underage DUI charge. Finding the appropriate defense strategy will require looking at the unique circumstances surrounding your child’s arrest. Attorney Carlos M. Amor will typically begin by seeing if the police had a reason to pull your child over. If they didn’t, any evidence they obtained, including the results of the sobriety test, could be thrown out.
It’s very common for breathalyzers and other similar field sobriety tests to malfunction or offer inaccurate readings. Attorney Carlos M. Amor may present evidence that brings doubt to the results, especially if there were no blood tests done after the arrest. If police officers didn’t follow protocol to the letter, this may also help your child’s defense.
Underage DUI FAQs
Is your child facing underage DUI charges? Get the answers to further questions you may have about what to expect from the legal process.
Will an underage DUI conviction hurt my child’s future?
It could. If they’re convicted of a DUI, they will have a criminal record, which could follow them for the rest of their life. It may prevent them from getting certain jobs and could make it impossible to get federal aid for school. Colleges will also be less likely to accept students who have criminal records. They may also find it difficult to get professional licenses because most state licensing boards won’t accept their applications.
Is it possible to contest a license suspension?
Yes. Having an experienced lawyer helping your child may help them get their license back so that they can work or go to school.
Can an underage DUI conviction be expunged from my child’s record?
In most cases, no. An underage DUI conviction can’t be expunged or sealed. It will remain on your child’s record forever. It’s essential to speak with attorney Carlos M. Amor to get a better idea of your child’s options.
Will my child need to go to DUI school after a conviction?
Most of the time, they will have to complete a DUI program, especially if they are convicted of having a BAC of 0.08% or higher. It may be a requirement to have their license reinstated.
Don’t wait to get assistance if your child is facing these serious charges. Contact attorney Carlos M. Amor to get started.
Fighting Underage DUI Charges
Trust The Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A.
Seeing your child facing such serious charges as that of driving under the influence can leave you paralyzed just when acting is most important. The moment your child is arrested for a DUI, call attorney Carlos M. Amor for help. With his dedication and compassionate representation, your loved one will have the legal support they need.
Contact The Law Office of Carlos M. Amor, P.A. at (954) 453-7200 to speak with an experienced underage DUI attorney in Fort Lauderdale.
ATTORNEY CARLOS M. AMOR
Carlos M. Amor is a skilled and experienced attorney and real estate broker. His legal practice in South Florida focuses on real estate litigation, real estate investments, tax deed and foreclosure auction purchases, traditional real estate transactions, short sales, foreclosure defense, and civil litigation. Carlos thinks “outside the box” and takes a practical approach to finding solutions that benefit his clients. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
