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Tampa Underage DUI Lawyer

Accused of an underage DUI and unsure of what to do? Reach out to a Tampa DUI defense attorney who can help.

Getting a driving under the influence charge (DUI) is more than an embarrassing run-in with the police. It can leave a permanent mark on your record and leave you without a license for some time. If you’re below the legal age to drink, the process can be even more complicated.

If you’re facing a DUI and you’re under twenty-one, reach out for help. Your Tampa DUI attorneys at Hersem Law can give you the guidance and assistance you need when you’re facing such a serious charge. Your Tampa underage DUI lawyer is here to protect you.

Underage DUI Cases in Florida

Police officers take underage drinking and driving very seriously and Florida law allows officers additional options when dealing with an underage suspect.  First, an officer can arrest the underage suspect for DUI, just like they would a person who is over twenty-one. This arrest is pursuant to Florida Statute 316.193 and is based on probable cause that the person is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or chemical or controlled substance to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired; or that their blood or breath-alcohol level is .08 or more.

However, if the officer believes that an underage suspect has a BAC of only 0.02 percent) or more, they can request the suspect provide a preliminary breath test under Florida’s Zero Tolerance Statute. While this action does not constitute an arrest, it does result in an automatic administrative suspension of the person’s driver’s license and doesn’t necessarily prohibit a prosecution under the DUI Statute.  Refusing to submit to this breath test will also result in an automatic administrative suspension.

Florida Law states that you only have ten days to challenge these administrative license suspensions,so drivers younger than twenty-one have plenty of reason to immediately contact Hersem Law after being charged with an offense.  Our attorneys have the tools, knowledge, and experience to help you or your child fight this charge.  Keep in mind that the window of time to fight this suspension is short, so it’s important to act quickly.

Costly fines, license suspensions, and mandatory alcohol and DUI programs are the immediate penalties for an underage DUI in Tampa.  It’s important to call an attorney who can help you fight this charge because the consequences can leave a permanent mark on your record and lead to years of high auto insurance costs, among other long-term difficulties.

Here’s the good news: We’re here for you. We’ve handled plenty of cases like yours, and we’re ready to help you through this stressful time.

Defending Yourself against Underage DUI Charges

When you’re accused of driving under the influence, you’ll need someone on your side to defend you against the possible penalties of a conviction. You need your driver’s license for work, school, and just getting back home. However, many underage drivers accept the penalties because they assume that the police officer’s word will be more important than their own. That’s simply not the case.

No matter how serious the charges, you have a chance to defend yourself with a lawyer’s help. Your Tampa attorney can review the details of your case and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

See Your Tampa Lawyer about an Underage DUI

Dealing with an underage DUI arrest? Hersem Law can help you. Reach out for the defense you need to reduce or avoid your DUI charges.

When you’re ready to begin, your Tampa underage DUI lawyer is a click or call away. Reach out to us by calling 813-251-7291 or by completing the following online form.