Underage DUI Charges
DEFENSE LAWYER
Defense Attorney Against Underage DUI Charges
If you are charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII or DUI) and you are under the age of 21, it’s important to put your case in the hands of a professional underage DUI lawyer. The consequences of a DUI arrest in Oregon can be scary. If you are a juvenile, you will likely be charged as an adult.
As a former CLS prosecutor for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in Oregon, I know how the state handles underage DUI cases. This puts me in a good position to identify defenses. I am often hired by parents who want to protect their children from the serious and costly penalties that come with a conviction of an underage DUI.
What if My Blood Alcohol Content Was Below .08?
If you are under 21, your blood alcohol content (BAC) does not have to be over .08 before you can be charged with DUI. Any alcohol in your system can lead to DUI charges. Under Oregon law, the State just needs to prove that you were impaired by alcohol.
However, just because you tested with alcohol in your system does not mean the state can convict you of DUI.
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There are many issues that can be challenged, including the breath test, the field sobriety test, probable cause for making the traffic stop and the handling of blood test results. Even police conduct at the scene can often be challenged for violation of your rights.
If this is your first underage DUI offense, one possible resolution is DUI diversion. If you successfully complete the year-long diversion program, the court will dismiss your DUI and you will not have a conviction on your record. As your lawyer, I will explain your options and shepherd you through the process.
For a free initial consultation, call or contact my Portland law firm online. I have helped numerous minors with their underage drinking charges.