DUI Under 21
California has strict zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21, meaning even a small amount of alcohol in the system can lead to serious consequences. An experienced California DUI attorney for under 21 drivers can protect your rights, fight for your future, and help reduce the penalties you face.
Why You Need an Experienced DUI Lawyer for Under 21 Drivers?
Under 21 DUI cases in California are unique. Unlike adult DUI charges, under 21 drivers face very strict legal tolerances and additional penalties that can affect your driving privileges, school, employment, and long-term opportunities. A skilled DUI defense lawyer for minors understands the procedures and necessary strategies in both your criminal case and the DMV hearing, thus ensuring a strong defense.
Without representation, young drivers risk losing their license for 1 year, paying hefty fines, and carrying a criminal record that will follow them indefinitely.
Consequences of an Underage DUI in California?
California Vehicle Code sections 23136, 23140, and 23152 outline the penalties for underage DUI. The consequences vary depending on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prior offenses.
License Suspension
- Zero tolerance (BAC of 0.01% or higher): One-year license suspension.
- Refusing a chemical test: Automatic one-year suspension.
Fines and Fees
- Court fines and fees typically cost upwards of $2000, depending on the offense.
- Additional costs may include DMV fees, fees for the DUI classes, fees for an ignition interlock device, and insurance rate hikes.
Community Service & Probation
- First-time offenders may be required to complete community service hours.
- Probation often includes restrictions on driving and alcohol use. Probationary conditions typically include completion of a DUI program, and timely payment of the court fines and fees.
Mandatory Alcohol Education Programs
- California courts require minors convicted of DUI to attend alcohol education classes, also referred to as DUI programs.
Criminal Record Impact
- A DUI conviction of a driver under 21 will result in a misdemeanor record.
- Aside from the mandatory 1-year license suspension, the criminal conviction may affect college admissions, job applications, and scholarships.
Additional Penalties
- Insurance premiums typically rise significantly.
- In some cases, the court may order an ignition interlock device (IID).
How We Defend Underage DUI Cases?
Our California DUI attorneys use proven strategies to challenge the charges in under 21 DUI cases;
these include:
- Challenging the traffic stop: Was there reasonable suspicion for the stop and probable cause for the arrest?
- Questioning test accuracy: Were the breathalyzer or blood tests properly administered?
- Determining the reliability of the scientific instruments: Were the devices used to measure blood-alcohol content properly functioning and routinely calibrated, as required by law.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: Seeking dismissal, reduction to a lesser charge, oralternative sentencing.
Why Choose California Criminal Defense Center?
- Experience: Over 25 years defending DUI and under 21 DUI cases across California.
- Track record: Hundreds of cases resolved successfully.
- Personalized defense: Every case is unique, and we treat it that way.
- 24/7 availability: We know DUI arrests don’t happen on a schedule.
Our attorneys are recognized for excellence in DUI defense and are active members of the nationally recognized DUI defense organizations committed to ensuring that clients get the highest level of skill in defending DUI cases .
Contact an Underage DUI Attorney in California Today a DUI charge can change the course of a young person’s life. Don’t face it alone.
Work with expert lawyers
Unlike many law offices that assign client cases to young associates, attorney Ardalon Fakhimi will personally handle all significant aspects of your Underage DUI case from start to finish, including all settlement discussions, negotiations, and the trial. He will personally answer all of your questions and navigate you through every stage of your case. We never use inexperienced associates who are just learning the practice of DUI law and criminal law. Similarly, we are NOT a high volume law office. Rather, we emphasize a very personalized attorney-client relationship where our clients are in continuous contact with their DUI and criminal lawyer; not their lawyer’s assistant. Finally, we are a detail-oriented law office that meticulously strategizes every case. That means no stone remains unturned during the course of our representation and through the final disposition of your case.
We serve clients from Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Torrance, for Domestic Violence, Petty Thefts, DUI Under-21 Cases.
What Our Clients Say
FAQs About Underage DUI in California:
here is some questions about DUI under 21:
What happens if a minor refuses a breath test in California?
Refusal triggers an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension under California’s implied consent law.
Can an underage DUI be expunged?
In most cases, yes. After probation is completed, you may be able to request an expungement to clear your record.
Do parents need to be present in court for a minor’s DUI case?
Yes. For drivers under 18, parents or guardians are typically required to attend court hearings. For drivers 18 years of age and older, parents do not need to be present.
what is legal blood alcohol level in california under 21?
In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 is:
- 0.01% or higher → You can be cited under California’s Zero Tolerance Law (Vehicle Code §23136).
- 0.05% or higher → You may also face additional penalties under Vehicle Code §23140 (underage DUI infraction).
- 0.08% or higher → Treated the same as an adult DUI, with full DUI penalties under Vehicle Code §23152.
In short: any detectable alcohol (0.01% or more) is illegal for drivers under 21 in California.