Florida courts take underage drinking seriously, and if the underage drinker gets behind the wheel afterward, the courts take it more seriously still. Florida’s “zero tolerance” policy applies to all drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher. The consequences, especially if the driver causes a wreck and injures someone, can be dire. You need a strong legal advocate on your side: Our Tampa, FL, underage DUI drivers lawyer can help mitigate penalties and protect your rights and freedom. Call StechLaw Criminal Defense today for a consultation.
Underage DUI Drivers Lawyer Tampa, FL
Penalties for underage drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol are deliberately stiff to discourage underage persons from drinking and driving. Upon conviction, you’ll face a mandatory license suspension of six months, in addition to other penalties, like fines, community service, DUI education or alcohol treatment programs, and impounding your car. That’s just for the first offense. It gets progressively more serious.
If your BAC is over 0.08% (the legal limit for people over 21, the equivalent of 2-3 drinks), then you may face criminal charges and lengthy jail time. If you cause a wreck while underage and under the influence, you can expect to face years, if not decades, behind bars. You’ll also be personally responsible for paying the victims’ damages, including all their medical bills and property damage.
You can’t afford to face the criminal justice system alone, and with our Tampa underage DUI drivers lawyer, you won’t have to. Our attorneys examine every aspect of your charge, from the conditions of the traffic stop to how your BAC was calculated, seeking evidence of improperly administered tests or other violations that led to a false DUI charge. Our legal team will question any errors in the stop and testing, and we’ll fight to have the entire stop or test removed, if possible.
If our dispute for the stop or test is unsuccessful, we pivot to mitigating the penalties for the DUI. Our long experience defending people like you has given us a good idea of possible plea deals we can negotiate with the prosecutor, and these deals are often much better than you could get on your own. We’re committed to protecting your rights and your freedom at every turn.
Why Our Experience Matters When You’re Underage And Charged With DUI
An underage drinking DUI charge could lead to years in jail and thousands in fines, and other associated costs. You deserve the best defense, and you’ll get it with our Tampa underage DUI driver’s lawyer. We defend you in court and seek alternative sentencing arrangements to keep you out of jail.
- Firm lead attorney and co-founder Ben Stechschulte is a Board-Certified Criminal Defense specialist, an elite honor that less than 2% of Florida attorneys hold
- As a former prosecutor, Mr. Stechschulte knows how the other side operates, benefiting you, our client
- We represent accused persons in both felonies and misdemeanors, at the state and federal levels
- Ben was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® magazine
Have you been arrested for an underage DUI? Call StechLaw Criminal Defense today—don’t risk your future!
Defenses to Underage DUI Charges
An underage DUI charge can have serious and lasting consequences. Florida enforces a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under 21, meaning a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.02% can result in administrative penalties. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to license suspension, fines, and a criminal record. For young drivers, these consequences can impact college admissions, scholarships, employment opportunities, and insurance rates. If you or your child is facing an underage DUI charge, understanding the available defenses and securing an experienced Tampa underage DUI lawyer is essential to fighting these charges.
Challenging the Traffic Stop
Every DUI case begins with a traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull a vehicle over. If the officer lacked a valid reason — such as a traffic violation or observable impairment — the stop may be deemed unlawful. If the stop was improper, evidence gathered afterward may be suppressed, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.
Questioning the Accuracy of Breath Testing
Underage DUI cases often rely heavily on breath test results. However, breath testing devices must be properly maintained, calibrated, and administered according to strict procedures. Errors in maintenance records, improper administration, or environmental factors can lead to inaccurate readings. A skilled Tampa underage DUI lawyer can review maintenance logs and testing protocols to challenge the reliability of the results.
Rising BAC Defense
Alcohol does not immediately register at its highest level in the bloodstream. It takes time for alcohol to absorb fully. In some cases, a driver’s BAC may have been below the legal limit while driving but increased by the time the breath test was administered. This “rising BAC” defense can be particularly relevant in underage DUI cases where the legal threshold is very low.
Improper Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety exercises are subjective and can be influenced by factors unrelated to alcohol consumption, such as nervousness, fatigue, medical conditions, or uneven road surfaces. Challenging the administration and interpretation of these tests can create reasonable doubt.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
If law enforcement failed to properly advise a driver of their rights or conducted an unlawful search or interrogation, certain evidence may be excluded. Protecting constitutional rights is a critical component of DUI defense.
Why You Need a Tampa Underage DUI Lawyer
Underage DUI cases move quickly, and administrative license suspension hearings have strict deadlines. An experienced Tampa underage DUI lawyer can request a formal review hearing, examine the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and pursue reduced charges or alternative resolutions. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in protecting a young person’s record and future.
Contact StechLaw Criminal Defense for Strong DUI Defense
If you are facing an underage DUI charge in Tampa, do not leave your future to chance. StechLaw Criminal Defense provides strategic and aggressive representation designed to protect your rights. Tampa underage DUI lawyer Ben Stechschulte is a former criminal prosecutor and a board-certified criminal defense attorney — a distinction achieved by only about 2% of Florida attorneys. His insight into how DUI cases are built gives clients a powerful advantage. Contact StechLaw Criminal Defense today to discuss your case and begin building your defense.
