The “Zero Tolerance” law in the State of Arizona prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from operating a vehicle with any trace of alcohol in their system. Arizona is considered one of the harshest states when it comes to underage drinking and driving and being convicted of Underage DUI can result in significant consequences, including, up to 6 months in jail, loss of license for up to two years, fines and court costs in the thousands of dollars, alcohol treatment, probation, driver’s education courses, and community work service. If your BAC was particularly high or if this is a 2nd offense, or if there are other extenuating factors, the penalties can be harsher. In addition to these court ordered penalties, having a misdemeanor criminal record can affect a college student’s eligibility for scholarships and loans, may jeopardize your ability to pursue certain licensed professions, and can also dramatically affect your insurance rates. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above .08%, you can face a regular DUI charge in addition to the Underage DUI charge. The penalties associated with a misdemeanor DUI would be the same (or possibly worse) as those which would apply to adult offenders. Being charged with a criminal offense can be an extremely unsettling experience. With the help of a Phoenix DUI lawyer, you can gain a better understanding regarding the best approach in resolving your case with the least amount of impact possible to your future educational and career aspirations.
The outcome of your case can depend partly on the experience of your legal counsel as well as other factors in your case. Each case presents with a unique set of facts and circumstances and can result and significant consequences, so it is advisable to seek the advice and counsel of an experienced DUI attorney who has handled underage drinking cases before making any decisions in your case. Contact the Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC to arrange a consultation with an experienced DUI attorney to discuss your legal options. The Firm has over 20 years’ experience in representing young adults in underage DUI cases and has a proven record in successfully resolving many of these cases. After a thorough investigation of your case, an experienced DUI lawyer will be able to identify deficiencies that may undermine the State’s case. The attorney will then be able to identify the best defense(s) to advance in your case. The Firm employs many strategies in resolving cases, including pre-trial negotiation strategies, utilizing settlement conferences, and, where appropriate, contested trials – including both bench trials and jury trials. The Firm has achieved successful outcomes both in negotiating pre-trial resolutions, including dismissals, as well as conducting both bench and jury trials. The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC will vigorously defend your case in order to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Contact a Phoenix DUI attorney for legal representation in your Underage DUI case.