Defense Strategies for Underage DUI Charges: Protecting Your Future

 Posted on July 12, 2023 in DUI

Facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) as an underage individual can be extremely daunting and have long-lasting consequences. However, it is important to remember that everyone deserves a fair defense. With strategic legal steps, there are defense strategies that can be utilized to protect your rights and ensure a favorable outcome. This blog aims to explore some effective defense strategies for those who find themselves facing underage DUI charges. If you are a juvenile facing DUI charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to begin the process of building your defense and protecting your future. 

Defense Strategies for an Underage DUI 

Here are some defense strategies to consider if you are juvenile facing DUI charges, including:

• Challenging the traffic stop – One common defense strategy is challenging the legality of the traffic stop itself. In order to stop a vehicle, law enforcement officers must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If there was no valid reason to initiate the traffic stop, evidence gathered thereafter may be inadmissible. By examining the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, an attorney well-versed in underage DUI matters can work towards invalidating the evidence, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges. 

• Questioning field sobriety tests – Field sobriety tests, like being asked by the police officer to walk in a straight line and turn, are often conducted during a DUI investigation. However, many factors can affect your ability to perform these tests accurately. Challenging the reliability of these tests is a potential defense strategy. Your attorney may argue that physical or mental conditions unrelated to intoxication influenced the test results, leading to an inaccurate sobriety assessment.

• Challenging the breathalyzer test results – Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to determine a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level. However, these tests can produce faulty readings if they are not properly calibrated or administered or if the operator is not adequately trained. A defense attorney can examine the maintenance logs and operator qualifications to identify any potential errors that may have led to inaccuracies in the BAC measurement. 

• Questioning blood test procedure – The process must adhere to strict guidelines if blood was drawn to determine BAC. A defense attorney may challenge the blood draw procedure, arguing that it was mishandled, contaminated, or improperly stored. Additionally, they may question the chain of custody to ensure the reliability of the blood sample.

• Exploring alternative sentencing options – If all else fails, an attorney can negotiate for alternative sentencing options that minimize the impact of a DUI conviction. These may include attending substance abuse programs, community service, or enrolling in educational courses to promote safer driving habits. Utilizing their knowledge of local laws and familiarity with the legal system, attorneys can push for an alternative to traditional sentencing.

Contact a San Francisco Underage DUI Attorney

When charged with an underage DUI offense, it is crucial to seek the aid of an experienced attorney. For a well-seasoned attorney, contact the skilled Napa underage DUI lawyer with Burglin Law Offices, P.C.. Call 415-729-7300 for a free consultation. 

Source - https://alcohol.org/dui/how-to-fight-it/