Towson Underage DUI Defense Lawyer

Defending Against Underage DUI Charges in Towson, MD

Underage drivers in Maryland face serious legal consequences if they are charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Because drivers under the age of 21 are legally prohibited from consuming alcohol, DUI cases involving minors are taken particularly seriously by the courts. A DUI arrest can have far-reaching effects on a young person's life, including court-imposed penalties, educational setbacks, and damage to their future career prospects. Kirk Seaman can provide a strong defense against underage DUI charges, helping drivers who are facing these charges protect their futures.

The Seriousness of Underage DUI Charges

All DUI cases are treated very seriously, because drivers who are intoxicated due to the use of alcohol or drugs are much more likely to be involved in accidents that may cause themselves or others to be injured or killed. However, underage DUI cases are often considered to be even more serious due to the risks that inexperienced drivers may present to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Under Maryland law, there is a zero-tolerance policy that applies to drinking and driving by drivers who are under the age of 21. Underage drivers may face DUI or DWI charges if they have any level of alcohol in their blood.

Courts and law enforcement view underage DUI as an area of concern due to the potential risks to public safety. Young drivers are generally less experienced, and they may not be able to control vehicles as well as those who have been driving for longer periods of their lives. The combination of alcohol and inexperience can significantly increase the risks of accidents and fatalities. DUI or DWI charges against younger drivers are meant to serve as a preventative measure that will increase public safety. The potential penalties of a conviction are meant to discourage underage drinking and driving and promote safe driving habits among young people.

A DUI conviction can have lasting consequences for a young person that extend beyond the penalties they may face in court. A person who has been convicted of a drunk driving offense may face limitations when pursuing educational opportunities and difficulties in securing employment, as well as other lasting effects. Given these concerns, the need for a strong legal defense is evident, and underage drivers can protect their rights by working with a DUI defense attorney.

Penalties for Underage DUI Convictions in Maryland

Underage drivers may be convicted of DUI if they are found to be driving with a blood alcohol content that exceeds the legal limit of .08 percent. They may be charged with driving while impaired (DWI) if they do not exceed the legal limit but have any amount of alcohol in their blood or breath. The penalties underage drivers may face include:

• Fines: For a first-time DUI conviction, an underage driver may face fines up to $1,000. If convicted of DWI, fines may be up to $500. For repeat offenses, the fines will increase.
• Jail Time: Although it is less common for underage drivers to receive jail time for a first DUI offense, it is still a possibility, particularly in cases involving high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, DUI accidents, or other aggravating factors. Repeat offenders face a greater likelihood of incarceration.
• Driver's License Suspension: An underage DUI conviction will typically result in a driver's license revocation. For a first offense, the revocation period can be up to six months, and a second offense may result in a revocation for up to one year. An underage driver who is convicted of DWI will face a one-year driver's license suspension for a first offense and a two-year suspension for a second offense.
• Alcohol Education Programs: Courts may require underage DUI offenders to complete education or treatment programs meant to help prevent future drunk driving offenses and ensure that a young person can avoid substance abuse in the future.
• Ignition Interlock Device: An underage driver may be able to regain their driving privileges after their license has been suspended or revoked by installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on the driver's breath.
• Permanent Traffic Record: A DUI conviction will stay on a young person's record permanently, which can affect their future educational and career opportunities and require them to pay higher insurance premiums.
• Additional Consequences: Beyond legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have other consequences, such as disciplinary action by educational institutions, loss of scholarships, and damage to the young person's reputation.

Contact Our Towson, MD Underage DUI Defense Lawyers

With the help of a compassionate, experienced attorney, an underage driver can take steps to protect their rights and their future after being arrested for DUI or DWI. Our firm can provide aggressive legal representation focused on avoiding a conviction and minimizing other penalties that may affect younger drivers. Set up a free consultation by contacting us at 410-837-6077. We provide 24/7 legal services, and we are available on evenings and weekends to help drivers address DUI charges during these times.