Memphis Underage DUI Attorney
Providing Aggressive Defense For Underage DUI Charges
The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. provides high-quality defense for individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 who are accused of "underage driving while impaired." This offense is commonly referred to as "underage DUI."
Those who are under the legal drinking age have much stricter rules under the law, as they can be arrest for underage DUI for having blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. It is much less likely that a person will actually be impaired by alcohol at a BAC level this low. In contrast, those who are age 21 and over have a legal BAC limit of 0.08% or higher.
Having an underage DUI offense on your record can be very damaging to your driving record, and it could also leave you with a criminal record. Furthermore, you could end up suffering from penalties that negatively affect your life, such as the loss or delay of your driving privileges.
If you are facing these types of charges, it is important that you take immediate action for your defense. We advise you to speak with one of our competent Memphis underage DUI lawyers at The Chaiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. We can serve as tough legal protectors on your behalf!
Facing charges for drunk driving while underage? Contact our Memphis underage DUI attorney to start your defense.
Tennessee Penalties for Underage DUI Offenders
Underage DUI is considered to be less serious than regular DUI offenses. The offense is a delinquent act for those who are age 16 or 17, and it is a Class A misdemeanor for those who are between the ages of 18 and 21, according to Tenn. Code Ann. §55-10-415.
The penalties for underage DUI include the following:
- 1-year driver's license suspension
- $250 fine
- Possible requirement to complete public service
There are various defenses that can be used in cases that involve underage DUI charges. For example, breath test devices are not fully accurate and can often result in false readings. If your defense team can show that there were flaws with your breath test, you might be able to contest the allegation that you had a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Other defense options include contesting your field sobriety test results or showing that law enforcement made inexcusable errors in the arrest process, such as carrying out an unlawful DUI stop.
Consult With a Skilled Legal Professional
You should not try to handle your DUI charges alone. By working with a qualified Memphis underage DUI attorney who has training in criminal law, you can greatly increase your chances of avoiding a conviction.
Arrested for underage DUI? Contact The Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm, P.A. so we can help you build a strong defense plan!
We take the time to answer all your questions, explain your options, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Blog & FAQ Stay Updated
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Will I Go to Trial?Depending on your case and the way that your attorney approaches the case. If you and your attorney are able to reach a resolution through negotiations before trial, that you may not have to go to court. But if a remedy cannot be reached than you will have to go to trial. There are times that a case is dismissed before trial so there is a chance that your will not have to appear in court.
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The Police Are Asking to Search My Car. Should I Let Them?No. As a U.S. citizen, you have rights to protection from unlawful search and seizure, which means that officials must have your consent or a warrant in order to search your person as well as places such as your car, home, or office.
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The Police Officer Says That It Will Go Better for Me if I Confess. Should I?No. It is true that a deal may be worked out in exchange for a guilty plea in some cases; however, it is also important to know that police officers can lie to you in order to elicit information or a confession. With this being said, it is crucial that you do not confess or deny anything until you can speak with a legal representative.
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