Under 21 DUI Defense Lawyers In New Jersey
It is illegal for a person under 21 years old to have any amount of alcohol in his or her system. This means if a person under 21 years of age is found to have any amount of alcohol in their system while driving, they can be charged with underage drinking and driving – even if the amount of alcohol in that person’s system, their BAC, was below the legal limit for a person who is of legal drinking age.
Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law provides skilled defense services to people under the age of 21 who have been arrested for or charged with underage driving under the influence (DUI) or underage driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Bergen County, Passaic County and Hudson County.
Our underage DUI defense lawyers have helped many satisfied clients, and we will help you face your drunk driving charges. Call anytime, day or night, for a free consultation.
Potential Penalties
Our skilled underage DWI defense lawyers can immediately begin building a strong defense. An underage person with a BAC from .01 to .07 can face penalties that include:
- Minimum 30-day loss of license/maximum 90-day loss of license
- Minimum 15-day community service/maximum 30-day community service
- Minimum 12 hours of intoxicated driver classes
In juvenile cases, the court has the discretion to impose more serious penalties depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
We understand that parents want to send their children a strong message about the dangers of drinking and driving, yet they also want to protect their child’s ability to drive to school and to work. We help our clients balance both the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving.
Legal Defense Strategies For Underage DUI/DWI Charges In New Jersey
Facing a DUI or DWI charge can be scary, especially if you are underage. It’s important to know that you have options and that there are strategies that lawyers use to help defend you. Here are some common defense strategies:
- Challenge the stop: Police must have a valid reason to stop your car. If they didn’t, your lawyer might argue that the stop was illegal. This may even lead to the case being dismissed.
- Question the test: Breath tests or blood tests must be done correctly. Your lawyer can check if the test was flawed or if the machine was not working properly. If the test was wrong, it can weaken the case against you.
- Examine officer conduct: Police officers must follow certain rules when arresting someone. If they didn’t tell you your rights or treated you unfairly, your lawyer can use this to defend you.
- Prove sobriety: Sometimes, you might have seemed impaired due to reasons other than alcohol, like being tired or stressed. Your lawyer can show that you were not drunk or high.
Remember, you are not alone. There are people who can help you through this process. It’s important to talk to a lawyer who knows how to handle these cases. They can guide you and fight for your rights.
Questions Clients Are Asking About DUI/DWI Cases
Facing an underage DUI/DWI charge in New Jersey can be daunting, but understanding the process and knowing your options can help you navigate this challenging time. Below are some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on what to expect and how you can defend yourself.
What happens if I’m charged with an underage DWI in New Jersey?
The penalties for drunk driving in the state can include fines, community service, mandatory alcohol education classes and a suspended driver’s license. It’s important to act quickly and seek legal help to understand your rights and options.
Can I fight an underage DWI charge?
An experienced DWI defense lawyer can examine the details of your case, such as how the traffic stop was conducted and whether the tests were administered properly. There are many defense strategies that can be used to challenge the charges or reduce penalties.
Do I need a lawyer for an underage DWI charge?
It is wise to hire a lawyer if you’re facing an underage DUI/DWI charge. They understand the legal system and can help protect your rights. They can provide guidance and represent you in court, if needed.
Seeking professional legal advice is crucial to protect your rights. An experienced attorney can also help you make informed decisions about your future.
Contact A Underage DUI/DWI Attorney | Se Habla Español
If your son or daughter has been charged with underage DUI/DWI, do not hesitate to complete our online contact form or call our law firm at 201-212-4532 to arrange a free initial consultation. We have offices in Wayne, Hackensack and the Bronx, enabling us to help minors charged with drinking and driving throughout northern New Jersey and the New York City metro.