Auburn Underage DUI Lawyer

Auburn Underage DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) comes with serious consequences in Washington. But for drivers under 21, the law is especially strict to discourage underage drinking and driving. Because of this, it is imperative that you have an Auburn underage DUI lawyer in your corner if you are facing these charges.

Peters Associates, LLC, ensures that every possible defense strategy is explored. We work tirelessly to protect your future and minimize sentencing.

What Constitutes an Underage DUI Charge in Auburn?

A DUI in Washington is generally considered to be someone driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, Washington’s policy for underage drinking prohibits drivers under 21 from having a BAC of 0.02% alcohol in their system.

For drivers under 21, an underage DUI charge can come with serious penalties. If your BAC is above the adult limit, you could face the same penalties as adults. In addition, if an officer believes you are under the influence of drugs, you could still face DUI charges.

Underage DUIs in 2022 made up 19% of fatal crashes. In 2023, there were nearly 1,400 DUI deaths reported caused by drivers under age 21 in the nation.

Peters Associates, LLC: Defending Your Rights in a DUI Case

When you’re up against an underage DUI charge, it is vital to hire an underage DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal proceedings. At Peters Associates, LLC, we take a personalized approach to every defense. Our goal is to protect your record, your license, and your future.

We carefully examine your arrest, including the stop itself, field sobriety tests administered, and breathalyzer results. If law enforcement violated your rights at any point during the stop, we can use this to challenge your case.

In some cases, we negotiate for reduced charges that come with lighter penalties. For first-time offenders, Washington sometimes allows for diversion programs instead of jail time. You could also be sentenced to community service or alcohol education programs instead of harsher penalties.

For young DUI offenders, your future is on the line. An underage DUI charge can impact college admissions, financial aid eligibility, and career opportunities. Peters Associates, LLC, fights to minimize the impact of these consequences.

Penalties for Underage DUI Charges in Washington

The penalties for an underage DUI conviction vary depending on the circumstances. This may include your BAC, prior criminal record, and whether anyone was injured in the accident. Even first-time offenses can carry serious consequences.

Some possible penalties include:

• Driver’s license suspension
• Fines
• DUI education classes
• Jail time
• Probation

These penalties increase with the severity of the charge. Your insurance company may also cancel your policy or greatly increase your rates. In addition, a DUI charge creates a permanent criminal record that will appear on background checks.

Factors That Can Impact Your Case

Every DUI case is different. There are many factors that come into play that influence the outcome of your case. The seasoned Auburn underage DUI attorneys of Peters Associates, LLC, evaluate every detail of your case to create a strong defense.

Some of the factors we challenge when creating your defense include:

• The legality of the traffic stop: Police must have a valid reason, or probable cause, to stop your vehicle. If they cannot justify the stop, any evidence gathered may be dismissed.
• The accuracy of the blood test results or breathalyzer test: Testing procedures are not always followed correctly, and machines can malfunction. If there were any errors in the administration of your test or in handling the results, we can challenge this evidence.
• The field sobriety test: The results of a field sobriety test can be subjective and not always accurate. Nervousness, fatigue, and certain medical conditions can affect your performance on these tests.
• Prior criminal history: First-time offenders generally have a better chance of getting penalties reduced. However, repeat offenders will face harsher consequences.
• Presence of drugs or higher BAC: A high BAC or the presence of illegal drugs can lead to more serious penalties.
• Involved in an accident: If your underage DUI resulted in an accident, penalties increase. The circumstances can greatly impact the defense strategy.

DUI Defense Lawyer Serving Auburn

Peters & Associates provides an aggressive and experienced defense for individuals facing DUI charges in Auburn. Our attorneys understand Washington’s complex DUI laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights, license, and future by challenging every aspect of the prosecution’s case.

Auburn DUI Defense Practice Areas

DUI Defense: Legal representation for clients charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with a focus on scrutinizing the traffic stop, sobriety tests, and BAC evidence.

Multiple DUI: A specialized defense for clients facing the significantly enhanced penalties, mandatory jail time, and extended license suspensions associated with a subsequent DUI conviction.

Hit and Run DUI: Defense for complex cases where a DUI charge is combined with an allegation of leaving the scene of an accident, which can elevate the offense to a serious felony.

FAQs About Auburn, WA Underage DUI Law

What Happens When a Minor Gets a DUI in Washington State?

In Washington, minors face strict penalties for DUI. Penalties may include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education, probation, and possible community service. A criminal record at a young age impacts college admissions, job opportunities, and insurance rates. Courts often put an emphasis on rehabilitation for minors. An underage DUI attorney can advocate for you to mitigate the penalties.

Does Underage Drinking in Washington Go on Your Record?

Yes, underage drinking in Washington can go on your record, but it depends on the circumstances. A minor cited for possession of alcohol or underage drinking may result in an infraction or misdemeanor and come with license suspension. While some infractions may not create a lasting criminal record, misdemeanor convictions stay on the record but can be expunged later on.

What Is the Legal BAC Level for Minors in Washington?

In Washington, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02% within two hours of the incident. An underage DUI conviction can result in serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. The strict standard exists to discourage underage drinking and driving.

How Do You Get a DUI Dismissed in Washington State?

Getting a DUI dismissed in Washington State is difficult but possible under certain circumstances. A strong defense strategy often involves challenging evidence. This can include questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the breathalyzer and blood tests were accurate, or if the officers followed proper procedures. A skilled Auburn underage DUI lawyer can give you the strongest chance of having charges dismissed.

Hire an Auburn, CA Underage DUI Lawyer

The earlier you seek representation for an underage DUI charge, the better. Reach out to the experienced team at Peters Associates, LLC, to schedule a consultation.