You’re under 21, and you see police lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over while a feeling of fear washes over you. An officer steps up to your window and asks if you’ve had anything to drink. You take a breathalyzer test, and the officer charges you with a DUI.
Now, you face a possible conviction that can make your life more difficult. But you can fight back. A Bucks County under 21 DUI lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can represent you in court and protect your future. Our DUI lawyer in Bucks County is ready to fight for you, so call today. You will always be able to reach your attorney when you want to talk.
A DUI conviction on your record could follow you around for life, but hiring a Bucks County under 21 lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., provides you with an advocate who will work to protect your best interests and defend you against a DUI charge.
Pleading guilty for the sake of moving on may seem like the easiest choice, but the consequences of doing so are not worth it when a lawyer can offer a defense. We can:
These strategies can counter the prosecution’s arguments, and we can also work to negotiate an outcome with lesser penalties. You could avoid the suspension of your license and, under certain circumstances, prevent a DUI conviction from remaining on your record.
Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. All drivers are subject to penalties for driving under the influence, but drivers under 21 yet over 18 face more severe penalties for a DUI conviction. Each additional conviction carries stiffer penalties:
First-time offenders usually will not face suspension of their driver’s license unless their blood alcohol content level is over 0.10 percent.
In addition to the above penalties, a conviction could include a requirement that an offender use an ignition interlock device, preventing a driver from starting their vehicle if it detects any amount of alcohol. A driver must blow into this device if they want to drive.
Even then, there may be restrictions on where you can travel. For instance, you may only be able to drive to work, school, or a health care facility.
Pennsylvania considers drivers under 18 as minors whose cases are subject to the juvenile court system. Although Pennsylvania still takes underage drinking and driving by those under 18 seriously, the focus is on rehabilitation.
If it’s your first offense, the court could agree to enter you into the consent decree program. This program qualifies an offender for all community-based treatment programs and includes the following requirements:
You must petition the court to enter this program. The Bucks County under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm can help you. Completing this program could result in the expungement of your record, so it will not negatively impact your ability to apply for loans, jobs, or colleges.
A DUI conviction can have lasting consequences beyond fines and a suspended license. For underage drivers who do not take the right steps to protect themselves, it can significantly impact their future academic and professional life as well.
Colleges and universities often ask applicants about criminal convictions, including DUIs. A conviction can make it more difficult to get accepted, especially at competitive schools. Schools may also take disciplinary action, which could result in expulsion or the loss of housing privileges.
Many students rely on financial aid to attend college, and a DUI conviction could impact their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans. In some cases, federal student aid programs might be suspended or reduced for students with drug or alcohol-related offenses.
A DUI conviction may also show up in background checks when applying for jobs or internships. Some employers, especially those in industries like healthcare, law, or finance, may view a DUI as a red flag, potentially derailing job prospects.
By hiring an experienced Bucks County under 21 DUI lawyer, you might be able to reduce the impact of a conviction on your college plans, financial aid, and career goals. With a personalized legal strategy, it may be possible to avoid a permanent record and protect your future.
Call now to find out what McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can do for you.
Understanding the legal process after a DUI arrest can help alleviate some of the confusion and fear that comes with it. Here’s a general overview of what to expect if you or your child is charged with a DUI in Bucks County:
If an officer suspects that you’ve been drinking, they may pull you over. They will likely ask you to step out of the vehicle and perform roadside tests, such as a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test.
If the officer believes you’ve been drinking, they will ask you to submit to a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer). Refusing to take the test can result in an automatic license suspension, so it’s often better to comply. If you fail the test (that is, if your BAC is above the legal limit), you will be arrested.
After the arrest, you’ll appear before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary hearing. The judge will determine whether there’s enough evidence to move forward with the case. You may also receive bail, and future court dates will be scheduled.
A series of conferences and motions may follow, where your lawyer will evaluate your case and work to reduce charges or penalties. Your lawyer may file pretrial motions to dismiss the case or exclude certain evidence if procedural errors occurred during the stop or arrest.
In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal or get you into a diversionary program. This is particularly important for first-time offenders and can help you avoid severe consequences.
If your case goes to trial and you are convicted, you’ll face sentencing. However, many DUI cases, especially for underage drivers, are resolved through plea agreements or diversionary programs.
No. Many under 21 DUI cases are resolved before going to trial. Your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution, pursue a diversion program, or argue for reduced charges to avoid trial.
When charged with an under 21 DUI, one of the first concerns is the potential suspension of your driver’s license. In addition to criminal penalties, you may have to deal with PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), which has its own procedures for handling license suspensions. Here’s what to know:
While the criminal court handles your DUI case, PennDOT is responsible for the administrative aspect of your driver’s license. A conviction can lead to a suspension, but PennDOT can also impose a suspension if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or fail it.
In some situations, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges, especially if your offense was a first-time DUI. This could allow you to drive only to specific places, such as work, school, or medical appointments. However, applying for these privileges can be complex, and it’s important to consult with your attorney.
For young drivers, losing your license can have serious consequences. You may struggle to get to school, work, or extracurricular activities. In Bucks County, options like public transit or rides from family and friends can be limited, making a license suspension particularly challenging. You will want to do what you can to limit these impacts.
An experienced DUI attorney can navigate PennDOT’s procedures, file motions to prevent or shorten your suspension, and, in some cases, secure a conditional license. The right lawyer can minimize the disruption caused by the loss of your driving privileges.
When a young person is charged with a DUI, their parents or guardians often have to step in to assist with various aspects of the case. But how can parents be involved without interfering with the legal process?
Parents are typically allowed to attend hearings and trials. While they do not have the right to make legal decisions for their child, their presence can be a sign of support and show the court that the family is actively involved in addressing the situation.
Parents should stay informed about the progress of the case and communicate with their child’s lawyer regularly. The lawyer will often communicate directly with the parents, especially when it comes to decisions about plea deals, sentencing, or diversion programs.
Parents are often financially responsible for the costs associated with defending against a DUI charge, such as attorney fees, fines, and other expenses. This can be a financial burden, so it’s important to discuss payment arrangements up front. Our firm, for example, commits to charging no surprise fees, no matter how the case goes.
While parents should stay involved, they should also be mindful not to exacerbate the situation. For instance, pressuring the young driver to “just plead guilty” or making emotional decisions can harm the outcome. Instead, parents should focus on helping their child understand the importance of taking the right legal steps.
After being arrested for a DUI, many young drivers make mistakes that can worsen their situation. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
The legal limit for a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania is .08 percent, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. However, this is the standard for drivers 21 or older. The legal limit is lower at .02 percent for drivers under 21.
Because a single drink can raise your blood alcohol content to .02 percent, that means it only takes one to potentially put you at the legal limit.
Anything you say to the police or school officials can be used against you in court. Always wait for legal counsel before discussing the details of the case. This can be crucial in preventing incriminating statements from affecting your defense.
It might feel easier to simply plead guilty and move on, but this can have long-term consequences. A DUI conviction can affect your college applications, career prospects, and more. Always consult with an attorney before making this decision.
It’s tempting to vent on social media, but anything you post could be seen by law enforcement or the prosecution. Avoid discussing the details of the case or posting anything that could be used against you in court.
Failure to attend court hearings or meet deadlines can result in additional charges or fines. Your lawyer will ensure you know when you need to appear in court and help you stay on top of important deadlines.
Many young drivers assume that a first offense won’t lead to serious consequences. However, even first-time DUIs can result in significant penalties. Always take the charges seriously and seek legal help immediately. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is here to listen to your story and offer timely advice starting from the moment you call.
You do not have to fight your DUI charge alone. Our law firm can defend you and protect your rights. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is led by David McKenzie, a former criminal prosecutor whose experience on the other side of the courtroom has been indispensable in the defense of our clients.
Don’t let a DUI charge ruin your life and reputation. We specialize in DUI cases, and we believe everyone should have access to a quality defense. If you have a DUI charge, contact our firm for a free consultation today.
