Coastal Virginia Underage DUI Lawyers

Defense for Those Under 21 Years of Age in Hampton Roads & Newport News

In Virginia, it's unlawful for a person under 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Thus, the state has a zero-tolerance law concerning drinking and driving committed by underage drivers. The statute is referred to as "persons under age 21 driving after illegally consuming alcohol." However, it is commonly called an "underage DUI" or "baby DUI." Don't let the name fool you: A conviction for a baby DUI can still lead to some serious consequences, including jail time and/or fines. If you were charged with an underage DUI, you need an attorney on your side from the start of your case until its conclusion.

Backed by nearly 40 years of experience, our Coastal Virginia underage DUI lawyers are ready to provide the compassionate yet aggressive defense you need to fight your charge. We have intimate knowledge of Virginia's DWI laws and wrote the book judges, prosecutors, and other lawyers refer to in these matters. Additionally, our attorneys are Breath Test operators, have an EC/IR machine, and have hosted a seminar on the EC/IR 2. Attorney Martin is designated an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, and we continue our education on DWI law, allowing us to provide solid legal counsel. When you choose Tillotson & Martin, you will have a team on your side that can effectively guide you through your case.

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances. Call us at (757) 568-7978 today.

What Is an Underage DUI?

A charge for an underage DUI can be levied when a person under 21 years of age drives a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above .02 and less than .08. This means that consuming any amount of alcohol could potentially lead to criminal accusations.

The law also means that an underage drinker can face harsh penalties even though their driving abilities were not impaired nor were they intoxicated. Technically, a BAC of .02 is not "under the influence."

If the driver had a BAC of .08 or higher, they could be charged with a regular DUI and face the penalties associated with that offense.

What Are the Potential Conviction Penalties of an Underage DUI?

Although the offense is sometimes referred to as a baby DUI, the punishments an underage drinker could face are not small at all.

The crime is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• 1-year driver's license forfeiture from the date of the conviction
• Up to $2,500 in fines, with a mandatory minimum of $500 – or a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service
• Referral to an Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)

Reach Out to Tillotson & Martin for Your Defense

If you were charged with an underage DUI, schedule a free consultation with our Coastal Virginia lawyers. With an in-depth understanding of the law and training in the science, methods, and technology used in these matters, we can provide effective defense throughout your case. For many, facing a drinking and driving charge can be frightening and frustrating. That's why we make ourselves accessible and available to answer your questions and address your concerns. When we take on a case, we bring in experts, submit the Field Sobriety and Breath Test manuals into evidence, and conduct the necessary legwork to seek a favorable outcome.

For personalized legal representation, contact us at (757) 568-7978 today.