Polk County DUI Defense Attorney

Need help with an underage DUI?

In an attempt to prevent future DUI accidents and injuries, our state has strict laws regarding underage drinking and driving. If a police officer smells alcohol on the breath of any minor who is operating a motor vehicle, that person will be arrested. Also, the level of intoxication of a minor is set at .02% as opposed to the legal limit for an adult of .08%.

I am William D. Sites, Attorney at Law and if you or your child is under 21 years of age and charged with DUI, I would like to offer my services as a dedicated Polk County criminal defense lawyer. This one arrest can have dramatic effects on the life of a minor and it will take aggressive action by an attorney to prevent the full force of the law being applied in your case.

One of the penalties a minor faces when charged with a DUI is a suspended license. This is an action taken by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the suspension is effective immediately. In cases where a blood or breath test reveals a blood alcohol level of .05% or higher, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and course before your suspension is lifted. If actions are taken quickly (within days) you can be represented at your DMV hearing with the purpose of preventing your license suspension. If this cannot be achieved, the goal then becomes obtaining a special permit which allows you to drive under specific conditions.

Underage DUI Penalties

Conviction for an underage DUI will go on your criminal record. In addition to your license suspension, you can be penalized with fines, community service, probation and a jail sentence. If you have multiple offenses or are charged with vehicular manslaughter, the penalties substantially increase.

The reasons behind your stop and whether it was legally carried out by the police can be challenged in many DUI cases. Frequently, field sobriety tests or blood and breath tests contain serious flaws in the way they are conducted or in the test themselves. I know where to look for points of weakness in the prosecution's case and how to utilize those in your defense.

If you or a loved one were arrested for underage DUI, quickly contact a Polk County DUI defense attorney to explore your options for a successful defense.