Michigan Underage DUI Lawyer

Michigan Underage DUI Attorney

Michigan takes a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting underage drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs. Being arrested at such a young age can be an unsettling experience that can lead to lifelong consequences. A Michigan underage DUI lawyer can represent you in court, so you don’t have to face the criminal justice system alone. With legal representation, you can fight your charges or demonstrate that you deserve leniency.

A Law Firm Dedicated to Securing Favorable Outcomes for Defendants

Few people go through adolescence and early adulthood without making mistakes they regret. Unfortunately, some mistakes can lead to serious consequences. The law firm at Jeffrey Randa and Associates understands how stressful it can be to face criminal charges at such a young age. We’re here to let you know that with legal representation, you can take the first step toward putting this unfortunate ordeal behind you.

The process won’t be easy, but our criminal defense attorneys in Michigan have helped many people in your situation resolve their cases on favorable terms. We can take the time to examine the evidence being used against you to explore ways of having your charges reduced or dropped. Another option is to negotiate a plea bargain agreement that allows you to avoid the most serious penalties under the law.

Understanding Michigan’s Underage DUI Laws

Michigan takes a zero-tolerance stance on underage drinking and driving, which comes as no surprise given the dangers drunk drivers pose to residents in Greater Detroit. In 2023, there were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes in Michigan, which led to 297 fatalities. Around 40% of fatal crashes in Michigan involve a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A law enforcement officer can arrest someone under the age of 21 for any detectable alcohol in their system. Under MCL 257.625, anyone under the age of 21 who is convicted of a DUI can face fines, loss of driving privileges, court-ordered treatment or alcohol education, and other penalties.

Being pulled over along Woodward Avenue in Detroit with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to more serious penalties, including jail time, community service at the Detroit Rescue Mission, and a possible requirement to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. A conviction could also lead to a misdemeanor conviction remaining on your criminal record. A second offense could lead to even harsher penalties.

Legal Strategies to Fight Underage DUI Charges

Fighting an underage DUI charge requires many of the same criminal defense strategies that are commonly used to fight adult DUIs in Greater Detroit. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to arrest you, and they must have probable cause.

Prosecutors are held to the highest standards when proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Any legal strategy that adds doubt to the prosecution’s case can bolster your defense. One strategy for fighting DUI charges is to scrutinize the evidence used against you and how it was collected. Breathalyzers must be calibrated at regular intervals to ensure they are reliable and accurate.

If the electronic device has not been calibrated according to the police department’s policy, the results of the test could be unreliable. If the results of the blood test or breathalyzer show that BAC is lower than 0.08%, that could reduce your charge to a lower offense.

Another approach could involve looking for signs that you were unlawfully detained or arrested. If the arresting officer did not have a reason to pull you over, it could lead the resulting search to be deemed unlawful.

FAQs

Schedule Your Underage DUI Consultation Today

When your full life is ahead of you, a DUI can feel like an unexpected roadblock to your future. Michigan has strict zero-tolerance laws that are designed to reduce the number of collisions on the road, which numbered 287,953 in 2023.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we help young drivers and their families fight underage DUI charges in Metro Detroit. There may be defenses available to challenge the stop, the breath test, or other aspects of the case. Our firm understands the long-term impact of a conviction and works to protect your future. Contact our office today to schedule your no-cost consultation.