Underage DUI Attorney in Chula Vista

Your Trusted Underage DUI Defense Team for Minors in San Diego County

If you or your child is facing an underage DUI in Chula Vista, having an attorney with focused DUI defense experience in San Diego County can make a significant difference. At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, we handle every case with exceptional care, dedicating our full attention to your needs and providing the highest standard of legal representation. 

Facing an underage DUI charge can bring serious concerns about educational opportunities, future employment, and even family reputation—especially for young adults and their families. We commit our resources and deep knowledge specifically to support families and minors through these pivotal moments.

Beyond addressing immediate consequences, we also focus on protecting the long-term future of minors facing DUI charges. By working closely with families, we help you understand and mitigate these risks, providing both strategic defense for the legal proceedings and guidance for managing related challenges outside the courthouse.

Need a top Chula Vista underage DUI lawyer? At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, our lead attorney is a teaching faculty lecturer for the prestigious National College for DUI Defense. Contact us now at (619) 930-5490 or reach out online—24/7 availability.

Understanding California's Underage DUI Laws

In California, there are three main types of DUI charges for drivers under the age of 21. A knowledgeable Chula Vista underage DUI lawyer, like attorneys Casey & Angelos, is well-versed in these laws, as the type of charge you face will determine the penalties and defense strategy.

• California's "Zero Tolerance" Law (Vehicle Code §23136): This is the most common underage DUI charge. It is a civil offense, not a criminal one. It is illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.01% or greater. Even a small amount of alcohol, such as a sip of a beer or certain medications, can be enough to trigger a charge under this law.
• Underage DUI (Vehicle Code §23140): This is an infraction and is a more serious charge than the "Zero Tolerance" law. It is illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.05% or greater. A conviction for this offense can lead to a license suspension and mandatory alcohol education programs.
• Standard DUI (Vehicle Code §23152): A driver under the age of 21 can also be charged with a standard misdemeanor DUI if their BAC is 0.08% or higher, the same legal limit as an adult. A conviction for this offense carries all the same criminal penalties as an adult DUI, including potential jail time.

It is crucial to understand the difference between these charges and the severe penalties that come with each. Our firm is experienced in defending against all three types of charges and will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

We will work tirelessly to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Did the officer have a legal reason to pull you over? Was the breathalyzer or blood test administered correctly? Is there a problem with the chain of custody of the blood sample? These are the questions an aggressive underage DUI attorney in Chula Vista will ask and use to build your defense.

Penalties of an Underage DUI Conviction

An underage DUI conviction carries severe direct and collateral consequences that can impact your life for years. Beyond the immediate penalties, you will also face a lifetime of collateral consequences that can affect your education, employment, and personal reputation.

Direct Penalties:

• License Suspension: For all three types of offenses, a conviction will result in an automatic one-year license suspension for a first offense. If you refuse to take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for one year.
• Fines: Fines can range from $100 to over $1,000, not including a variety of fees and surcharges.
• DUI School: You may be required to enroll in and complete a mandatory alcohol education program.
• Jail Time: While not for the "Zero Tolerance" law or VC §23140 infractions, a conviction for a standard DUI can result in jail time of up to six months.
• Loss of Financial Aid: A criminal conviction can result in the loss of eligibility for federal financial aid for college.

Collateral Consequences:

• Criminal Record: A conviction for a standard DUI is a criminal offense that will appear on your record. This can make it difficult to get a job or apply for a professional license.
• Education: Many college applications ask about a criminal history, and a DUI conviction can jeopardize your chances of admission.
• Insurance Rates: A DUI conviction will likely be reported to your insurance company, leading to a significant increase in your auto insurance premiums for years to come.
• Social Stigma: An underage DUI conviction carries a social stigma that can impact your personal relationships and standing in the community.

These cases reach beyond just the legal penalties. In Chula Vista, local public safety and education leaders emphasize both prevention and accountability for minors—meaning court outcomes can influence not only driving and criminal records but also access to school programs, clubs, or scholarships. 

Alternative sentencing, such as drug or alcohol education, may be available, but they are rarely offered automatically and often depend on swift legal action and careful case presentation. As an underage DUI lawyer in Chula Vista, we are well-versed in these local nuances and work diligently to uncover every opportunity for a more favorable result.

The Legal Process After an Underage DUI Arrest in Chula Vista

Our representation helps you navigate every critical step following an underage DUI arrest in Chula Vista, guiding you through the complex administrative and criminal processes with careful planning and support.

• Immediate Consultation: Our first step is a confidential case review, where we discuss urgent actions such as contacting the DMV within 10 days to contest any immediate license suspension.
• Personalized Strategy Session: We examine every detail, from traffic stop rationale to BAC testing procedures, crafting a legal defense tailored to your situation.
• Proactive DMV Defense: We take swift action to protect your (or your child’s) ability to drive, attending all DMV hearings and advocating for withheld or restricted suspensions when appropriate.
• Active Court Representation: Our attorneys represent you in South Bay Courthouse and pursue the best possible results through negotiation or litigation, depending on the facts of your case.
• Mitigation for Youth: We highlight academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and proactive rehabilitation efforts to influence outcomes favorably with judges and prosecutors.
• Clear Communication Throughout: You receive timely updates, strategic advice, and honest assessments, so you remain informed and empowered to make important decisions.

There are often multiple deadlines, forms, and procedural requirements immediately after an arrest—missing them can make it more difficult to challenge suspensions or defend against charges. We handle essential filings, ensure all paperwork is completed accurately, and help you gather supporting documents that can strengthen your case, such as character statements or academic records.

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