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Average of 95% of First Offenses Reduced or Dismissed*
Underage DUI Leaders in DUI Defense

Snohomish County Underage DUI Attorney

DUI Defense for Minors in Snohomish County, WA

Anyone under the age of 21 but over 18 can be charged with underage DUI—sometimes called a "minor DUI"—if their blood alcohol content (BAC) measures above 0.02% but below .08%. The term “minor DUI” is misleading, however, because the state typically charges underage individuals as adults. 

Because the law forbids people under 21 from drinking alcohol in the first place, the BAC threshold for underage DUI is much lower. However, if an underage drinker’s BAC level is 0.08% or greater, they can be charged with a standard DUI and face mandatory jail time and heavy fines. They will also likely be required to be evaluated for chemical dependency by a state agency and may be required to receive mandatory alcohol counseling.

When someone is arrested for an underage DUI in Snohomish County, their driver’s license is at risk for an automatic 90-day suspension. An administrative hearing must then be scheduled wherein a final determination will be made on  whether to suspend the defendant’s license. If the defendant fails to schedule or attend the hearing, their license will be automatically suspended.

If you’ve been charged with underage DUI, the police have your future in their hands. Take it back—call DUIHeroes at (425) 296-9358. Led by a DUI specialist and a nationally recognized authority on criminal DUI law, our firm is solely committed to the practice of DUI defense. For you, that means getting the strongest possible chance of getting your future back on track.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a minor DUI, contact DUIHeroes and speak to a Snohomish County underage DUI attorney at no cost.

Washington State Underage DUI Penalties

Minor DUI is a misdemeanor offense but can also be charged as a felony if the defendant was involved in an injurious or fatal accident, or they have prior DUI convictions. A conviction in a minor DUI case can also result in significantly increased insurance rates. After a conviction, the driver could face limited job opportunities and exclusion from college financial aid programs.

Other penalties for minor DUI can include:

Common Mistakes When Charged with Minor DUI

Facing a minor DUI charge can be daunting, and it's easy to make mistakes that could worsen the situation. One common mistake is failing to take the charge seriously. Many young individuals underestimate the severity of a minor DUI charge, thinking it will be just a slap on the wrist. Another significant mistake is missing the administrative hearing deadline, which can lead to an automatic license suspension. 

Additionally, trying to navigate the legal process alone without professional assistance from a DUI defense lawyer is a frequent misstep. Without a skilled Snohomish County underage DUI attorney, one might accept plea deals that aren't in their best interest or fail to challenge the evidence properly. An attorney can help you fight to protect your future. 

Defenses for Underage Individuals Charged with DUI

A seasoned DUI defense lawyer can craft a strategic defense to challenge minor DUI charges effectively. 

Here are some potential defenses:

  • Incorrect Field Sobriety Tests: The results of field sobriety tests can be influenced by various external factors. A knowledgeable lawyer can argue that these tests were improperly administered or subject to environmental conditions affecting performance, such as uneven terrain or poor weather.
  • Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy: Breathalyzers, though considered reliable, can still produce faulty readings. Issues such as calibration errors or the presence of certain substances in the individual's mouth can skew results. A DUI attorney can demand maintenance records of the device or argue for alternative explanations for elevated BAC levels.
  • Unlawful Traffic Stops: A defense may center around the legality of the traffic stop itself. If law enforcement lacked probable cause to initiate the stop, all subsequent evidence could be deemed inadmissible in court.
  • Challenging BAC Measurements: Sometimes, blood alcohol content testing procedures may not have been followed correctly. A skilled attorney can scrutinize the handling of samples, timing of the test, and chain of custody to ensure no procedural errors occurred.
  • Violation of Legal Rights: If law enforcement officials failed to inform the defendant of their rights properly or conducted unlawful searches, a defense could argue for the suppression of incriminating evidence.

In all these scenarios, engaging an experienced DUI defense lawyer ensures that the defendant’s rights are protected and the defense is thoroughly investigated and robustly presented in court. An attorney will navigate complex legal proceedings, negotiate plea deals, and, if necessary, represent their client in trial to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call Our Snohomish County Underage DUI Lawyers

DUIHeroes has beaten numerous minor DUI charges on behalf of our clients. Our firm meticulously investigates every case for police procedure violations that can reduce or dismiss your charges. In fact, our firm has an average 95% success rate* when it comes to getting first offenses dismissed or reduced. You can count on our team to aggressively protect your future by exhausting every possible defense strategy on the table. 

Reach out at (425) 296-9358 if you or a loved has been charged with underage DUI to learn about your defense options. We are available 24/7.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being charged with an underage DUI?

It's important to remain calm and not make any statements to law enforcement without legal representation. You should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case and understand your rights.

Can I still drive while my license is suspended due to an underage DUI charge?

No, driving with a suspended license can lead to further legal consequences. It's crucial to adhere to the suspension and seek legal advice on how to potentially reinstate your driving privileges.

How does an underage DUI charge affect my educational opportunities?

A conviction can impact your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships, as many educational institutions have strict policies regarding criminal records.

What are the long-term consequences of an underage DUI conviction?

Long-term consequences can include difficulties in securing employment, increased insurance rates, and potential impacts on future legal matters. It’s important to consider these factors when addressing the charge.

Average of 95% of First Offenses Reduced or Dismissed*

Proven, Respected & Recognized

At DUIHeroes, we exclusively defend DUI cases—nothing else. Our attorneys, including two former prosecutors, bring specialized insights and unmatched experience to the courtroom, ensuring you get the best possible defense.

  • Amended
    WRONG WAY DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE

    Client had driven several times over the lane divider into oncoming traffic, smelled of alcohol, showed poor coordination, admitted to drinking, and gave a breath test over .18. – Kittitas County, WA

  • Amended
    DRUG DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE

    Drug DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Oak Harbor, WA

  • Amended
    DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE

    DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. - Mountlake Terrace, WA

  • Amended
    DUI AMENDED TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING 1ST DEGREE IN EVERETT

    DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree through negotiation with the prosecutors. – Everett, WA

  • Dismissed
    DUI DISMISSED DUE TO ILLEGAL ARREST
    Client was stopped for driving without headlights and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. The officer in question, however, was shown to have performed the tests illegally and improperly, both coercing and tainting the evidence. Client was arrested and booked into jail for DUI. At a motions hearing, a judge dismissed the case in full as the officer was found to have illegally obtained evidence and illegally arrested our client. - Mill Creek, WA
  • Reduced
    3RD OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO NON-DRIVING OFFENSE
    Client charged with a 3rd offense above .15 breath test DUI. Presented evidence to the prosecutor about the validity of the traffic stop. DUI was reduced to Reckless Endangerment which is a non-driving related offense with no mandatory jail or licensing consequences. Client was thrilled! - Lynnwood, WA
  • Reduced
    2ND OFFENSE IN LIFETIME DUI REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR WITH NO JAIL OR FINE
    Client charged with a 2nd offense DUI in her lifetime. Prosecutor was presented with evidence that the blood vials used to draw her blood were expired and evidence that the Office who arrested her did so with a variety of tainted evidence. DUI was reduced to Negligent Driving in the 1st Degree and the court waived the fine and imposed no jail time! - Lynnwood, WA
  • Amended
    3RD OFFENSE DUI

    3rd offense DUI Amended to Reckless Driving through negotiation. - Lynnwood, WA

  • Not Guilty
    DUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL

    Client slammed into a concrete barrier, admitted to seven bottles, and refused a test of his blood. - Lynnwood, WA

  • Not Guilty
    DUI FOUND NOT GUILTY AT TRIAL

    Client refused a test of his breath. - Lynnwood, WA

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We offer discounted services and flexible payment options for frontline healthcare workers, military personnel (active, retired, and reserve), teachers, and first responders as a token of our appreciation. When your future is on the line, you deserve a defense team that’s in your corner—just like you’ve been in ours.

When the Odds Are Stacked Against You

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  • Over 50 Years of Legal Experience

    We know the system inside and out. With 50+ years of collective legal experience, our attorneys have the specialized knowledge and skill to fight for you.

  • Proven Results: Thousands of Cases Won

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  • Washington’s Leading DUI Defense Firm
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    A DUI arrest can happen anytime. That’s why we’re available 24/7. Call now for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

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With 100% focus on DUI defense, we know what it takes to fight, win, and protect your future. See how DUIHeroes has changed lives, one victory at a time.

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