DUI Charges For Different Age Groups

Miami DUI Attorney – Call 305-321-3237

It’s no secret, driving under the influence (DUI) can have severe consequences. However, you may not know that the factors which can affect a DUI case can vary substantially based on a person’s age group. For example, two people aged 21 and 60 may be judged against the same rubric during a field sobriety test, despite differences in physical fitness and ability.

After an arrest for DUI, the caliber of attorney you choose to represent you can play a critical role in the success of your case. I am a Miami DUI lawyer with more than 30 years of experience protecting clients in your situation and I belong to the National College of DUI Defense. At Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., my legal team and I understand that every last detail, including your age, must be factored into your defense.

Considerations for those in different DUI age groups can include:

Under 21 DUI: Perhaps the most striking difference for those under the age of 21 is that drivers cannot have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .02% or higher (the BAC limit is .08% for drivers over 21). Underage drinking is prohibited and intoxicated drivers 21 or younger can face additional penalties such as charges for a minor in possession of alcohol.
21-40 DUI: Drivers within this age group are estimated to make up the majority of DUI stops and arrests. Issues of driver profiling and probable cause can often be central points of dispute in these cases. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have devastating effects on a person’s career, especially for those who drive for a living or possess professional licenses. Those who are still in school may lose their eligibility for school programs or scholarships.
40-60 DUI: Many times, drivers who are charged with DUI are initially pulled over for an unrelated offense such as expired tags or a broken tail light. Even if a driver has had a drink that night, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are legally impaired. It is not against the law to be on the road with a BAC at .07% or below. Drivers in this age group may also have to worry about factors such as inaccurate field sobriety tests.
60 and older DUI: Sobriety tests may be less than accurate for any age group; however, they can be especially troublesome for those 60 and above. While these tests are meant to gauge signs of intoxication, numerous factors can obscure results or register as false positives. For example, an injury or disability could prevent an older motorist from completing a test to an officer’s standards. Despite this fact, without a proper legal defense, an officer may attempt to use the results of a sobriety test against a defendant in court.

In any DUI case, time is not on your side. You may have as little as 10 days in which to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and contest the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. I can help you fight both the criminal and administrative penalties stemming from a DUI charge.

Aggressive DUI Defense Lawyer

Regardless of what age group you fall into, if you have been charged with driving under the influence, my firm can work tirelessly to uphold your rights and protect your freedom. As an experienced Miami DUI Defense Lawyer, I can examine every aspect of your case to maximize the strength of your defense. Did the arresting officer possess probable cause? Was there a mistake made during the administration of a field sobriety test? Contact my office today and together we can construct a hard-hitting defense.

There is no time to waste. Request a free one-on-one consultation today and speak to my firm about your case.