What Should I Do After an Underage DUI?

By Jonathan Blecher on June 9, 2016

According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 high school students drinks and drives. The CDC further reported that in 2011, nearly one million teens in high school consumed alcohol and climbed behind the wheel.

The CDC reports that the number of teens who drink and drive decreased by 54 percent since 1991 due to the enactment of “zero tolerance laws.” However, the decline has not change the fact that teenage drinking and driving is still a nationwide problem.

To illustrate: The CDC reported that the high school students ages 16 and older surveyed admitted to driving a vehicle at least once in the past 30 days after drinking alcohol. Given the CDC’s statistics, if you are facing underage DUI charges in Miami, it’s not surprising.

Let’s say you were pulled over on suspicion of DUI early one Sunday morning. You were nervous, your parents weren’t there and you didn’t know what to do. So, you declined the breathalyzer test out of fear that the BAC results would be the nail in your coffin.

Now, you’re being charged with underage DUI. You don’t want the DUI to ruin your life, especially when you have big plans for your future.

Perhaps you plan to apply to an Ivy League college, or you’re working hard for a full-ride scholarship. Or, perhaps you want to play on a college sport team, or obtain a professional license. Maybe you are dreaming of a career in the military and you want to become a decorated officer one day.

You’re afraid of the DUI ruining your dreams, and understandably so!

You heard about the Back on Track program, and now you’re wondering, “Is the Back on Track program my only option?” My advice to you:

You want to consider all of your options, including the Back on Track program, but that is only one of them. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to do better than BOT.

Keep in mind that you need to address your driver’s license suspension, which I recommend speaking to an experienced DUI attorney about. If you do not act within 10 days of your DUI arrest, your license suspension will take effect and it will cost hundreds to qualify for a reinstatement.

If you’re facing underage DUI charges or if your teenage son or daughter is, I invite you to contact me. You never know, there may be DUI defenses available that could turn the case around in your favor. I see miracles happen every day.