Underage Drunk Driving Attorney in Delaware County, PA Defending Minors Against DUI Charges in Delaware County, Montgomery County, Chester County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Although young people are known to make mistakes, the criminal justice system isn’t always forgiving. When motorists under age 21 are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), they face serious consequences that can impact them in the short term and disrupt their long-term future. Young adults and their families can count on a Delaware County underage DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, to help them make the right moves to navigate the legal system and achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
An underage DUI is a serious matter, but it’s possible to minimize the consequences so that one mistake doesn’t alter the course of a young defendant’s life. The guidance of an experienced underage drunk driving attorney in Delaware County, PA, is key. Contact us today for help exploring your options during a free, confidential consultation.
Defending Against Underage DUI Charges in Delaware County, PA
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs of any kind presents real dangers, which is why the state of Pennsylvania takes this offense seriously. However, for those under the legal drinking age, strict laws apply that make it a crime to operate a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system. These regulations, as well as the harsh consequences of a conviction, make it particularly important that young defendants acquire skilled legal counsel with a nuanced understanding of underage DUI laws.
Pennsylvania’s Zero-Tolerance DUI Law
Under Section 3718 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, it’s illegal for a minor—in this case defined as someone under 21 years of age—to drive, operate, or be in physical control of a vehicle if they have any alcohol in their system. This law is known as the zero-tolerance rule.
It’s legal for adults 21 and older to operate a vehicle with a BAC under 0.08% as long as they are not impaired (although Section 3802 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, establishes that they can be charged with DUI even with a lower BAC if alcohol consumption renders them incapable of driving safely). However, if you’re younger than 21, even by a matter of mere months, having even a small amount of alcohol in your system is illegal.
A violation of Section 3718 is a summary offense, which carries considerably less serious consequences than a DUI conviction. However, Section 3802(e) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, establishes that a BAC of just 0.02%—the lowest level at which a scientifically accurate test can measure breath or blood alcohol concentration—can result in more serious DUI charges.
The Consequences of an Underage DUI Conviction
The penalties imposed for a DUI conviction are no less serious for minor defendants. In fact, under Pennsylvania law (Section 3804 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75), DUI penalties for minor offenders align with the more severe sentences imposed upon adult offenders with a high rate of blood alcohol and those whose impaired driving causes accidents.
A first DUI offense can result in a minor (under 21) offender facing penalties such as:
- A minimum of 48 consecutive hours of imprisonment
- A fine of $500 to $5,000
- Mandatory completion of an approved alcohol highway safety school program
- Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements
If you have a prior DUI conviction, a repeat offense can pose even more serious consequences. For a second offense, minors can face penalties such as:
- A minimum of 30 days of imprisonment
- A fine of $750 to $5,000
- Mandatory completion of an approved alcohol highway safety school program
- Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements
A third DUI charge against an underage offender can give rise to the following penalties:
- A minimum of 90 days of imprisonment
- A fine of $1,500 to $10,000
- Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements
Fourth and subsequent DUI charges against minor offenders can lead to the following harsh penalties:
- A minimum of one year of imprisonment
- A fine of $1,500 to $10,000
- Compliance with drug and alcohol treatment requirements
In addition to these significant penalties, being convicted of an underage DUI charge can lead to a lengthy driver’s license suspension.
The consequences of an underage DUI extend beyond the sentence a court imposes on you. An underage DUI can appear on background checks, resulting in long-term difficulties in education, employment, housing, and more. Many young adults may have trouble getting accepted into their preferred colleges due to their criminal record and may even lose scholarship opportunities. When they do enter the workforce, having a criminal record in their past can impact their career prospects.
Defense Strategies an Underage Drunk Driving Attorney in Delaware County, PA, Will Consider
Given the extensive damage an underage DUI conviction can cause, it’s critical that you take this legal matter seriously and put forth the strongest possible defense. That means retaining a dedicated Delaware County underage DUI lawyer who can explore every option to resolve this issue in the most favorable way possible.
At The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, we’re dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and their futures. We’ll consider all avenues for a resolution that’s in your best interest. Depending on the facts of the case against you, we may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced, advocate for acceptance into Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program, present an effective defense in court, or make a strong case for lenient sentencing.
There are a number of defenses that can prove effective against underage DUI charges, including:
- Challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop
- Questioning the accuracy of test results, including machine calibration and proper administration procedures
- Identifying any rights violations or unlawful procedures that could form the basis for a motion to suppress evidence
It’s the prosecutor’s obligation to prove your guilt with evidence, not just theories, and we’re prepared to expose all shortcomings in the case against you.
Although our firm is always willing to stand up for our clients in court when appropriate, fighting an underage DUI charge in court may not be the best option if the evidence against you is strong. Instead, your case may be better resolved by applying to the ARD Program or negotiating a plea deal that results in lesser charges and lighter sentences.
Your defense strategy should be personalized to match the specific facts of your unique situation. Our role as your Delaware County underage DUI lawyer is to develop the strategy that provides the most promising path forward for you.
How The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, Can Help
When young motorists charged with an underage DUI turn to our firm for help, we provide comprehensive support for the legal process. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth retaining a dedicated Delaware County underage DUI lawyer to represent you, consider everything we will do to protect your rights and put you on the path to the most beneficial outcome possible:
- Evaluate your legal issue thoroughly during your initial free consultation
- Launch a diligent investigation into the facts to identify evidence in your favor, improper police procedures, inaccurate test results or testing procedures, and rights violations
- Safeguard your rights throughout every stage of the legal process through strong, unwavering advocacy
- Represent you in all legal proceedings, from filing motions that support your defense to presenting your case at trial
- Inform you of all legal options available to you
- Develop a personalized defense strategy based on your unique circumstances and goals
- File ARD Program applications or negotiate potential plea agreements, if appropriate
For every stage of the legal process and every challenge that arises, our firm is prepared to provide the defense you need to protect your future.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, as Your Delaware County Underage DUI Lawyer?
Young adults and their families seeking a Delaware County underage DUI lawyer turn to The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, for guidance and trusted representation. We’re known for our compassionate client service, effective legal strategies, and extensive experience.
Representing Young Defendants With Empathy
We recognize that you’re under tremendous stress right now—and we’re here to help. Our firm approaches your case with the utmost compassion. We understand that people make mistakes, and we believe that an allegation of underage DUI shouldn’t define your future. Throughout the legal process, you can count on us to guide you through every step with empathy for what you’re going through and responsive communications that give you peace of mind.
Developing Effective, Personalized Legal Strategies
At The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, we focus on defense strategies that are comprehensive, effective, and tailored to every individual client’s unique situation. We’re dedicated to achieving the outcome that minimizes the impact of underage DUI charges on your life. With skillful handling of every aspect of your case and full consideration of every avenue available to you, we’re ready to get results.
Drawing on Our Extensive Experience on Both Sides of the Courtroom
Every client we represent benefits from our considerable experience in legal practice. Attorney Joseph Lesniak has more than 20 years of experience as both a criminal defense attorney who has served thousands of clients when they most needed help and a former prosecutor who provides an insider’s perspective. This blend of experience ensures we understand both how the opposing side approaches your case and how to develop and implement a legal strategy that gets results.
Contact a Delaware County Underage DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, Today for a Free Case Review
The legal process can be intimidating, particularly for young defendants facing underage DUI charges. You don’t have to face it alone. Retaining experienced legal counsel dedicated to your defense offers the best chance of an outcome that minimizes the impact of this legal issue on your future.
For help from an underage drunk driving attorney in Delaware County, PA, contact The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, online or call (484) 444-2348 today.
