Chattanooga Underage DUI Attorneys

Defending Students & Minors Against Serious DUI Charges

In Tennessee, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. If a person under the age of 21 is found to be driving with any amount of alcohol in their system, they can face serious consequences. In addition to the penalties for underage drinking, they can also face charges of underage DUI, which can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on their lives.

At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, our Chattanooga underage DUI lawyers understand just how much is at stake in these cases. We know that young people sometimes make mistakes, and we believe that one mistake should not ruin your child's future. Our attorneys are committed to providing the effective, personalized representation your family needs and the unwavering advocacy your child deserves.

Call our office at (423) 264-2206 or online today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Underage DUI Laws in Tennessee

Underage DUI laws in Tennessee are complex and can be confusing. If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the laws and your rights.

In Tennessee, an underage driver can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

• 0.02% or higher
• 0.04% or higher (for commercial drivers)

These BAC limits are far lower than the limits for drivers over the age of 21. If an underage driver is found to have a BAC higher than the legal limit, they can face DUI charges, which can have serious consequences.

It is also important to note that an underage driver can be charged with DUI even if they are not displaying any signs of impairment. Even if they only had a small amount of alcohol and are not showing any signs of being intoxicated, they can still be arrested and charged with DUI.

Other important things to know about underage DUI in Tennessee include:

• Underage DUI is a criminal offense, not a simple traffic violation. If your child is convicted, they will have a criminal record, which can have serious implications for their future.
• Underage DUI is a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Tennessee. A conviction can result in up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, as well as fines, probation, and more.
• The penalties for underage DUI are even more severe if your child has a BAC of 0.08% or higher, which is the legal limit for drivers over the age of 21. In this case, your child can be charged with “standard” DUI, which is a far more serious criminal offense.

What Are the Penalties for Underage DUI in TN?

In addition to the criminal penalties for underage DUI, your child can also face administrative penalties. These penalties are imposed by the Tennessee Department of Safety and can result in the suspension of your child's driver's license.

The administrative penalties for underage DUI include:

• A first-time underage DUI offense can result in a one-year driver's license suspension
• A second offense can result in a two-year driver's license suspension
• A third offense can result in a three-year driver's license suspension

These administrative penalties are in addition to the criminal consequences, which can result in jail time, fines, probation, and more. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult for your child to find employment, secure housing, and more.

Our Chattanooga underage DUI lawyers can help you understand the potential penalties your child is facing and work with you to develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

How Can a Lawyer Help with Underage DUI Charges?

If your child is facing underage DUI charges, you may be wondering if it is really necessary to hire an attorney. After all, aren't these cases “open and shut?” In reality, there are many ways an experienced lawyer can help you and your child fight the charges and work to protect their future.

When you choose Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, you can count on us to:

• Conduct a thorough investigation: We will work to collect all available evidence, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and more. We will carefully review this evidence to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your child's unique situation.
• Protect your child's rights: Our attorneys are committed to ensuring that your child's rights are fully protected. We will carefully review the details of their arrest to ensure that all proper protocols were followed. If any evidence was collected illegally or improperly, we will work to have it thrown out.
• Negotiate with the prosecution: In some cases, it may be in your child's best interests to accept a plea deal. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work to secure the best possible outcome for your child, whether that's a reduction in charges, a lighter sentence, or an outright dismissal of the charges.
• Represent your child in court: If your child's case goes to trial, you can count on us to provide the aggressive, effective representation they need. Our attorneys have extensive experience in the courtroom and will work tirelessly to fight for their rights.

Our Chattanooga underage DUI lawyers understand just how much is at stake in these cases, and we will do everything in our power to help your child get back on track and move forward with their life.

Experienced & Aggressive Representation

If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI, it is important to take the charges seriously. Even a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can have serious and long-lasting consequences. At Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, we are committed to providing the aggressive, effective representation you need. We will fight tirelessly for your child's rights and work to secure the best possible outcome in their case.

Our Chattanooga underage DUI attorneys are available to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal options. today to get started with a free initial consultation.