What Can I Do If My Child Is Charged with an Underage DUI?

 Posted on January 08, 2025 in DUI

Many teens and young adults enjoy pushing limits. Although laws prohibit them from consuming alcohol before they reach the age of 21, that does not stop all underage drinking or drug use. Illinois also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, making it illegal to drive with even a tiny amount of drugs or alcohol in their systems. Again, this law’s existence does not mean all underage drinkers follow it.

If your child is convicted of an underage DUI, his or her future can become uncertain. The best thing you can do for your child is call a determined Morris, IL DUI defense lawyer for assistance.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

For drivers of any age, even a first-time DUI arrest can have severe repercussions that are worsened if subsequent DUI charges are filed. Depending on the circumstances, an intoxicated driver can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony DUI. The potential consequences include:

• Loss of driving privileges and professional licenses

• Fines

• Community service

• Jail time

• Mandatory ignition interlock device and substance abuse program participation

If an intoxicated driver causes an accident that produces injuries or death, the consequences are much more severe.

In addition to these penalties, your child’s future could be impacted significantly. A DUI conviction will show up on background checks, which can limit college prospects, job and housing opportunities, and the ability to borrow money.  

What If My Child Was Charged with a Felony DUI?

Although a first DUI arrest is usually a misdemeanor charge, some circumstances automatically bring a felony charge. For example, causing an injury-producing or fatal accident or driving while intoxicated with passengers under the age of 16 are felonies. Both the short- and long-term consequences of a felony conviction can be devastating, turning a once-bright future into a dim reality with limited choices.

You need an experienced lawyer to fight your child’s DUI charges. Attorney Carlson has served Illinois as both a judge and prosecutor, so he knows first-hand how the system works. That knowledge is invaluable when developing a well-rounded defense strategy.

How Can an Attorney Fight My Child’s DUI Charges?

From the moment you choose to work with us, we go on the offensive. We will evaluate your child’s arrest, including whether officers had reasonable suspicion to stop him and probable cause for making an arrest. We can question the integrity of field sobriety or other tests. If your child was taking prescription or over-the-counter medication that may have impaired his driving abilities, we can present that evidence. If we cannot have the DUI charges dropped, we will work hard to beat the charges and reduce their impact.

Call a Knowledgeable Joliet, IL DUI Defense Lawyer Now

If your child has been charged with an underage DUI, there is no time to lose. Contact Carlson Law Group, P.C. online or call 815-710-3700 to schedule your complimentary consultation with our respected Grundy County, IL criminal defense attorney.