Savannah Under 21 DUI Lawyer

Savannah Under 21 DUI Attorney

If you’re caught driving under the influence while under the age of 21 in Georgia, a conviction can come with serious consequences that can affect your future education, career, and housing opportunities. Plus, you can lose your driving privileges for an extended period of time. If you or your child are facing an underage DUI in Savannah, a skilled Savannah under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm is ready to defend your interests.

Georgia’s Zero-Tolerance DUI Laws for Drivers Under 21

The state of Georgia enforces strict zero-tolerance laws for drivers younger than the legal drinking age of 21. Drivers under 21 can be charged with a DUI in Savannah if their blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) is found at 0.02% or higher. This is much lower than the legal BAC limit of 0.08% for Georgia residents over the age of 21. Even if a driver doesn’t appear impaired, Georgia law officers still can arrest them if their BAC is over the legal limit.

Georgia’s implied consent law also imposes penalties if drivers refuse to take a breath or blood test, regardless of whether they are impaired or not. If you refuse a chemical test in Georgia, you will automatically have your license suspended.

Penalties for an Under 21 DUI Conviction in Savannah

Underage drivers who are convicted of a DUI in Georgia can receive a myriad of penalties depending on the circumstances of their charges. Generally, first-time offenders face a six-month license suspension and may have to pay mandatory fines, participate in community service, and enroll in mandatory alcohol education courses. However, first-time offenders with a BAC level of 0.08% or above face a one-year license suspension.

If you’re convicted of a second DUI offense as an underage driver in Georgia, the consequences will be more severe. These can include a longer license suspension period, jail time, a permanent criminal record, and more. To ensure you start building a powerful defense as soon as possible, you should seek help from an experienced Savannah underage DUI lawyer.

How an Underage DUI in Georgia Can Impact Your Future

A DUI charge for drivers under the age of 21 in Georgia comes with more than just legal consequences. Unfortunately, a DUI stays on your record indefinitely in Georgia and can lead to problems with future education, employment, and housing opportunities.

For example, background checks performed by colleges and employers can reveal DUI convictions that might jeopardize scholarships and potential opportunities. Higher education institutions and financial aid programs examine criminal histories for their decision-making processes, and DUI convictions can cause students to face academic probation or lose scholarships and admission opportunities.

Employers in the healthcare sector, along with education institutions and law enforcement agencies, also perform background checks, which can identify DUIs as problematic marks during the hiring process. Young drivers with DUIs in Georgia can also face increased premiums or insurance coverage denial from auto insurance companies. The long-term consequences of a DUI conviction underscore the necessity of obtaining powerful legal representation.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Savannah Underage DUI Case

When an underage driver faces a DUI conviction in Savannah, it is imperative that they retain support from a skilled DUI defense lawyer. Underage drivers facing DUIs have their entire lives at stake, making powerful legal representation critical to their case. Whether you’re a first-time offender or you’re facing a subsequent underage DUI, our dedicated Savannah DUI defense team is prepared to advocate for you and your future through every step of your case.

Under 21 DUI FAQs

Q: What Is the Legal BAC Limit for Drivers Under 21 in Georgia?

A: Underage drinking and driving is strictly prohibited under Georgia’s zero-tolerance policy. Drivers who are younger than 21 years of age in Georgia face a legal BAC restriction of 0.02%. A DUI drugs charge can be filed against young drivers who consume even a drink of alcohol, which is why it’s crucial that you do not postpone hiring a defense attorney if you are arrested for an underage DUI in Savannah.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a First-Time Under 21 DUI Conviction?

A: Underage first-time DUI offenders in Georgia face license suspensions of up to six months and must pay fines in addition to completing community service and mandatory alcohol education classes. A driver’s license suspension extends to one year if an underage driver’s BAC reaches 0.08% or more in Georgia. A criminal record emerges from the conviction, and it negatively affects both college admissions and job opportunities.

Q: Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test If You Are Under 21 in Georgia?

A: Georgia’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to breath or blood testing and imposes an automatic one-year suspension of their driver’s license for refusal, regardless of their DUI conviction status. The court can use a test refusal as evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s guilt. Underage drivers facing DUI charges in Georgia should obtain legal advice before making decisions on how to approach their case.

Q: How Can an Under 21 DUI Charge Be Defended in Georgia?

A: Strong defenses against underage DUI charges in Georgia often involve questioning breathalyzer tests and field sobriety test accuracy, along with challenging the validity of the traffic stop. When officers do not follow proper procedures, your attorney may use this to get your charges dismissed or reduced. A solid legal defense helps shield a young driver from negative impacts on their record and preserves their driving rights for the future.

Contact a Savannah Under 21 DUI Lawyer

Georgia’s zero-tolerance laws mean that any detectable alcohol found in an underage driver’s system can result in long-term consequences and a criminal record. To ensure both your rights and your future are protected, it’s imperative that you hire a trusted Savannah under 21 DUI lawyer.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we have dedicated our careers to protecting the rights of Georgia residents. We work to defend young drivers against DUIs and the enduring legal repercussions that come with them. Contact us today if you or your child are facing an underage DUI here in Savannah.