Phoenix Underage Drinking and Driving Lawyer
Experienced Defense for Arizona Underage DUI Charges
Being charged with underage drinking and driving is a serious matter that can have significant consequences for young individuals and their futures. Arizona enforces strict laws to deter underage drinking and driving, and violations come with severe penalties. At MayesTelles PLLC, we understand the complexities of defending against such charges and are committed to providing the best legal representation.
Call MayesTelles PLLC today at (602) 428-7104 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our underage drinking and driving attorney in Phoenix!
What is an Underage DUI?
An underage DUI in Arizona pertains to individuals under the age of 21 who are caught driving with alcohol or drugs in their system. Unlike adults, who are subject to a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limit of 0.08%, those under 21 face a lower threshold. This zero-tolerance policy underscores Arizona’s commitment to preventing underage drinking and driving.
What are the Penalties for Underage Drinking and Driving in Arizona?
The consequences of being convicted of an underage DUI in Arizona are severe and can have long-lasting effects. Penalties may include:
- License Suspension: A mandatory suspension of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
- Fines: Financial penalties ranging from $500 to $2,500.
- Jail Time: Possible incarceration ranging from a few days to several months, depending on the case's specifics.
- Community Service: Requirement to complete community service hours.
- Alcohol Education Programs: Mandatory participation in alcohol education or treatment programs.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Potential impoundment of the vehicle involved in the offense.
Other Charges You May Face
If your underage child was pulled over and arrested for drinking and driving, know that there may be some other charges that can be associated with this. They could be charged with minor in possession or soliciting alcohol for even having the drinks in his or her possession. If other underage passengers were in the vehicle, it could result in a distributing or child endangerment charge. Arizona is very strict when it comes to underage drinking. Our firm feels that if you can educate yourself regarding the matter, you can avoid severe situations like this in the future.
Defenses Against Underage Drinking and Driving Charges
Several defenses can be utilized to challenge an underage DUI charge. Each case is unique, and the following are some common defenses that might be applicable:
- Improper Stop or Search: If the traffic stop was not conducted legally or there was no probable cause for the search, the evidence collected may be inadmissible.
- Faulty Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer machines can be unreliable if not maintained or used correctly. Challenging the accuracy of these results can be a viable defense.
- Insufficient Evidence: Demonstrating that the evidence does not meet the burden of proof for impairment.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect BAC readings or mimic symptoms of intoxication.
- Violation of Rights: If proper legal procedures, such as reading of Miranda rights, were not followed, statements made during arrest might be excluded from evidence.
Contact Our Phoenix Underage Drinking and Driving Attorney Today
Being charged with an underage DUI carries more than just the immediate consequences of an arrest or fine. It will raise the cost of insurance premiums and will most likely remain on the driver’s record for several years. Getting the conviction expunged in the future may be possible, but if not, your ability to gain employment in some industries may be hindered.
At MayesTelles PLLC, our team consists of former prosecutors. We have nearly 200 years of experience helping clients navigate the complex legal system. Don’t let your child’s future be determined by a mistake they made as an underage driver. Learn how our team can stand by your side when you need us the most.
Contact MayesTelles PLLC today to schedule a meeting with our underage drinking and driving lawyer in Phoenix!
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys