Cobb County Underage DUI Lawyer
Facing charges for underage DUI can feel overwhelming and frightening, especially for a young person with their whole life ahead of them. At The Spizman Firm, our compassionate Cobb County underage DUI lawyers understand the stress and uncertainty you are experiencing. We are here to provide the strong legal guidance and dedicated representation you need to protect your rights, reputation, and future. If you or your child has been arrested for DUI under the age of 21, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Georgia’s Zero Tolerance Law for Underage DUI
Georgia, like all states, has a “zero tolerance” law when it comes to underage drinking and driving. This means that drivers under 21 can face DUI charges if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .02% or higher, a much lower threshold than the .08% limit for drivers over 21.
The reasoning behind the zero-tolerance law is that any amount of alcohol can significantly impair a young, inexperienced driver. Alcohol affects brain development, which continues into a person’s early 20s. It can impact a teen’s judgment, reflexes, coordination, and ability to safely operate a vehicle, even after just one or two drinks.
Under Georgia law, an underage DUI is typically a misdemeanor. However, the penalties can still be severe:
- License suspension for 6-12 months
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 20-40 hours of community service
- DUI school or substance abuse treatment
- Possible jail time of up to 1 year
For a young person, the consequences of an underage DUI conviction go beyond legal penalties. It can limit college admissions, scholarship eligibility, job opportunities, professional licensing, and more. The record follows a young person for years, closing many doors.
Underage DUI Defenses in Cobb County
This is why it is critical to have an experienced Cobb County underage DUI attorney in your corner. At The Spizman Firm, we carefully investigate the details of your case to build the strongest possible defense. Depending on the circumstances, defenses against underage DUI charges may include:
- Challenging the traffic stop: Police must have reasonable suspicion that a crime or traffic violation occurred to pull someone over. If proper procedure was not followed, evidence from the illegal stop could be suppressed.
- Disputing BAC test results: Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate and must be properly calibrated and administered to be valid. Blood tests can also be mishandled. Your lawyer can challenge unreliable test results.
- Miranda rights violations: When someone is arrested, officers must inform them of their Miranda rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to a Cobb County underage DUI attorney. Statements made in violation of these rights may be inadmissible.
- Examining mental state: The prosecution must prove the underage driver was impaired at the time of the offense. A skilled lawyer can question the evidence and raise doubts about the driver’s actual impairment.
Next Steps After an Underage DUI Arrest
The most important thing to remember is that you have rights and options. Do not plead guilty before speaking with a knowledgeable Cobb County underage DUI lawyer about your case. At The Spizman Firm, we offer confidential consultations to discuss your unique situation and explain how we can help. Contact us today to get started.
