Skip to Content
Free Consultation 201-574-7919
Top

Underage DUI

Our Bergen County DUI Attorney Can Help Defend Your Rights

New Jersey is a zero-tolerance state, meaning if a person under the age of 21 has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01% or higher and is operating a vehicle, the driver can be cited for driving under the influence (DUI). While the punishments are typically less harsh than the average DUI charge, a person still might face jail time, community service, and substantial fines.

If your child is facing an underage DUI charge, talk to our skilled DUI attorney. Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC is a firm dedicated to defending the rights and freedoms of our clients. Someone under the age of 21 who drinks and drives could also be facing a number of other charges, including the following:

  • Minor in possession
  • Soliciting alcohol
  • Distributing alcohol to other minors
  • Child endangerment law violations
  • Moving and vehicle maintenance violations
  • Possession of false identification

Your child could be facing significant penalties if convicted. Make sure they have the best chance of staying out of jail and avoiding hefty fines.


Get your case started by calling us at (201) 574-7919 or filling out our online form today!


Penalties

If someone under the age of 21 is caught behind the wheel while intoxicated, he or she will be charged with a DUI. If convicted, he or she will face any or all of the following punishments:

  • Loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days
  • 15 to 30 days of community service
  • Participation in an alcohol and traffic safety education program
  • Imprisonment from 2 to 90 days
  • A $500 to $1,000 fine

The penalties tend to be more severe the higher the BAC was at the time of arrest. For example, if a law enforcement officer administered a breathalyzer test, and the BAC showed 0.10% or more, you are more likely to experience harsher punishments. If this is the 2nd time someone has been charged with a DUI within 10 years, he or she could face up to 1 year in jail, license suspension for 2 years, and a fine ranging from $500 to $2,000.

In addition, if your child is convicted, his or her insurance company might terminate his or her policy. Others might refuse to renew the policy once it expires. Many other companies merely raise the cost of the monthly premium by $100 to $200 for who they consider a higher risk driver.

Call Our Skilled Attorney Today!

If your child is facing a DUI charge, make sure to give them their best chance at a good defense. Talk to our experienced Bergen County criminal defense attorney. Our founding attorney, Joseph R. Donahue, is a passionate advocate for preserving our clients’ rights and interests. We provide the highest standards of legal care, being courteous and highly responsive to the people we help. Our attorney is also a former prosecutor and can understand how the opposition thinks. When we take a case, our objective is to do what is best for our clients. We will always try to get a case dismissed or an acquittal when possible. However, if this is not achieved, we will seek to minimize any criminal or collateral consequences through all possible legal means. Let us see what we can do for you by examining your case.


Contact us at (201) 574-7919 or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE case consultation today.


 

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.