Studies show that one teenager out of six engages in binge drinking. The same study indicates that nearly 5,000 deaths annually are attributed to teenage drinking. If you are the parent of a teenager who has made the mistake of underage and irresponsible drinking, and worse, getting a DUI charge from driving afterward, you'll need to know what they will face. Hiring a juvenile lawyer and navigating the legal system will let your teen learn a lesson while keeping legal ramifications to a minimum. Read on and follow these steps, so you know how to respond.
Understand The Terms Of The Case
The first thing you must know is that a DUI charge does not mean your child is guilty. They will receive a fair day in court, so you should avoid any apologies or statements without the counsel of the juvenile lawyer. The DUI laws are handled on a state by state basis, with states typically either having zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving, or much lower blood alcohol content limits of .02 percent. Your teen can run the risk of time behind bars, losing their ability to get a license and other such penalties.
Seek Leniency Whenever Possible
If your teen is a first time offender, the judge will likely allow them to receive community service in lieu of charges, or to plead down to a wet reckless charge. This can be critically important to your teen's future, so that they do not have hindrances from college admission or living a regular adult life. Your child may also be required to take substance abuse counseling or educational sessions.
Hire A Great Juvenile Lawyer
Without a doubt, the juvenile lawyer that you hire for your teen's driving under the influence case is the most important piece of the puzzle. You can get this by seeking the references of people who have hired the law firm before. You'll need to reach out to these lawyers in order to find out their rates and fees, while making sure that you don't allow priciness prevent you from hiring the best lawyer possible for your case. These attorneys are versed in trying juvenile criminal cases and will do their due diligence in helping your child avoid a conviction.
To have a fighting chance when dealing with an underage driving under the influence case, consider these points and hire the best juvenile lawyer possible.
Share10 November 2015
Few things are more frustrating than being accused of a crime that you didn't commit. I found myself in this difficult situation a few years ago when I was with a friend who broke the law. However, I knew that I didn't do anything, which is why I hired an experienced criminal attorney to help me out. He carefully reviewed my case, talked with me about what court would be like, and helped me to wrap my head around the different punishments I might face. He helped to prove my innocence, and I decided to set up this blog to help other people to understand the importance of working with a professional.