St. Petersburg Juvenile DUI Attorney
At the Morris Law Firm, P.A., we represent juvenile offenders charged with DUI throughout the Tampa Bay area. Our goal will be to protect the rights of the minor and make court experiences as painless as possible. We represent a wide range of clients from juveniles to adults in a wide range of areas including, Tampa, Clearwater, Bartow, New Port Richey, Dade City, and Plant City, including the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas or the surrounding areas.
What is Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law?
The State of Florida’s Zero Tolerance law, also referred to as the .02 law became effective January 1, 1997. The State of Florida’s Zero Tolerance law deems for suspended driving privilege of drivers below 21 years old that is found to have a breath or blood alcohol concentration of .02 or more. Florida also has an administrative per se DUI law which makes it an offense for any juvenile or adult motorist to drive with a breath or blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more.
License Suspension for an Underage DUI
Motorists under 21 years old with a blood alcohol level of .02% or more will have their license instantly suspended:
- First-time offense will lead to a six months suspension.
- A second-time offense will result in a one-year suspension.
- Denial of testing for a first offense will result in a suspension of twelve months and eighteen months for a second offense.
The State of Florida’s Zero Tolerance law is an administrative law where the full enforcement action may be implemented at the scene of the traffic stop.
The State of Florida’s Zero Tolerance law procedures are:
A permissible interaction must be made with the underage motorist before checking for a zero tolerance violation. This may be generated by a traffic stop linked to a violation of law, contact at a sobriety checkpoint, and contact at a crash site or a consensual encounter with a motorist under 21 years old.
If two breath samples return breath or blood alcohol concentrations of .02 and up, the law enforcement officer takes the driver’s license and issues a suspension using a multi-part form provided by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The form serves as a ten-day provisional license during which time the motorist may request a hearing. If the motorist rejects giving a breath sample the same form provides for imposing an implied consent refusal suspension. Since the officer initially rules out probable cause for .08 DUI offenses, even if the BAC level is above .08, only a zero tolerance suspension is issued.
If the motorist is between 18 and 20 years old and there is no arrest for another violation, the motorist is released and instructed not to drive. Normally the officer will assist in calling a cab or other ride or allow a non-drinking, licensed passenger to drive the vehicle. If the driver is below 18 years old, the parents or guardian are informed and requested to retrieve the juvenile motorist or the minor will be escorted to a juvenile assessment center.
DUI Information Center
- DUI Refusal
- DUI Urine Test
- DUI Blood Test
- DUI Breath Test
- First DUI Punishments
- Second DUI Punishments
- Third DUI Punishments
- Fourth DUI Punishments
- DUI Property Damage
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury
- DUI Manslaughter / DUI Fatality
Morris Law Firm, P.A. | Florida Juvenile DUI Defense Attorney
If your child is facing charges related to Zero Tolerance DUI, hire an experienced DUI defense attorney to defend them against this serious charge. Call Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 St. Petersburg Juvenile Attorney, Melinda Morris, for more information about defending your child’s DUI case throughout the Tampa Bay area including Tampa, Clearwater, Bartow, New Port Richey, Dade City, and Plant City, including the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas or the surrounding areas. Contact us today to defend your case and protect your rights.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?
See the Difference Our Service Provides-
FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
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STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
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TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
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PERSONAL ATTENTION
We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
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PROMPT COMMUNICATION
You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
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SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro
Client Testimonials
Hear From Real People We've Helped-
“I am so glad I came across the Morris law firm. Seth did an amazing job..he was very kind and did a great job at explaining every detail and action to take..words cannot describe how much he helped me ...”
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“If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated ...”
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“Seth's dedication, knowledge of the law, and real world experience make all the difference. Expert help on important, life-altering issues aren't the place to cut corners. Go with Seth. You'll be glad ...”
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“I'm in Tennessee but needed Seth to do some work for me in Florida. He was just what the doctor ordered. Very professional, understanding ant an all-around nice guy. I will be forever thankful for the ...”
- Jerry -
“I had a traffic violation that was about to devastate my life. After talking to numerous lawyers I was told that what I was making o be done was unheard of. I am a flight student and work for a ...”
- Clint J