Skip to Content
ATTORNEYS ON CALL 24/7 727-592-5885
Top
Zero Tolerance DUI DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

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


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.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    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 on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google