What Parents Need to Know If Their Child Is Charged With Underage DUI in Florida

When a child is charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, it can be one of the most stressful and confusing moments for any parent and child. Whether it's your teen’s first run-in with the law or part of a pattern of risky behavior, an underage DUI charge carries serious legal, educational, and personal consequences.

At Morris Law Firm, we understand that good kids can make poor choices, and we’re here to help your family move forward and give your child the second chance everyone deserves. If you're looking for an underaged DUI lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, you’ve come to the right place. With a focus in criminal defense, we know what it takes to give our clients the new lease on life they deserve.

Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law and Underage DUI

A DUI at any age is a serious charge, but Florida places a particular emphasis on underage drinking. This is addressed in Florida’s Zero Tolerance laws.

What Is the Zero Tolerance Law  For Drivers Under 21?

In Florida, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for adult drivers is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, the standard is much stricter. Under the state's Zero Tolerance Law, a BAC of just 0.02% can trigger serious penalties. This low threshold is equivalent to a single drink or even less, depending on body weight.

If a driver under 21 is found with a BAC of 0.02% or more, their license will be immediately suspended for six months, even on a first offense. This is an administrative penalty handled outside of the criminal court system. A second offense results in a one-year suspension.

Refusing to take a breath, urine, or blood test also carries consequences. A first refusal results in a 12-month suspension, while a second refusal leads to an 18-month suspension.

Difference Between Zero Tolerance and Standard DUI Charges

Zero tolerance violations are typically administrative and handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). However, minors can still face full criminal DUI charges if their BAC is 0.08% or higher or if law enforcement determines they are impaired to a degree that affects their driving ability. In some cases, a juvenile may even be charged as an adult.

Immediate and Long-Term Consequences of an Underage DUI

The consequences for underage drinking will follow your child well into adulthood. Whether it be for college admissions, sports, job hunting, etc., a DUI charge can follow them for the rest of their life if the right legal help is not acquired. 

License Suspension, Fines, and Other Penalties

An underage DUI charge in Florida can result in a number of fines and penalties including:

• Suspension of the driver’s license for six months or more
• Fines and court costs
• Community service
• Mandatory DUI school or substance abuse counseling
• Possible jail time, depending on the circumstances

Repeat offenses or aggravating factors like causing an accident can lead to harsher sentencing. A skilled underage drinking lawyer will be able to minimize the potential penalties for your child.

Impact on School, Scholarships, and Future Opportunities

A DUI arrest or conviction can affect:

• College admissions
• Eligibility for school sports or extracurricular activities
• Loss of scholarship offers
• Opportunities for internships or employment

Even if a conviction doesn’t occur, the arrest itself can raise red flags for school and job applications. A DUI will follow an underage drinker into higher education unless they get the right legal team to help give them their life back.

Criminal Record, Insurance, and Employment Issues

A DUI conviction may:

• Stay on your child’s record permanently, unless sealed or expunged
• Cause a significant increase in auto insurance premiums
• Make it harder to qualify for certain jobs, especially those that require driving or security clearance

These long-term effects can follow your child into adulthood if the situation isn't handled properly. Dreams can be ended in the blink of an eye, all because of a bad decision.

What to Do Right After a Juvenile DUI Arrest in Florida

After you get that phone call that your child has been arrested for an underage DUI or possession of alcohol charge, a million things might flash through your head. In these situations, it's important to stay calm and quickly contact an underage dui lawyer who can help your family.

Remember these important steps:

1. Stay calm and encourage your child to be respectful during the arrest process.
2. Advise your child not to make any statements or admissions to police.
3. Contact an experienced St. Petersburg juvenile DUI attorney as soon as possible.
4. Document everything your child remembers about the traffic stop and arrest.

Acting quickly helps protect your child’s rights and may reduce the chances of severe penalties.

How Morris Law Firm Protects Juveniles and Their Families

Experienced Juvenile and Underage DUI Defense

Morris Law Firm focuses on criminal defense in St. Petersburg and has extensive experience representing minors in underage DUI cases. We understand how the juvenile justice system works and are committed to protecting your child’s rights and future at every stage of the process.

Our goal is to minimize the legal, academic, and personal consequences of a DUI charge. Depending on the specifics of the case, we may pursue options such as:

• Case dismissal or reduction of charges
• Placement in a diversion or intervention program
• Alternative sentencing like counseling or community service
• Protecting your child’s driving privileges

We believe that one mistake shouldn't define a young person’s future. Our team will work to reduce the impact of the charge and help your child move forward with the second chance they deserve.

Contact Morris Law Firm for Help

Contact us at (727) 592-5885 to get the help you need. We’re committed to helping your family navigate this difficult time with clarity and confidence. No child deserves to have their life forever changed because of one bad decision.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents About Underage DUI

Can my child be charged as an adult for a DUI in Florida?

Yes, especially if their BAC is 0.08% or higher or if the DUI involved an accident or injury.

Will a DUI stay on my child’s record forever?

A conviction can stay on a record permanently, but it may be eligible for expungement or sealing depending on the case.

What is the cost of a DUI in Florida?

In addition to fines and legal fees, you may face increased insurance premiums, lost educational opportunities, and long-term financial impacts.

Is a Zero Tolerance violation the same as a DUI charge?

No. A Zero Tolerance violation is usually an administrative offense for BAC levels between 0.02% and 0.079%. Criminal DUI charges apply at 0.08% or higher or if the driver is otherwise impaired.

What happens if my child refused a breath test?

Refusing a breath test can result in an automatic license suspension, but an attorney may be able to challenge the suspension and defend against criminal charges. Law enforcement can also request and be granted permission to perform a blood test.