Underage DUI Attorney in Colorado Springs

Arrested for Underage DUI? Get Affordable Legal Help Today

When facing an underage DUI charge in Colorado Springs, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and compassionate defense team by your side. At Aviso Law, we understand the complexities of juvenile law and the unique challenges that come with DUI cases. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal solutions that address the specific needs of young defendants and their families.

In the turbulent aftermath of an underage DUI arrest, families often face confusion and anxiety. The impact on a young person's life can be significant, which is why our approach centers around reducing these stressors. Our unique team composition, which includes attorneys with military backgrounds, equips us with a disciplinary perspective and a commitment to defending the rights of juvenile clients with understanding and diligence.

Our experienced underage DUI attorney in Colorado Springs offers free consultations and affordable legal services to help you fight the charge. Call (719) 356-5552 now or contact us online to get the defense you need.

Understanding Underage DUI Laws in Colorado Springs

In Colorado, drivers under the age of 21 can face DUI charges if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is as low as 0.02%. This zero-tolerance policy reflects the state's commitment to addressing underage drinking and driving. 

Our attorneys are well-versed in Colorado Springs' specific court procedures, including how juvenile matters are handled in El Paso County Court and the District Court, and we use this knowledge to safeguard our clients' futures.

• Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD) - "Baby DUI": A person under 21 years of age commits an offense if the person drives a motor vehicle or vehicle when the person's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is at least 0.02 but not more than 0.05 at the time of driving or within two hours after driving.
• Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) for Minors: If a minor's BAC is above 0.05% but less than 0.08%, they can be charged with DWAI, the same charge adults face. DWAI implies that a person's ability to drive is impaired "to the slightest degree" by alcohol or drugs.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for Minors: If a minor's BAC is 0.08% or higher, or if they are "substantially incapable, mentally or physically," of safely operating a vehicle due to alcohol or drugs, they will be charged with the standard DUI offense, the same as adults.

The juvenile court system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, which is a distinguishing factor from the adult legal system. Our legal team strives to harness the benefits of this approach, advocating for alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs or community service instead of traditional punitive measures.

Potential Consequences of Underage DUI Convictions in Colorado Springs

Underage DUI charges can have far-reaching effects on a young person's life, impacting educational opportunities, driving privileges, and future employment. 

First-Time UDD Penalties

For a first offense, while it is a traffic infraction, the consequences include:

• License Suspension: An automatic 3-month revocation of driving privileges.
• Fines: Up to $150 plus court costs and surcharges.
• Public Service: Up to 24 hours of useful community service.
• Alcohol Education: Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol evaluation and education program at the driver’s expense.
• Points: 4 points added to the Colorado driving record.

If a minor is charged with a second UDD, it is elevated to a Class 2 Traffic Misdemeanor. This allows for 10 to 90 days in jail and higher fines.

Collateral and Future Consequences

The true "cost" of an underage DUI often appears months or years later. These consequences include:

• College Admissions: Many universities require disclosure of any criminal or traffic convictions. A DUI can lead to the denial of admission or the loss of institutional scholarships.
• Military Careers: For those planning to serve, a DUI conviction can result in a "moral waiver" requirement or even total disqualification from certain branches or MOS assignments. Our firm’s elite military and trial experience is particularly valuable here in helping young people navigate the impact on their future service.
• Insurance Rates: A single underage DUI can cause car insurance premiums to triple, or lead to the insurance company dropping the family's coverage entirely.
• Professional Licensing: Future careers in medicine, law, or nursing can be jeopardized by a permanent record of impaired driving.

This underscores the critical importance of an informed legal defense focused on minimizing these impacts. By working closely with clients and their families, we develop comprehensive defense strategies that prioritize both resolving current charges and safeguarding future potential.

The Colorado Springs Defense Process for Underage DUI

Navigating the legal system in El Paso County requires quick action and a strategic timeline. Aviso Law LLC manages every step of this process:

1. The 7-Day DMV Deadline: This is the most critical step. From the moment of arrest, you often have only 7 days to request an administrative hearing with the DMV to fight the license revocation. If you miss this window, your child’s license will be automatically suspended, regardless of what happens in the criminal case.
2. Arraignment: This is the first court appearance where the charges are formally read. As your Colorado Springs underage DUI lawyer, we enter a "Not Guilty" plea and begin the process of gathering discovery.
3. Discovery and Investigation: We demand all evidence, including police body-cam footage and chemical test logs. We look for procedural errors—such as a failure to observe the mandatory 20-minute "waiting period" before a breath test—that can lead to the evidence being thrown out.
4. Pre-Trial Negotiations: We leverage our proven track record to negotiate with local prosecutors. For many first-time offenders, we can often secure a "deferred sentence" or a reduction to a lesser traffic charge that doesn't carry the same stigma as a DUI.
5. Trial or Final Disposition: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to go to trial. We use our elite military and trial experience to present a compelling defense to a jury, challenging the accuracy of the state's tests and the officer's observations.

Defenses And Strategies In Colorado Springs Underage DUI Cases

Parents often want to know what realistic defenses may be available in an underage DUI case and how an underage DUI attorney in Colorado Springs might approach the situation. Common issues include whether the traffic stop was lawful, how breath or blood tests were administered, and whether officers properly advised the juvenile of their rights.

Some of the defense tools we may consider include:

• Challenging the stop: Evaluating whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull the vehicle over in the first place.
• Attacking test reliability: Reviewing breath or blood testing procedures, maintenance records, and timing issues that may affect BAC results.
• Highlighting mitigation: Presenting evidence of counseling, treatment, community service, or strong school performance to support more favorable resolutions.
• Pursuing diversion options: Seeking programs that focus on education and rehabilitation instead of confinement or long-term license consequences.

Because each situation is different, we take time to explain these options in clear terms so families can decide whether to negotiate, accept a plea, or move toward a hearing or trial. When you work with an underage DUI lawyer Colorado Springs families can meet with locally or virtually, you gain guidance from a team that regularly appears in the El Paso County Courthouse and understands how local practices may affect your child’s case.

How Aviso Law Can Help in Colorado Springs

Our legal team at Aviso Law stands out for its commitment to empathetic and proactive representation. We draw upon our diverse team backgrounds, which include significant military experience, allowing us to approach cases with a nuanced understanding of discipline and personal growth. 

Here’s how we support our clients:

• Dedicated representation: We prioritize our client’s needs while zealously advocating for their rights.
• Comprehensive case evaluation: Our free initial consultation helps families understand the charges and potential defense strategies without financial risk.
• Experienced negotiation and litigation: With over 50 years of combined experience, our legal professionals skillfully navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system.

Each juvenile case we handle is unique, requiring a tailored strategy that addresses not just the legal intricacies but also the personal concerns of the client and their family. Our ability to combine empathy with assertive legal defense helps the young individuals we represent receive the support they need to overcome their current difficulties while preparing for a brighter future.

Contact Us for Support & Guidance

If your child is facing DUI charges in Colorado Springs, don't hesitate to reach out. At Aviso Law, we are committed to providing compassionate, insightful legal representation tailored to youthful defendants. 

By contacting us for a free consultation, you can explore your legal options without obligation and begin navigating this challenging journey with confidence. Our team is here to help turn difficulties into opportunities for growth and learning, providing peace of mind and helping protect your child’s future from being defined by a single mistake. 

Call us today at (719) 356-5552 or reach out online to discuss with our DUI attorneys in a free consultation.