Lafayette Underage DUI Lawyer
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Top Rated Underage DUI Attorney in Lafayette, LA
Louisiana’s underage DUI laws exist to protect all drivers on the road. A Lafayette underage DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options based on the charges you face.
Drinking underage is already a crime under Louisiana law. Matters only become more serious if the impaired minor is then caught driving under the influence (DUI). In Louisiana, DUIs are legally known as operating while intoxicated (OWI).
Drivers of all ages are not permitted to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Underage DUI penalties aim to punish minors without severely impacting their chance at a nice and normal future.
Still, Louisiana is tough on underage OWIs. It’s even possible for a minor to go to jail. It’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from a Lafayette criminal defense lawyer you can trust.
Understanding Louisiana’s Underage DUI Laws and Penalties
Drinking and driving is serious at any age. In a single year, impaired drivers caused 210 fatalities on Louisiana roadways. That year, there were 622 arrests for underage OWIs across the state.
OWIs can lead to injuries, deaths, and serious damages on the road. You can expect to face serious penalties no matter how old you are when you’re arrested. Underage OWIs can even be charged as felonies in Louisiana on the same grounds as OWIs for adults.
Minors also face stricter rules for operating motor vehicles, especially where controlled substances are concerned. They can be considered intoxicated if their BAC is 0.02 percent or higher. Adults, on the other hand, are deemed over the legal limit if they’re at 0.08 percent or higher.
Additionally, a conviction shows up on your criminal record. This can affect minors applying for college, seeking employment, and searching for housing.
Navigating Underage OWI Charges in Lafayette
Even though the defendant is a minor in underage OWI cases, these matters go through standard adult court systems instead of a juvenile court. You can expect to handle your case through the Lafayette City Court or 15th Judicial District Court, depending on whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony.
That said, it’s possible to avoid trial for an underage OWI case, especially if it’s a first offense. Our Lafayette DUI defense attorneys can help you navigate pre-trial processes, negotiate plea bargains, and navigate litigation in the courtroom, too.
A Lafayette Underage DUI Lawyer You Can Trust
At Stockstill Defense Firm, our mission is to defend the rights of individuals throughout south-central Louisiana facing tough legal challenges. We bring over two decades of experience navigating complex pre-trial motions and litigation in the courtroom. We have a solid understanding of Louisiana’s legal system, and we’re not afraid to be the strong advocate you need in and out of the courtroom.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a local law firm with a reputation you can trust:
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyers for white collar and non-white collar criminal defense
American Association for Justice
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of LA
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Peer-rated AV-Preeminent® with Martindale®
Rated by SuperLawyers®*
From evaluating your initial charges to challenging the prosecution’s case to advocating for your rights and freedom, you can count on us to be there for you through everything.
FAQs
What Are Louisiana’s Underage DUI Penalties?
Louisiana’s underage DUI penalties are different from the penalties adults face in OWI cases, but the consequences are still very serious. A minor can go to jail for driving under the influence. They can also face hefty fines and other penalties imposed by the court, including:
Community service
License suspension or revocation
Mandatory completion of OWI education classes
Probation
Every case is different, which affects the exact terms of a criminal sentence.
Can an Underage DUI Conviction Be Expunged From Your Record in Lafayette?
Yes, an underage DUI conviction can be expunged from your record in Lafayette depending on the details of the situation. If you’re officially convicted, you typically must wait for the waiting period to pass before filing for expungement.
In the event you secured a deferred sentence, the charge may be eligible for expungement once you complete the terms of your sentence.
How Do I Defend Against an Underage DUI Charge in Lafayette?
To defend against an underage DUI charge in Lafayette, it depends on the facts of the case. There are a number of different defensive strategies that a Lafayette underage DUI attorney may discuss with you, including:
Chain of custody issues
Challenging the traffic stop
Disputing field sobriety tests
Improper chemical test administration
Lack of probable cause
Rising BAC
Violations of constitutional rights
Every case is different. It’s important to form a defense based on your specific situation.
When Is the Right Time to Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer?
The right time to hire an underage DUI lawyer depends on the details of your case. As a general rule of thumb, you want to secure legal representation as soon as possible after an OWI arrest or summons to court.
Your attorney can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights as you form a defense strategy for an underage OWI case.
Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Lafayette
There’s a lot at stake for minors facing criminal charges in Louisiana. It’s critical that you understand your rights and legal options when going up against the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer.
If you’re facing an underage OWI case throughout the Acadiana region, Stockstill Defense Firm is the team to call. Our attorneys have been representing Louisianans through tough criminal cases for years. We know how to navigate charges at every level, and we’re committed to helping our clients secure a favorable outcome whenever possible.
We serve our clients from two offices throughout Cajun Country and beyond. You can find us here in Lafayette near the I-10 and I-49 interchange and in Lake Charles, too. Contact us to set up a meeting with an attorney you can trust today.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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