Rockville, MD Underage DUI/DWI Lawyers

Trusted Underage DUI Attorneys for Minors Charged With DUI or DWI in Rockville

Drunk driving is a serious offense for any driver, but minors who are charged with DUI or DWI may face additional issues as they defend themselves. Maryland takes a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking and driving, and minors can face long-lasting penalties in these cases. The Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can provide legal representation to help underage drivers fight these charges and protect their futures.

Maryland's Zero Tolerance Law

Maryland law states that drivers who are under the age of 21 cannot operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system. Drivers over 21 may be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. They may also face DWI charges if they have a BAC under .08% but are considered to be impaired. Underage drivers may face drunk driving charges if their BAC is 0.02% or higher.

Penalties for Underage DUI/DWI in Maryland

Minors charged with intoxicated driving may face penalties including:

• License Suspension: An underage driver who violates a license restriction by driving with alcohol in their system will face an immediate suspension of their driver's license. If a minor is convicted of DUI or DWI, their license will typically be suspended for one year. A second DUI or DWI offense will require a two-year suspension.
• Fines: Most of the time, a minor convicted of a drunk driving offense will be fined a maximum of $500 for a first offense or $1,000 for a second offense.
• Jail Time: Minors charged with drunk driving face the potential of jail. A first-time DWI conviction may lead to a prison sentence of up to two months, while a second offense could lead to up to one year in jail. For a DUI conviction, a first offense could lead to a one-year sentence, while a second offense could lead to a two-year sentence.
• DUI/DWI Record: A conviction for drunk driving will stay on a person's record. This could affect a minor's education, job prospects, and other future opportunities.
• Insurance Rates: A DUI or DWI conviction will most likely lead to increased insurance premiums, which can lead to financial burdens that may last for several years.

Defending Against Underage DUI/DWI Charges

Because of the serious penalties that minors may face, defending against a conviction for DUI or DWI is very important. Young people will not only need to deal with fines and legal penalties, but a drunk driving charge can affect their reputation and limit their ability to attend college, find housing, and maintain employment. These cases can also have consequences that may affect a person's immigration status.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we work to help young people and their families address DUI or DWI charges and resolve their cases successfully. We understand the problems that a conviction can cause, and we provide compassionate legal help to ensure that our clients have a voice in court. We understand that court proceedings can be intimidating, and we will do everything we can to make the process as easy as possible.

Before appearing in court, we will work with our client to make sure they are fully prepared. We will make sure they know what questions they may be asked and how they should appropriately answer. We will make sure they are dressed appropriately, including providing a tie if needed, to make sure they convey the right image when speaking to the judge. We will also speak on their behalf while seeking an outcome that will allow them to avoid penalties as much as possible and get their driver's license back quickly.

Contact Our Rockville, Maryland Underage DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys

For those who have been charged with DUI or DWI as minors, the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can provide a strong legal defense. We can address charges of underage drinking or intoxicated driving, and we work to help young people protect their futures. Our goal is to resolve cases in ways that will avoid a conviction, help a person maintain their driving privileges, and minimize the potential penalties.

Contact us by calling 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation. When you work with us, we will begin building a strong defense right away. We can provide legal help to clients throughout most of Maryland and in Washington, D.C.