Underage DUI Defense Lawyer
Daytona Beach Underage DUI Attorney
Retired Homicide Detective. Former DUI Investigator. Trial Attorney.
An underage DUI arrest can have consequences far beyond a traffic ticket.
For teenagers, college students, and young adults, a DUI charge can affect:
- Driving privileges
- Educational opportunities
- Scholarships
- Employment prospects
- Professional licensing
- Military eligibility
- Future career opportunities
Many young people arrested for DUI have never been in trouble before.
They are often good students, athletes, college applicants, or young professionals who suddenly find themselves facing a frightening and unfamiliar legal system.
Fortunately, an arrest does not automatically result in a conviction.
Many underage DUI cases involve legal defenses, evidentiary issues, and opportunities to challenge the State’s case.
At the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A., we represent minors, college students, and young adults charged with DUI throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Volusia County, Flagler County, and throughout Central Florida.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as a police officer, DUI investigator, traffic homicide investigator, police instructor, and homicide detective.
He understands how DUI investigations are conducted because he participated in them.
Today, he uses that experience to protect the futures of young people facing DUI allegations.
Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law
Many parents are surprised to learn that Florida applies a much stricter standard to drivers under the age of 21.
Florida’s Zero Tolerance Law allows administrative action against underage drivers who register alcohol levels below the traditional .08 DUI limit.
This means a young driver can face driver’s license consequences even when the alcohol level would not support an adult DUI prosecution.
As a result, many underage alcohol-related driving cases involve both criminal and administrative issues.
Underage DUI Versus Zero Tolerance Violations
These are not necessarily the same thing.
Zero Tolerance Cases
A young driver may face administrative consequences based upon alcohol levels below .08.
Criminal DUI Cases
A criminal DUI prosecution generally requires proof of impairment or an unlawful alcohol concentration under Florida law.
Understanding the distinction is important because the consequences and defenses may differ.
Why Underage DUI Cases Are Different
Young drivers often face consequences that extend beyond the courtroom.
A DUI arrest may affect:
College Admissions
Some educational institutions consider criminal history during admissions decisions.
Scholarships
Scholarship eligibility may be affected.
Professional Licensing
Certain professions require disclosure of criminal history.
Military Service
Military opportunities may be impacted.
Employment
Many employers conduct background checks.
Because young people have their entire future ahead of them, protecting their records becomes especially important.
What Happens After An Underage DUI Arrest?
Most underage DUI cases follow a familiar process.
Traffic Stop
The officer observes alleged driving behavior.
Investigation
The officer conducts a DUI investigation.
Field Sobriety Exercises
The driver may be asked to perform field sobriety exercises.
Breath Or Blood Testing
Alcohol testing may be requested.
Arrest
The officer determines whether probable cause exists.
Court Proceedings
The case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
Every case is unique and should be carefully evaluated.
Field Sobriety Exercises In Underage DUI Cases
Field sobriety exercises often play a major role in underage DUI investigations.
These exercises are not scientific tests.
They are subjective evaluations.
Young drivers frequently experience:
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Inexperience with police encounters
These factors may affect performance.
Poor performance does not automatically establish impairment.
Related Page:
Field Sobriety Exercises
Breath Testing In Underage DUI Cases
Breath testing frequently becomes a central issue.
Questions may include:
- Was the machine functioning properly?
- Was the observation period completed?
- Was the test properly administered?
- Were procedures followed?
Breath testing evidence should always be carefully reviewed.
Related Page:
Breath Test Defense
Underage DUI Refusal Cases
Some young drivers refuse breath testing.
Refusal allegations often create additional issues involving:
- Driver’s license consequences
- Administrative penalties
- Evidentiary issues
These cases frequently require careful analysis.
Related Page:
DUI Refusal Cases
Common Defenses In Underage DUI Cases
Every case is different.
Potential defenses may include:
Illegal Traffic Stop
The officer must have a lawful basis for the stop.
Lack Of Probable Cause
The officer must possess sufficient grounds for arrest.
Faulty Field Sobriety Exercises
Performance may have been affected by factors unrelated to alcohol.
Breath Test Problems
Equipment, procedures, and operator issues may exist.
Constitutional Violations
Young drivers enjoy the same constitutional protections as adults.
Insufficient Evidence
The State must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
College Students And DUI Charges
Daytona Beach is home to numerous college students and young adults.
A DUI arrest can affect:
- College disciplinary proceedings
- Student housing
- Scholarships
- Financial aid opportunities
- Future employment
Many students focus only on the court case while overlooking these collateral consequences.
A comprehensive defense strategy should consider both.
Parents Frequently Ask These Questions
Will My Child Have A Permanent Criminal Record?
Potentially.
The answer depends upon the outcome of the case and other factors.
Can An Underage DUI Be Dismissed?
Some cases are dismissed or successfully challenged.
Every case depends upon its specific facts and evidence.
Will My Child Lose Their License?
Possibly.
Administrative and criminal consequences may affect driving privileges.
Will A DUI Affect College Applications?
It can.
This is one reason why early legal intervention is important.
Should My Child Plead Guilty?
Before making any decision, the evidence, defenses, and long-term consequences should be fully evaluated.
Protecting A Young Person’s Future
Young people often make mistakes.
One mistake should not necessarily define the rest of a person’s life.
A strong defense focuses not only on the immediate case but also on protecting future opportunities.
Important considerations may include:
- Educational goals
- Employment goals
- Professional licensing
- Background checks
- Long-term consequences
These issues are particularly important in underage DUI cases.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Important evidence may exist early in the case.
Examples include:
- Video recordings
- Witness statements
- Breath testing records
- Body camera footage
Prompt investigation may help preserve evidence and identify defenses.
Waiting can limit available options.
Why Clients Choose Patrick J. McGeehan
Many attorneys handle DUI cases.
Few have participated in DUI investigations before becoming lawyers.
Patrick’s background includes:
- Former DUI Investigator
- Police Officer
- Police Instructor
- Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator
- Retired Homicide Detective
- Trial Attorney
Most attorneys learn DUI investigations from reports and training materials.
Patrick participated in the investigative process himself.
That experience provides valuable insight when defending young drivers facing DUI allegations.
A Career Dedicated To Protecting Futures
An underage DUI case is about more than a driver’s license.
It is about protecting opportunities.
It is about protecting education.
It is about protecting careers.
It is about protecting futures.
Patrick has spent decades evaluating evidence, investigating cases, and helping clients navigate difficult legal situations.
That same commitment guides every underage DUI defense today.
Contact A Daytona Beach Underage DUI Lawyer
An underage DUI arrest can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
Do not assume the State’s evidence is correct.
Do not assume there are no defenses.
The facts matter.
The evidence matters.
The future matters.
Contact the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn how an experienced Daytona Beach underage DUI lawyer can help protect your rights and your future.
Resources:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident With a Death
Fatal Crash Investigations in Florida