Juvenile DUI Attorney in Statesboro

Affordable Help for Underage DUI Charges in Statesboro

At The Brannen Law Office, P.C., we understand the serious implications of a juvenile DUI charge. Based in Statesboro and serving Bulloch County, our team is dedicated to providing insightful legal representation tailored to each client's unique situation. 

Led by Attorney Scott Brannen, our firm brings over 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of DUI laws to every case. Having assisted numerous clients, we know that a juvenile DUI charge is not just a legal matter but a personal one that can significantly impact a young person's future, making experienced guidance essential.

The legal climate in Georgia, and specifically in Statesboro, can be challenging. This area is known for its rigorous enforcement of DUI laws, including those affecting minors. Our firm distinguishes itself by leveraging local insights gained from years of practice in the community, ensuring that our clients receive defense strategies that are informed by this nuanced understanding.

Our experienced juvenile DUI attorney in Statesboro is ready to help. We offer free consultations and affordable legal services to guide your family through this difficult time. Call (912) 225-0066 now or contact us online.

Understanding Georgia's Juvenile DUI Laws

In Georgia, a "minor" refers to any individual under the age of 21. Because minors are not legally permitted to consume alcohol, Georgia has enacted specific laws to address underage drinking and driving, distinct from the adult DUI statute (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391).

Underage Driving While Impaired - "Zero Tolerance":

This is the primary statute for underage DUI charges when alcohol is involved. It is a "Zero Tolerance" law.

A person under the age of 21 is deemed to be in violation if they are operating a motor vehicle and their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.02% or greater (but less than 0.08%).

• Classification: A first offense Underage DUI (BAC 0.02%-0.079%) is considered a misdemeanor.

Standard DUI for Minors:

Even though the Zero Tolerance law exists, a minor can still be charged with the more serious standard DUI offense (the same charge adults face) if their BAC is 0.08% or higher, or if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof, to a degree that impairs their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

• Classification: A first offense standard DUI for a minor is also a misdemeanor, but the penalties are significantly harsher than for the Zero Tolerance offense. Jail time is a possibility for a standard DUI conviction, especially if BAC is elevated. An underage DUI attorney in Statesboro will distinguish these charges.

Penalties for Underage DUI Convictions in Georgia

The penalties for an underage DUI conviction in Georgia are severe and designed to deter underage drinking and driving. They often involve a combination of court-imposed and Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) imposed sanctions. These penalties escalate for repeat offenses, and the impact can be profoundly negative on a young person's future.

Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance - BAC 0.02% to less than 0.08%):

• Classification: Misdemeanor.
• Penalties (First Offense):
• Jail Time: Up to 12 months in jail. (The law sets a minimum jail time of 24 hours, but this is often probated or not imposed if certain conditions are met).
• Fines: $300 to $1,000, plus substantial statutory surcharges and court costs.
• Driver's License Suspension: Mandatory six-month license suspension. This is a "hard suspension," meaning no limited driving permit is available for this entire period.
• Community Service: Mandatory minimum of 20 hours.
• Probation: A minimum of 12 months, minus any jail time served. Probation conditions will be strict and may include random drug/alcohol testing and regular reporting.
• DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (DUI School): Mandatory completion. This is a 20-hour course.
• Clinical Evaluation & Treatment: A mandatory substance abuse evaluation and completion of any recommended treatment programs.

Standard DUI (BAC of 0.08% or higher, or impaired by drugs/alcohol) for Minors:

If a minor's BAC is 0.08% or higher, or they are otherwise proven to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, they face the same penalties as an adult first-offense DUI conviction, which are significantly harsher than the Zero Tolerance DUI.

First Offense Standard DUI:

• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 24 consecutive hours up to 12 months in jail.
• Fines: $300 to $1,000, plus statutory surcharges and court costs.
• Driver's License Suspension: Mandatory 12-month license suspension.
• Limited Driving Permit (LDP): A limited driving permit may be available immediately if you install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), complete DUI School, and a clinical evaluation.
• Community Service: Mandatory minimum of 40 hours.
• ASAP & Treatment: Mandatory.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation on your vehicle for at least 6 months if a restricted license is granted by the court.
• Mandatory Minimum Jail (for elevated BACs):
  • BAC 0.15% to 0.20%: Mandatory minimum of 5 consecutive days in jail.
  • BAC 0.20% or higher: Mandatory minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail.

Repeat DUI Offenses for Underage Drivers (within 10 years):

Georgia has a 10-year "look-back" period for prior DUI convictions. If a minor has a prior DUI conviction (either Zero Tolerance or standard DUI), subsequent convictions carry dramatically increased penalties.

Collateral Consequences:

An underage DUI conviction in Georgia carries profound and lasting consequences, often more devastating than the direct legal penalties. It results in a permanent criminal record that is typically not expungeable, making it visible on background checks. This record can negatively impact college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid, and lead to severe school disciplinary actions.

In addition to academic and career hurdles, an underage DUI conviction in Georgia also brings substantial financial and personal repercussions. You'll face a dramatic increase in auto insurance rates, often requiring an expensive SR-22 filing. A core penalty is the mandatory loss of driving privileges, with a "hard suspension" for Zero Tolerance DUIs where no driving is allowed whatsoever.