29 Apr Teen Charged with a DUI: How to Help Your Child

It’s not uncommon for teens to develop a curiosity about alcohol, and though you likely taught your child not to drink and drive, sometimes teens make poor choices. If your child has been charged with driving under the influence, you are likely worried about how this charge could affect their future.

You don’t want one poor decision to negatively impact your teen’s life forever. Turning to a DUI attorney is a good idea. Your lawyer can look into the charge your child is facing and work to find the best solution possible. In many instances, an attorney can help your child avoid some of the consequences associated with a DUI conviction in California.

Your attorney might be able to get the charge reduced, for example, or even dismissed. There are also many programs offered to juveniles that you might not know about. More information about how to help your child following a DUI arrest has been detailed below.

How Can You Help Your Child When They’ve Been Charged with a DUI?

The first thing you can do to help your child is advise them not to speak with the police without talking to a lawyer first. The police can use your child’s statements as evidence against them, so make sure they understand this.

Next, you should contact a lawyer right away for help with facing—and possibly beating—this charge. Many people make the mistake of thinking there’s no way to challenge evidence, or that there are no defenses available against the conviction of a DUI. This is not true, as there are many ways to challenge the state’s evidence.

Finally, collect and document any evidence that you have that could be used to defend your child. For instance, if you have information that shows your child was not drinking and driving, or if you have proof that your child’s rights were violated during the arrest, be sure to document that information carefully.

Possible Defenses Against a DUI in California

There are always defenses a lawyer can use to get a DUI charge dropped or greatly reduced. The state doesn’t always have enough evidence to convict.

Additionally, there are programs offered to first-time offenders and juveniles that aren’t offered to others. These can be good options to help your child to understand the error of their ways without affecting their life forever.

Some defenses that can be used to defend your child against a DUI charge include the following:

• Innocence
• Police procedural errors
• Laboratory errors
• False breathalyzer reading
• Inaccurate field sobriety tests

Connect with a DUI Attorney in California

There are many negative consequences your teen could face if they’re convicted of a DUI. Your child will likely lose their license; they could be forced to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle; they could be placed on probation; they could be looking at expensive fines.

In addition to legal penalties, your child’s future could be severely impacted by a DUI conviction, especially if they’re charged as an adult. Hiring a lawyer can help your child receive the best case outcome possible. Contact Crowell Law Offices through the form below, or you can call us at 916-303-2800.