Just like older drivers, minors and adults under the age of 21 may not drive drunk in Florida. In fact, most of the same Florida over-21 DUI laws apply to younger drivers, including most of the penalties:

• Potential jail time
• Probation
• Fines
• Community service or additional fines
• A driver's license suspension for at least six months
• Impoundment of the vehicle
• DUI classes
• Penalties for refusing to take a breath or blood test
• Immediate and sharp increase in auto insurance premiums

There are also special age-based penalties for underage drinking and driving. In addition to penalties for the underage drinking itself (a second-degree misdemeanor), younger drivers face a "zero tolerance" law mandating a much lower legal limit for the purposes of a driver's license suspension -- just 0.02%. That's true regardless of the driver's size, age or physical fitness level. That means drivers can have their licenses taken away after just one drink, even when they weren't truly intoxicated or unsafe. Those without licenses will not be eligible to get one until the term of the suspension is served. And unlike adults over 21, younger drivers must finish, not merely enroll in, a DUI class before they can be eligible for a hardship license to get to work or school.

Every intoxicated driving case in Florida is really two cases, and juvenile DUIs are no exception. In addition to facing a criminal charge for driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs), you also face the suspension of your driver's license by the DMV, a non-criminal case that's completely separate from the DUI case. This can cause havoc in the life of a young adult who needs to drive for work, school, family obligations or to find a job. You can fight the suspension by requesting an administrative hearing with the DMV, but you have to request it within just 10 days of your arrest. If you contact Balliro quickly enough, our Miami juvenile drunk driving criminal defense attorneys can request that hearing for you and represent you in both cases, coordinating your defense to protect both your freedom and your driving privilege.

If you or your teen is charged with driving under the influence, Balliro  can help. Not everyone charged with a DUI is guilty, even people who tested over the legal limit. Breathalyzer tests, which are used in most DUI arrests in Florida, are less reliable than many people think. In fact, they can be thrown off by multiple factors, including the time you had your last drink, what you've been eating, medications and even your health. Furthermore, police officers don't always take the care they should when handling test results, which can lead to tainted and unreliable evidence. And if officers didn't have probable cause to pull you over in the first place, our Miami juvenile DUI criminal defense lawyers can challenge the entire case.

Balliro represents teenagers and young adults throughout South Florida who are charged with an under-21 DUI. Our firm is made up of former public defenders and prosecutors with years of experience defending clients accused of serious crimes, so we understand how the prosecution makes its case -- and we know where to look for sloppy work and mistakes that can destroy that case. After so many years of practice, we understand that facing criminal charges can be stressful and frightening for young people and for parents concerned about their futures. That's why our West Palm Beach underage drinking lawyers are committed to staying available to clients and potential clients at all times -- seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Based in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, we have offices in multiple communities throughout South Florida.

If you or someone you love is charged with an underage DUI, you should call the Miami juvenile DUI lawyers at Balliro as soon as possible. For a free, confidential consultation, please contact us online or call toll-free from anywhere within Florida at 1-866-ARRESTED.