Steven Wetter | Attorney At Law, P.A.

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Steven Wetter | Attorney At Law, P.A.

Zealously Defending Your Rights With Unique Insight And Strategies

Representing Young Adults After Underage Drinking And Driving

Florida law takes a hard line on underage drinking and driving. Firstly, the “zero tolerance” statute allows drivers under age 21 to have their license suspended for having any alcohol in their system when pulled over by law enforcement. Secondly, the license suspension penalties are much stiffer for underage drivers charged with a full-fledged DUI.

If you are under the legal drinking age, or if your underage child is accused of driving under the influence, the Fort Myers law firm of Steven Wetter, can help. DUI defense lawyer Steven H. Wetter has enabled many college students and teenagers to avoid the worst penalties of a DUI arrest and limit the consequences for their driving privileges, education and future.

Steven represents youths and young adults in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, and the surrounding communities of Lee and Charlotte counties, including students of Florida Gulf Coast University and Edison State College.

Contact the firm as soon as possible for a free initial consultation. You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest to fight license suspension.

Potential Penalties For Under-21 Drinking And Driving

Repercussions for under-21 driving under the influence (DUI) include the following:

  • Underage drivers can be cited under the zero tolerance law at a BAC of .02 – essentially one alcoholic drink. This is an administrative offense that results in automatic license suspension for six months. A second offense before age 21, or a refusal of the breath test on a first offense, will result in loss of license for 12 months.
  • If the under-21 driver has a BAC of .08 or greater, that person can be charged with the criminal offense of DUI. Not only do all the adult penalties apply, but the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend the license until age 21.

The decision to write drivers up for a zero tolerance violation or arrest them for a full DUI charge is up to the police officer. Most underage drivers who are over .08 will face criminal charges, especially for aggravating factors such as high BAC, other minors in the car, reckless driving or causing an accident.

Experienced Zero Tolerance And DUI Defense

Steven has over 20 years of experience with drunk driving cases as both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. He knows that police can easily take advantage of youthful drivers who are not aware of their rights and scared out of their minds about the consequences. He provides skilled representation for license suspension hearings and any criminal proceedings, with a solid record of dismissals and reduced charges.

He also explores alternative programs for first-time offenders to keep the DUI conviction off their record. If the DMV does suspend the youth’s license, he can help obtain a hardship license for limited driving privileges to drive to school or a job. (No hardship license is available for a second offense or refusal.)

Consult With An Experienced Lawyer

Call 239-347-9133 or contact the firm online to talk with an experienced attorney. The firm offers a free, confidential consultation, and its staff answers phones 24 hours a day.