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Standing Up for You
Are you facing a juvenile DUI charge in Colorado Springs? It may take only a few moments to make a poor decision that feels like it has the potential to ruin your life. Still, at Liberty Law Center, we believe everyone deserves a second chance, especially as a minor offender. Our juvenile DUI attorneys will stand up for you and fight tirelessly for your rights to provide you with the robust defense you deserve. Call 719-578-1183 to schedule a consultation.
Will I Be Tried As An Adult?
It can be overwhelming facing the criminal justice system as a minor. But you are not alone. At Liberty Law Center, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients throughout the legal process and will support you. In Colorado, depending on the severity of the crime, it may be possible for juveniles under 18 to avoid being charged as adults if they participate in rehabilitative programs as ordered by the court.
For such a rehab program to be deemed a successful option for you, you must seek the assistance of a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney familiar with the intricacies of Colorado’s Juvenile criminal system.
Entering a Guilty Plea
You may be inclined to think that if you made a poor choice and were caught in that decision, you should automatically plead guilty, but the law is not that black and white. Even if you did make an error in judgment, it is still wiser to plead not guilty. If your rights are violated, you leave the door open to challenge other areas of the arrest. The criminal defense attorneys at Liberty Law Center are well versed in Colorado’s DUI laws and particularly how they pertain to minor offenders. They will help you decide what plea to enter.
How Reliable Are BAC Tests
A Blood Alcohol Content test accurately tests the alcohol content in a person’s blood. It is one of the most confusing things about Colorado’s DUI laws. Colorado is an “express” or implied consent state. What that means for you is that by operating a vehicle in the state of Colorado, you give your implied consent to undergoing either a breathalyzer or BAC test if you are stopped for suspected driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are found to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, your driver’s license may be suspended at the very least. If you refuse to take either test, you risk having your driving privileges permanently revoked. What is not always explained is that you do not have to submit to the BAC at the time of your arrest but can request to have it administered within a specific period at a DMV office. You need the DUI attorneys’ experience, strength, and winning strategies at Liberty Law Center to ensure your rights are not trampled. We are in your corner.
What Are Some Potential Consequences of Teen Drunk Driving?
There are penalties you need to be made aware of if you are convicted of a DUI as a minor. In many cases, the offender could:
- Be fined anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. To put this into context, if your parents do not assist you with this debt, it can be an enormous responsibility to repay it from the earnings from an after-school or part-time summer job.
- Incarceration for up to a year
- Community service
- Substance abuse counseling or treatment
- Having to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle- this is a device that requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece for an automatic breathalyzer test before the car starts.
- Curfews/house arrests depending on the severity of criminal charges
Being underage may help shield you from consequences, but it does not mean that there is no punishment at all.
How Will an Underage DUI in Colorado Affect My Future?
It is wise to consider the future. Beyond the immediate consequences of a DUI conviction, some colleges and Universities ask on their applications if you have ever been convicted. Misdemeanor convictions are considered crimes. The attorneys at Liberty Law Center will vigorously defend you and your future every step of the way.
Effects of an Underage DUI on Financial Aid Eligibility?
Many college and university students require federal or state student aid. You should know that while drug convictions disqualify you for federal student aid, a DUI conviction generally will not affect your ability to receive student loans or financial assistance.
What Strategies Can Be Used to Defend My Case?
Every DUI case is different. DUI charges are not open-and-shut cases. There are many different strategies your attorney might employ. Some examples might be:
- Challenging the BAC results
- Challenging other evidence against you
- Recreating the accident, obtaining witness accounts
- Examining the records of the arresting officers
- Citing flawed police procedures
These are only a few possible strategies and do not necessarily represent a complete portrayal of what a DUI attorney will do. The juvenile defense attorneys at Liberty Law Center are dedicated to ensuring every client receives a robust defense.
When Is the Best Time To Seek Counsel?
If you have been charged with an underage DUI in Colorado, we recommend you seek legal counsel as soon as possible after arrest. Although it is possible to obtain help from a public defender, these lawyers usually need more time or resources than they have to provide you with the defense you deserve. At Liberty Law Center, we make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard. Call us at 719-578-1183 for a free consultation.
