Underage DUI Attorney Phoenix

Defending Against Under 21 DUI Charges in Phoenix, AZ

Being arrested for DUI is never a simple matter – it can be confusing and can have a detrimental impact on your future. This can be even more confusing should you be criminally charged when you are below the legal drinking age. According to §244.34 of the 2010 Arizona Code, it is illegal for a person under 21 years-of-age to be in physical control of a motor vehicle if they are found to have alcoholic beverages in their system – regardless of their blood alcohol concentration.

Typically, this is considered to be a misdemeanor, however, if there are aggravating factors this can easily be elevated to a more serious criminal charge. For this reason, if you have recently been accused or arrested of a DUI, you do not have a moment to lose. You need to be confident that you have a hard-hitting defense attorney on your side to help you defend your best interests at every step of the way.

Arizona's Zero Tolerance Laws

"Zero tolerance" refers to the fact that, per the Arizona Revised Statutes, it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any traceable alcohol in their system. While the blood alcohol content that would constitute an arrest for someone 21 or older is .08 percent, those under the age of 21 only have to test .01 percent in order to constitute an arrest. Unfortunately, such a small percentage means that the potential for breath test error is much more likely.

The typical breath test has a margin of error of 20 to 30 percent. For example, there is typically a .1 percent margin of error either way. This means that a person who blows a .05 percent BAC may have an actual BAC of .04 or .06 percent. Some breath tests may be even more inaccurate if the individual consumed certain foods known to alter the results of a breath test.

Protecting Minors From DUI Convictions in AZ

Knowles Law Firm, PLC is intimately knowledgeable about criminal law. No matter whether your case involves a failed breath test, blood test or even if you are facing something such as an aggravated DUI, you will be able to be confident knowing that you have an experienced advocate on your side that will stop at nothing in their efforts to defend you. With extensive experience, a vast understanding of the law and a deep commitment to helping protect the rights of their clients, you will be able to trust in both their ability and their desire to help defend you.