Underage DUI

Bakersfield Underage DUI Lawyer 

Defending Against Underage DUI Charges in Kern County

California takes a "zero tolerance" approach to underage drinking and driving. That means that if someone under the age of 21 is found to have a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .01% or above, they will be arrested for underage DUI, even if there was no erratic driving or other indicators of drunk driving.

If you or your family member has been arrested and charged near Bakersfield, California, it is crucial that you contact a qualified Kern County underage DUI attorney at once. The driver's license suspension for underage DUI is often for one year, and in some cases, the car will be impounded and later sold.

Has your child been charged with an underage DUI? Our Bakersfield DUI attorneys can help schedule a case evaluation today by calling (661) 874-1325 or completing our online contact form. 

California Zero-Tolerance Law

California is one of the many states to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking. this means that if a person is under the age of 21 and they are given a BAC test, whether a Breathalyzer or blood test, and found to be at a level of .05% or above, they will also be charged with a DUI charge, which is a misdemeanor.

Don't take chances on an underage DUI charge. The zero-tolerance approach in California can result in the loss of driving privileges and even the loss of the vehicle under certain circumstances.

What are the Penalties for an Underage DUI in California?

If convicted, this will go on their permanent criminal record, and they could be facing DUI penalties. In addition to the penalties served and a criminal record, potential employers and colleges have access to these via background checks. The individual must report the conviction if asked this question on applications, making it a difficult hurdle for years to come.

How To Defend Against Underage DUI Charges

While every case is unique, some common defenses against underage DUI charges may include:

  • Lack of Probable Cause for the Stop: If the police did not have a valid reason to pull you over, the entire traffic stop may be considered illegal. This lack of probable cause could lead to the dismissal of charges.
  • Faulty Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be impacted by various factors such as nervousness, fatigue, or physical conditions. Challenging the accuracy and reliability of these tests may be a defense strategy.
  • Breathalyzer Accuracy: Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated and maintained to ensure accurate results. Issues with the calibration or maintenance of the machine may be grounds for challenging the breathalyzer results.
  • Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): It takes time for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you consumed alcohol before driving, your BAC might have been below the legal limit while driving but exceeded it by the time you were tested. This is known as the "rising BAC" defense.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect breathalyzer results. If you have a medical condition that could impact the accuracy of the test, it may be a valid defense.
  • Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement had conducted an illegal search or seizure to obtain evidence against you, it could be grounds for suppressing that evidence in court.
  • Miranda Rights Violation: If you were not informed of your Miranda rights during the arrest, any statements you made may be inadmissible in court.

Contact Our Underage DUI Attorney in Bakersfield Today

At Middlebrook & Associates, our attorney has successfully defended countless underage drivers on DUI charges. The resources the firm has gathered for the DUI defense give us a powerful advantage when our clients are facing such a charge. Attorney Richard Middlebrook at Middlebrook & Associates has years of experience in defending underage drivers charged with DUI. Protect your child's future with a Bakersfield underage DUI lawyer from our experienced legal team.

Contact Middlebrook & Associates today to get started with our Bakersfield underage DUI lawyer.

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “Best DUI Attorney Around!”
    Mr Middlebrook came highly recommended by a friend who is also an attorney. Mr Middlebrook's knowledge and experience was immediately evident to me during our first conversation about my DUI citation. While I've heard all too often that it's not worth trying to fight a citation for a DUI, he gave me the confidence to do so when I ended up getting one. From that day forward he and his team took care of everything and kept me well informed throughout the process. He was very responsive to any questions I had and while he provided options at every stage along the way, his advice (which you'd have to be a fool not to follow given his track record in these cases) prompted me to pursue the best outcome possible rather than settle for less. He knew he could win and he did. My case was dismissed by the judge before it ever made it in front of a jury. I couldn't be more thankful to him and to my friend for the reference. Hopefully this recommendation will help others achieve a similar outcome by utilizing his expertise. He's worth every penny. Give him a call and speak to him just once about his experience and advice as it pertains to your specific situation. You'll understand what I mean.
    - Eric
  • “The best people I ever invested in”
    Mr Middlebrook and his staff are the best people I ever invested in. They are very professional and my outcome was better than I could have hoped.
    - Steve S.
  • “From the moment you walk into the office the staff is gracious and accommodating.”
    From the moment you walk into the office the staff is gracious and accommodating. They do their best to make you feel like they actually care about you and your case. Mr. Middlebrook is very knowledgeable and takes the time to answer all your questions. If you are looking for a caring, hard working and knowledgeable attorney I would highly recommend The Law Office of Richard O. Middlebrook.
    - Name Withheld
  • “This Attorney is amazing at what he does, and i would refer anyone i knew in trouble to his law office.”
    After doing research on the internet trying to find an Attorney because my boyfriend was innocent, Mr. Middlebrook came up repeatedly. We got in right away to his office, and after meeting with him, had an overwhelming feeling of relief. He is very respectful, makes you feel like a person, not a criminal, and most importantly is very knowledgeable and reassures you that everything will be ok. We got the best outcome we didn't even think was possible. This Attorney is amazing at what he does, and i would refer anyone i knew in trouble to his law office.
    - Name Withheld

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