Underage DUI Attorney in Ridgecrest
DUI Defense for Drivers Under 21 & Their Families
California applies special alcohol-related driving rules to people under 21. Depending on the driver's age, alleged BAC, evidence of impairment, and the Vehicle Code section involved, an incident can trigger a DMV license action, a court proceeding, or both.
At Middlebrook & Associates, we represent young drivers and families in Ridgecrest and throughout Kern County. We review the allegations, testing, court paperwork, and DMV notices to identify which rules apply and which deadlines require immediate attention.
Because an under-21 case can involve very low BAC thresholds, careful review of the chemical evidence and testing procedures can be especially important.
Call (661) 874-1325 or contact us online now to discuss the arrest or citation and identify the next steps for both proceedings.
Decades Focused on DUI Law & Forensic Evidence
Richard Middlebrook has spent decades focused specifically on DUI law and holds the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation. He also teaches lawyers and scientists through DUI and forensic-science organizations.
Our firm has handled more than 250 DUI trials and more than 8,500 DMV hearings in Kern County and reports a 97.4% trial success rate.
Past results do not determine the outcome of another case. That experience informs how we examine police observations, field sobriety testing, breath and blood evidence, and administrative license issues.
California Has Several Rules for Drivers Under 21
California does not use one single BAC rule for every under-21 driving case.
Which law applies depends on the driver's age, BAC, alleged impairment, and evidence collected during the stop.
California's 0.01% Zero-Tolerance Rule
Vehicle Code section 23136 prohibits a person under 21 from driving with a BAC of 0.01% or greater as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other qualifying chemical test.
For an under-21 driver whose qualifying test shows 0.01% or more, California DMV currently provides for a one-year suspension of driving privileges.
This zero-tolerance license action should not automatically be confused with a criminal DUI conviction. Other charges may or may not be filed depending on the circumstances.
Driving With a BAC of 0.05% or More
Vehicle Code section 23140 applies when a driver under 21 operates a vehicle with a BAC of 0.05% or higher.
A section 23140 violation is an infraction, but it can still create court and driver's-license consequences.
Standard DUI Allegations
Drivers under 21 can also face the same general DUI statutes that apply to older drivers.
Depending on the facts, a person may be accused of driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances, or of violating an applicable per se BAC provision.
Section 23136 does not prevent prosecution under other DUI statutes when the evidence supports those allegations.
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
-
Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
-
AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
-
Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
-
Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense
.jpg.2603191432306.webp)