Florida’s Zero Tolerance Policy: What It Means If Your Teen Is Charged With DUI In Hillsborough County
Finding out your son or daughter was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Hillsborough County is one of the worst nightmares for parents. In addition to putting themselves and everyone on the road at risk, your teen now faces potentially severe legal consequences.
Florida has zero tolerance for underage drinking, and penalties for teen DUIs can be severe. Our experienced Tampa DUI defense lawyer provides trusted legal help to clients in these cases and explains what both parents and teens need to know.
How Florida’s Zero Tolerance Alcohol Law Affects Underage Drivers in Hillsborough County
Florida follows a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to dealing with DUI drivers under 21. Parents and teens need to be aware of this policy and what it implies.
Under the Florida Statutes, teen drivers do not need to be legally intoxicated to get charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Tampa. Even a small amount of alcohol can result in serious penalties. These include:
- Automatic driver’s license suspension for a blood alcohol level of 0.02 percent or higher.
- Longer license suspensions if the teen driver has a higher alcohol level.
- Potential DUI charges, resulting in a criminal record.
- Mandatory community service, counseling, and alcohol education classes.
- Payment of heavy fines, DUI program fees, and court costs.
- A potential jail sentence, depending on their age, and probation.
These penalties apply even if the teen was cooperative and no one was hurt. DUI-related car accidents in Hillsborough County can leave victims with life-threatening injuries, so both police and prosecutors are diligent in identifying offenders and holding them accountable, regardless of their age.
What Hillsborough County Teens and Their Parents Should Do After a DUI Stop or Arrest
Seeing red lights in your rear-view mirror is a nerve-wracking experience for drivers of any age. What happens immediately after can significantly affect the outcome of DUI charges. To protect their legal rights, our Hillsborough County DUI attorney recommends teens follow these tips:
- Pull over at the first safe location if you see flashing lights.
- Keep your hands on the wheel and visible to the officer.
- Remain calm and respectful during police interactions.
- Avoid making statements or offering explanations.
- Contact a parent or guardian right away.
- Speak with an experienced Hillsborough County DUI attorney before court appearances
Parents, resist the urge to downplay the situation or try to handle it on your own. Getting legal help right away can help prevent penalties that could impact your teen, now and in the future.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Tampa DUI Attorney Today
Underage drinking and driving charges can affect every aspect of your teen’s life. The Law Office of Daniel J. Fernandez P.A. helps families throughout Hillsborough County deal with teen DUIs and other juvenile charges.
We can review their arrest, dispute the evidence against them, and fight to get their charges dropped or reduced. For trusted legal representation, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with our experienced Tampa DUI attorney.
Sources:
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0322/Sections/0322.2616.html
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/teens-young-adults-duis/
