What to Do if Your Underage Child Is Arrested for a DUI in Maryland

For many parents, the day their child gets their license is exciting and nerve-wracking. Your child’s safety is your number one priority, and it can be overwhelming to imagine them driving on their own. Of course, every parent wants their child to drive safely when behind the wheel. However, it is not uncommon for children to make mistakes that could cause a dangerous situation to play out. If your underage child is caught driving in Maryland while under the influence, you should contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, Attorney Hillel Traub has experience helping clients who have had their underage child arrested for a DUI in Maryland. You may be feeling helpless and unsure of what steps to take to protect your child. That is why it is crucial that you understand what to do if your underage child has been arrested for a DUI.

What Penalties Your Underage Child May Be Facing for a DUI in Maryland

In the United States, it is illegal in every state for any person under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. Additionally, it is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Maryland if their blood alcohol content surpasses 0.08%. However, there is a zero-tolerance policy when an underage individual is caught operating a vehicle with any level of alcohol in their system, even if it is under the legal limit. They will likely be arrested and are subject to an underage DUI charge.

Your child’s penalties for being charged with an underage DUI in Maryland will vary depending on their age. In most cases, harsher penalties like jail time and costly fines are typically not given to minors. In Maryland, a minor with a DUI conviction will likely face a penalty of a two-year license suspension and a criminal record that will appear in background checks. If your child is between the ages of 18-20, they may face harsher penalties that are the same or similar to those of an of-age DUI offender. These penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• 2 year license suspension
• A large fine
• Probation
• Court-ordered substance abuse programs
• Installation of an ignition interlock system to their vehicle

Regardless of the severity of the penalties your child may face, having an underage DUI conviction on their record can negatively impact them for the rest of their life. That is why it is crucial to seek out a trusted DUI lawyer who can provide you with the dedicated representation you will need when building your child’s defense.

What Are Common Defenses That May Help Your Child’s DUI Case?

It is crucial that you work with an experienced Maryland attorney who can help build your child’s defense when facing penalties for an underage DUI conviction. Some common defenses for an underage DUI conviction include:

• Lack of probable cause for an officer to suspect your child was drinking
• Lack of reasonable suspicion to stop your child while they were driving
• Lack of actual physical control of the vehicle at the time the arrest was made

To get help with your child’s DUI case, contact a trusted attorney as soon as possible to avoid your child facing harsh penalties like jail time or probation.

Contact a Maryland DUI Lawyer

The penalties of an underage DUI arrest negatively affect your child’s life. Attorney Hillel Traub is experienced in Maryland’s MVA practices and resolving underage DUI cases. The Law Office of Hillel Traub is here to help you defend your child’s rights and interests. Contact us using our contact form or give us a call at (410) 580-1100 for your free consultation.