Underage DUI Attorney in Meridian
Protecting Your Child’s Future After A DUI Charge
Finding out that your child has been accused of driving under the influence is frightening. You may be worried about court, their license, and how this will affect school, work, or college applications. At Atkinson Law Office, we focus on guiding families through underage DUI charges so you understand what is happening and what options may be available.
We have represented Treasure Valley residents in criminal cases since 2010, and our firm is led by a board-certified criminal law specialist. Our attorneys have handled more than 1000 criminal matters with a success rate over 90 percent, so we know how Idaho prosecutors and judges tend to approach DUI cases involving young people.
If your child has been accused of DUI in Meridian or elsewhere in Ada County, you do not have to navigate this alone. You can call (208) 670-8164 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation to talk about what happened and possible next steps.
What is the "Zero Tolerance" Law in Idaho
Idaho Code § 18-8004A establishes that it is illegal for anyone under 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. This is a much lower threshold than the 0.08% limit for adults. If a minor’s BAC reaches 0.08%, they can be charged with a standard adult DUI, which carries even harsher penalties.
Penalties for a First Offense Underage DUI (BAC 0.02% - 0.079%)
- Fines: Up to $1,000.
- License Suspension: A mandatory one-year suspension. The first 90 days are an "absolute" suspension, meaning no driving privileges for work or school are allowed.
- Alcohol Evaluation: You must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommended treatment or classes.
- Victim Compensation: You may be required to pay restitution if an accident was involved.
Potential consequences depend on the facts of the case and the driver’s age, history, and test results. Courts may consider options such as probation, community service, alcohol education, or treatment programs, and they may also impose fines or periods of detention or jail in more serious situations.
Beyond the immediate penalties, an underage DUI charge can affect college applications, scholarships, employment opportunities, and professional licensing. Some records may be sealed or have limited access, depending on age and outcome, but families are often surprised at how far a single mistake can reach.
Every case is different, and small details can change the options on the table. Our role is to explain how the law applies to your child’s situation and what might be possible within that framework.
How Our Firm Defends Underage DUI Charges
Defending an underage DUI case is about much more than reading a police report. We look at both the legal side of the case and the human side. That combination helps us advocate for outcomes that take into account your child’s entire life, not just one night.
At Atkinson Law Office, PLLC, we don't just "process" cases; we deconstruct them. As your underage DUI attorney in Meridian, we scrutinize every detail of the arrest to find grounds for a dismissal or reduction of charges:
- Challenging the Initial Stop: Did the officer have a legal reason to pull your child over? If the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered afterward may be suppressed.
- Questioning the Testing Accuracy: A 0.02% BAC is an incredibly thin margin. We investigate whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated and if the officer followed the mandatory 15-minute observation period.
- Seeking "Withheld Judgment": For first-time offenders, we often advocate for a withheld judgment. This allows the minor to complete probation and potentially have the case dismissed, keeping their criminal record clean.
- Analyzing Digital Evidence: We review all available body-cam and dash-cam footage to ensure your child's constitutional rights were respected during the investigation.
Our firm is led by a board-certified criminal law specialist, which means our strategies are informed by advanced training and experience in criminal law. At the same time, we are honest about what we see. We talk with you about realistic options so you can make informed choices, and we communicate clearly about the potential risks and benefits of each path. As an underage DUI lawyer Meridian families trust, our goal is to stand beside you with knowledge and compassion throughout the case.
Why Families Turn To Our Underage DUI Defense Team
Parents who contact us are looking for more than legal knowledge. They want a team that takes their child’s future as seriously as they do. At our firm, we approach every underage DUI case with the goal of limiting long-term harm and helping families move forward with as much stability as possible.
We have handled over 1000 criminal cases, and our success rate is over 90 percent. That experience gives us a strong sense of how Idaho DUI laws are applied to young drivers and which approaches may be effective in different types of cases. Because our firm is led by a board-certified criminal law specialist, families know that their case is being guided by an attorney who has gone through rigorous criminal law evaluation and training.
Our values matter just as much as our credentials. Both of our partners have personally been defendants in the criminal justice system, so we understand how it feels to be accused and to worry about what the future holds. We believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and we build our strategies around that belief. We do not judge your child or your parenting. Instead, we listen carefully, explain the process, and work to present your child as a whole person, not just a police report.
We also know that cost and logistics are real concerns. That is why we offer free initial consultations, affordable rates, and virtual meetings. Our goal is to make it as straightforward as we can for you to get legal guidance quickly, whether you live in Meridian or elsewhere in the Treasure Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an underage DUI stay on my child’s record?
An underage DUI can affect a young person’s record, but how long it remains and who can access it depends on age, court outcome, and whether the case is in juvenile or adult court. Some juvenile records may be sealed or restricted, but this is not automatic. Our role is to explain Idaho law, potential long-term impacts, and options to reduce visibility of the record when possible.
How quickly can your team get involved in my child’s case?
We can usually start reviewing a case within hours or days of an arrest. Early involvement allows us to gather facts, review paperwork, discuss deadlines, and advise on communications with law enforcement or schools. Free consultations are available in person or virtually, making it easier for busy families to get timely guidance and begin preparing for hearings and potential defenses before important dates arrive.
Will my child have to appear in court for an underage DUI?
Most underage DUI cases require at least one court appearance, with additional hearings depending on how the case progresses. Attendance is important, and court can be intimidating for young clients. Our team prepares families in advance, explaining courtroom procedures, expectations, dress, and behavior, so your child can participate confidently and reduce stress while understanding what the judge may ask or require.
Can you work with us if we do not live right in Meridian?
Yes, we represent families across the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas, as long as the case is filed in Idaho courts where we practice. We offer virtual consultations and remote meetings to stay in contact, and coordinate in-person appearances when necessary. Our goal is to provide consistent, informed representation for all clients, regardless of whether they live in Meridian or nearby communities.
Support For Your Family Starts With A Conversation—Call Our Underage DUI Attorneys
If your child is facing an underage DUI charge, you do not have to try to figure everything out on your own. Talking with an experienced underage DUI lawyer Meridian families trust can help you understand the legal process, the potential consequences, and the options that may be available in your child’s case. We are here to listen, answer questions, and provide guidance that is grounded in years of criminal defense work in this area.
To talk with our team about your child’s situation, call (208) 670-8164 or fill out this online form today.
Why Trust Atkinson Law Office?
What Sets Us Apart
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Empathetic GuidanceUnderstanding the personal and legal challenges our clients face, we offer empathetic guidance and unwavering support to help them navigate their DUI cases with confidence.
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Dedicated AdvocacyWe are committed to providing diligent and ethical representation, fighting for the best possible outcomes while maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
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Compassionate RepresentationWe genuinely care about our clients' well-being and future, offering compassionate and personalized legal support through every step of their DUI case.
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Integrity and TransparencyWe uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all our dealings, ensuring our clients are always well-informed and trust in the legal process.
What To Do After An Underage DUI Arrest
The period right after an underage DUI arrest can be overwhelming for both parents and children. Having a clear set of next steps can reduce uncertainty and help you avoid decisions that may create problems later.
Although every case has its own details, the actions below are commonly helpful for families dealing with an underage DUI charge.
- Make sure your child is safe and confirm where they are being held or released, keeping any conversations with law enforcement brief and factual.
- Avoid allowing your child to answer detailed questions about the incident until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Collect and organize all paperwork, including citations, release documents, and notices of upcoming court dates or hearings.
- Write down the names and contact information of any passengers or witnesses while details are still fresh.
- Be cautious about discussions with school officials, employers, or other authority figures until you receive legal guidance.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible so the facts can be reviewed early and you understand what to expect at upcoming court appearances.
Whether you are dealing with a first-time infraction or a more serious aggravated charge, our team is ready to step in. For a free consultation and a strategic review of your legal options, call (208) 670-8164 or reach out online. Let us help you put this mistake in the past.
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Call Us Today! 208-670-8164