Nashville DUI Under 21 Lawyer
Defending Against Underage Drinking & DUI Charges in Tennessee
In Tennessee, a person who is under the age of 21 may face serious penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of just .02%. Persons under the age of 21 may also face arrest and charges for underage drinking.
In such scenarios, May McKinney provides the level of experienced representation that gives our clients a second chance and a future free from a criminal conviction. Our Nashville DUI under 21 attorneys have over eight decades of collective legal experience and understand the ins and outs of the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems. We defend clients in state, federal, and juvenile courts with integrity, professionalism, and skill. For the vigorous defense you deserve, look no further than our firm.
Call (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to discuss your underage drinking or DUI situation in Nashville, TN.
Understanding Underage DUI Charges & Penalties in Tennessee
Tennessee has extremely harsh consequences for minors who drink and drive. While the BAC limit is .08% for adults, the limit for minors is only .02%. In Tennessee, if a minor between the ages of 16 and 20 is caught driving with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.02%, he or she can be arrested for driving while impaired. The penalties for underage DUI in Tennessee include one year of license revocation, a $250 fine, jail time, reinstatement fees, higher insurance rates, alcohol education programs, and possible service hours.
If your child is over the age of 18, he or she would also have a permanent criminal history that would be visible to colleges, future employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks. A DUI conviction can cost you thousands of dollars. The long-term costs of having a criminal record can be far higher.
Although these penalties may not seem too harsh, the worst penalty is the fact that your child will have a DUI on his or her record. DUI charges can negatively affect job opportunities and college applications among other things. To protect your child's future, it is important to talk to an attorney experienced in underage DUI.
Key Insights on Tennessee Underage Drinking Laws
Decades ago, a young person stopped for underage drinking at a local campus in Tennessee would probably have been sent home with a warning. Today, he or she is likely to be charged with:
- Consumption of alcohol under 21
- Possession of alcohol under 21
- Using a false ID to obtain the alcohol, resulting in a separate charge
Many parents are understandably upset when they learn that their child has been arrested for underage drinking. You may be tempted to let your child "face the music." Unfortunately, today's criminal justice system can deal out consequences that are out of proportion to the offense.
Most alcohol-related crimes are Class A misdemeanors, which are not likely to result in jail time. However, a misdemeanor conviction would result in a permanent criminal record that could affect your child's future opportunities for education and employment.
Tailored Defense Against Underage DUI Charges
If your son or daughter calls you late at night and tells you that he or she has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it's vital to seek legal help as soon as possible. Keeping your child's record as clean as possible is essential. A conviction could affect your child's ability to attend graduate school, pursue certain careers, or even obtain a professional license.
Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the law and court procedure in drunk driving cases. We work diligently to resolve underage DUI charges without a conviction that would result in a permanent criminal record.
Call Our Firm to Learn More About Our Juvenile DUI Defense in Nashville
When a young person faces criminal charges, it is important to resolve the matter without a conviction. Our Nashville DUI under 21 lawyers are often able to resolve underage drinking and underage DUI charges without a damaging conviction. We defend college and high school students in Nashville and throughout the surrounding areas, including Brentwood, Franklin, and Mount Juliet, working just as hard as we do for our adult clients to protect their interests and concerns.
Put a powerful ally on your side in the face of underage drinking. Call our Nashville DUI under 21 lawyer at (615) 265-6383!
Our Clients Say It Best
Read Our Client Testimonials
At May & McKinney, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"It's a Comfort to Have You On My Side"
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have been doing for me. It's comforting to know I've got you on my side. You're the BEST!!
P.S. — I really can't thank you enough.
- R. -
"Complete Confidence"Little words cannot express the gratitude we have for you! From the very first day we walked into your office, we had complete confidence in you and your staff.- Jack & Jessi
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"Look no further, Rob McKinney is the defense attorney you need."As a LEO wife, I was served with a frivolous OP from an estranged step family member. With the possibility of my husband not being able to process any firearms in our household, Mr McKinney's understanding the severity of the situation, Rob took the time to investigate and prepare for the hearing. With that said, Rob absolutely destroyed the petitioner and witnesses on the stand. It was worth the time, money and stress to see Rob in action. If the need ever arises in the future, Rob will always be our first call. You cannot go wrong putting your trust in Mr. McKinney.- Tara
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"We Owe You"We owe you so much for helping us and our son. We appreciate your legal expertise and support you gave our son this April.- Melissa & Alan
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"Stop searching for an attorney. Stop worrying about your legal woes. Stop wondering if your attorney actually cares and start letting Rob McKinney handle your case."In a nutshell, all of the glowing reviews that I read on this site are 100% spot-on. I had a DWI case reduced to reckless driving. Rob is a fighter and would have battled for a full dismissal if I had requested him to but after some discussion I concluded that accepting the lesser charge was the right move for me. Furthermore, Rob was able to file a motion and get the judge to dismiss my probation obligations once I finished the mandatory classes. It was the best possible result for me. I also need to mention that Karen, the front end of the firm, is spectacular and plays an important part in the firm's success and client experience. She responds to communications promptly and keeps you informed of what's happening as required while Rob and Shyanne stay busy getting the legal work done. Seriously, if you're searching for representation and nervous because you don't know who you can trust and rely on, just stop. I promise you these reviews you've been reading (just like I did before I contacted the firm) are accurate and you can quickly take some of the weight off of your shoulders by having a meeting at May & McKinney and retaining them for your case.- D.T.
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"Forever Grateful"Thank you for helping me to not only resolve a recent legal matter, but also pointing me in the direction of freedom from a past criminal record. I am clean and free, and I have a clear record for the first time in 12 years.- Rachel
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"Knowledgeable, Kind & Real"Her recommendations on how to proceed were spot on, and we got a favorable outcome.- Satisfied Client
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"You Made a Difficult Situation Endurable"
Thank you so very much for all you have done and are still doing. Thank you for being such a great attorney in our time of need. You made a difficult situation endurable.
- L.M.
