Nashville DUI Under 21 Lawyer

Challenging Underage Drinking & DUI Charges in TN

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 case in Nashville, TN.

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.

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.

Building an Effective 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.

Get Representation for Juvenile DUI Charges in TN

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!