Kirkland Underage DUI Attorney

Protecting Young Drivers in King County, Washington 

Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.503), anyone under the age of 21 who operates a vehicle with virtually any detectable amount of alcohol or marijuana in their system can face serious criminal charges. Even small amounts of alcohol or THC—a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or a THC concentration above 0.00 ng/mL—can result in DUI charges if the person is 18 to 20 years old. These charges are usually handled in adult court, and the consequences extend far beyond fines or short-term license suspensions.

If you or your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Kirkland or anywhere in King County, WA, it’s important that you act quickly. DUIHeroes is available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance and legal support. Our Kirkland underage DUI attorneys can explain your options and begin building a strong defense for your case.

Call (425) 296-9358 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding Washington’s Underage DUI Laws 

Often referred to as a “zero-tolerance rule,” the state’s underage DUI law is strict. 

Under this law, anyone who is not yet 21 years old can be charged with DUI if they have:

• A BAC of 0.02% to less than 0.08% 
• A THC concentration above 0.00 but less than 5.00 ng/mL 

If a driver under 21 has a BAC of 0.08% or above or a THC concentration of 5.00 ng/mL or above, they can be charged with a standard DUI. After an arrest, these cases move quickly. Underage drivers must act fast to protect both their legal rights and their long-term opportunities.

The Consequences of an Underage DUI Conviction

Though it is sometimes referred to as “minor DUI,” the consequences of an underage DUI conviction in Washington are anything but “minor.” 

Depending on the circumstances, the possible penalties for underage DUI include: 

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines 
• Driver’s license suspension 
• Alcohol/drug education or treatment program completion

If a driver under the age of 21 is charged with a standard DUI (RCW 46.61.502), they could face standard DUI penalties, such as: 

• Jail time (1–2 days minimum for a first offense)
• Fines ranging from $350 to $5,000
• Driver’s license suspension 

In either case, a conviction can also result in collateral consequences, such as: 

• A permanent criminal record that may affect college admissions, scholarships, and future employment
• Increased insurance rates or loss of coverage

Because a DUI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed in Washington State, proactive and experienced legal representation is critical. The sooner you reach out to our Kirkland underage DUI lawyers, the sooner we can begin building your defense.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Underage DUI Arrest

Being arrested for underage DUI is often overwhelming, and it’s easy to make mistakes that worsen your situation. One common misstep is ignoring the seriousness of the charge—but an underage DUI conviction will result in much more than a slap on the wrist. Even first-time offenders may face significant consequences and long-term implications that can affect their education, career, and future opportunities.

Another frequent error is missing administrative hearings. Failing to schedule or attend a hearing with the DOL can trigger an automatic license suspension. Driving with a suspended license is a crime in Washington, one that comes with its own harsh penalties.

Some underage drivers may try to navigate the legal process on their own but accepting a plea or attempting to handle an underage DUI charge without professional guidance can result in penalties that could have been avoided. An attorney can help uncover opportunities to challenge weak evidence or procedural errors. 

With an experienced DUI defense attorney by your side, you put yourself in the best possible position when it comes to achieving a favorable outcome. Our team can help protect your rights, ensure you meet all applicable deadlines, and begin putting together a strategic defense on your behalf. We help prevent avoidable mistakes and work to minimize both immediate and long-term consequences of an underage DUI arrest. 

Defense Strategies for Underage DUI Charges in Kirkland

Each case is unique, and the most appropriate defense will depend on the circumstances of your situation. That being said, there are certain strategies your legal team can pursue when it comes to defending you against underage DUI charges in Kirkland or anywhere in King County, Washington.

Possible defenses to your underage DUI charges may include: 

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: Officers must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop. Without it, evidence may be inadmissible.
• Questioning Field Sobriety and/or Breath Tests: Poorly administered tests, calibration errors, or environmental factors can render results unreliable.
• Evaluating Testing Procedures: BAC and THC tests must follow strict protocols. Any missteps in handling, timing, or chain of custody may undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Considering Medical or Environmental Factors: Fatigue, illness, stress, or other conditions can mimic signs of impairment.
• Uncovering Rights Violations: Any procedural or constitutional violations by law enforcement can provide grounds to suppress evidence.

By carefully scrutinizing every element of the arrest, our team develops meticulous defenses designed to help get your charges reduced or dismissed, something we’ve done in an average of 95% of first-time offenses since 2009.* 

How Our Kirkland Minor DUI Lawyers Can Help

Underage drivers facing minor DUI charges need a team that understands the unique challenges these cases present. At DUIHeroes, we focus exclusively on DUI defense, ensuring that your or your child’s case receives the specialized attention it requires. 

Together, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience, including insights from former prosecutors who know how the state evaluates and pursues underage DUI charges. We have a proven track record of success, and we prioritize accessibility and communication, answering phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most of all, we approach every case with compassion, treating each client’s case with the care and seriousness it deserves while building a powerful defense designed to protect their rights, reputation, and long-term opportunities.

Contact Our Underage DUI Attorneys in Kirkland

An underage DUI charge can have lasting consequences on your education, career, and personal life. At DUIHeroes, we have the knowledge, experience, and attention to detail needed to build the strongest defense possible.

Contact us today for a free consultation with an underage DUI lawyer in Kirkland. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and explain your options.

Call (425) 296-9358 now to talk to our team.