Underage DUI Attorneys in Mukilteo

Protecting Your Future After an Under-21 DUI Arrest

Washington law holds drivers under the age of 21 to stricter standards when it comes to driving under the influence. Even a small blood alcohol content (BAC)—just 0.02%—can trigger a DUI charge, and the consequences can ripple through a young person’s life, affecting their license, education, career, and long-term opportunities.

At DUIHeroes, we focus exclusively on DUI defense, including cases involving underage drivers. We understand the stress this situation creates, both for minors and their families, but our Mukilteo underage DUI lawyers are here to provide experienced and strategic guidance to protect your rights and your future.

Call (425) 296-9358 for a free, confidential consultation with our team. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

What Is Considered an Underage DUI?

Under Washington law (RCW 46.61.503), drivers who are at least 18 but under 21 are considered “underage” for DUI purposes. For those in this age range, a BAC of 0.02% or higher can result in DUI charges. This threshold is much lower than the standard 0.08% for adult drivers, reflecting the state’s strict approach to underage alcohol use and driving.

If a minor registers a BAC of 0.08% or higher, the state can charge them under the standard DUI statute, potentially exposing them to harsher penalties, including possible jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. But while an underage DUI is different than a standard DUI, do not make the mistake of treating underage DUI charges as anything less than very serious. A conviction could result in significant criminal penalties, administrative consequences, and long-lasting effects on your life.

Underage DUI Penalties in Washington State

Underage DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor in Washington, but the consequences can still be severe. 

They might include: 

• Probation
• Jail time (up to 90 days for a first-time misdemeanor)
• Fines and court costs
• Mandatory alcohol or drug evaluation and treatment
• Attendance at a DUI victim impact panel 
• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension
• Ignition interlock device (IID), if ordered by the court

Beyond these penalties, a conviction becomes part of a criminal record, which can affect everything from employment to college admissions, scholarships, insurance rates, and more. 

License Suspension After an Underage DUI Arrest

In Snohomish County, an underage DUI arrest could put the driver’s license at risk. The Department of Licensing (DOL) can suspend a driver’s license for a period of at least 90 days, even before the criminal case is resolved. To contest the suspension, the driver must request an administrative hearing within seven days of the arrest. Missing this deadline can result in an automatic license suspension regardless of the outcome of the DUI case.

In addition to handling the criminal aspects of your underage DUI case, our team can assist with administrative issues, helping ensure that hearings are requested on time and aiding you in navigating the aftermath of the arrest. For help with your specific situation, reach out to our underage DUI lawyers in Mukilteo today. 

Mistakes to Avoid After a Minor DUI Arrest

Young drivers may make critical mistakes after an arrest that can worsen their situation. 

Here are some things to avoid if you have been charged with underage DUI in Mukilteo or anywhere in Snohomish County: 

• Underestimating the Charges: The term “minor DUI” does not mean that your charges are not serious. 
• Missing the DOL Hearing Deadline: Failing to request a hearing within seven days could trigger an automatic license suspension.
• Speaking to Law Enforcement Without an Attorney: Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s best to remain silent.
• Accepting a Plea Deal Without Legal Advice: Plea deals may appear simple but can carry long-term consequences.
• Handling the Case Alone: Without an experienced DUI lawyer, potential defenses may be overlooked.

We urge you to contact an attorney who is experienced in underage DUIs right away. The sooner our team can review your case, the sooner we can begin building your defense.

Potential Defense Strategies for Underage DUIs 

Every underage DUI case is unique. Our Mukilteo minor DUI attorneys carefully review each aspect of your arrest to identify errors, inconsistencies, or procedural violations that can be used in your defense. 

Some potential defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: If there was no probable cause, evidence could be suppressed.
• Questioning BAC Accuracy: Breathalyzer devices must be properly calibrated and maintained.
• Reviewing Field Sobriety Test Conditions: Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or stress can affect performance.
• Investigating Procedural Mistakes: Mishandling evidence or delays in testing can weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Exploring Alternative Explanations for BAC Readings: Certain medications, mouthwash, or other substances can produce false positives.

We tailor our defense to the specifics of your case, whether the goal is reducing penalties, avoiding conviction, or working to have your charges dismissed. Since 2009, we have successfully achieved reductions and dismissals in an average of 95% of first-offense DUI cases. * Learn how our team can fight for you.

Call for Help with Your Mukilteo Underage DUI Case

At DUIHeroes, we are 100% dedicated to DUI defense. Our attorneys have extensive training in NHTSA-standard field sobriety testing, the same training that Washington police officers undergo, and our founding attorney, Jonathan Dichter, is also a qualified instructor in this course. With over 50 years of combined experience and a team that includes two former prosecutors, we understand both sides of the courtroom.

We limit our caseload to provide personalized attention and direct access to your attorney, and we pursue the most favorable possible outcomes for each client. If you or your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in Mukilteo, time is critical. DUIHeroes is here to provide the immediate guidance, aggressive defense, and compassionate support you need.

Call (425) 296-9358 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation with an under-21 DUI attorney in Mukilteo.