Dayton Underage DUI Attorney
How Underage DUIs Are Different
When it comes to underage drinking and driving, Ohio has a “zero tolerance” policy. This means that even a small amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system can result in a DUI arrest. The legal limit for a driver under 21 is .02% BAC, while the limit for drivers over 21 is .08%. If you are under 21 and you have been charged with underage DUI, you need to take your situation seriously and seek the help of an experienced Dayton underage DUI lawyer.
At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, we are committed to helping our clients who have been charged with DUI and other criminal offenses. With more than 30 years of legal experience, we have the knowledge and skill to help you fight your underage DUI charge. Our firm has helped thousands of clients, and we are prepared to provide you with the aggressive representation you need.
Call L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 or online to request a confidential consultation with our Dayton underage DUI attorney.
Underage DUI Penalties in Ohio
Underage DUIs carry serious penalties in the state of Ohio. If you are convicted, you can face jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. In addition, your insurance rates will likely increase, and you may have difficulty securing employment or being accepted into a college or university.
- First Offense: For a first offense, an underage DUI is a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties can include a maximum of 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and driver’s license suspension for up to 3 years. You will also be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle for up to 6 months after your driving privileges are reinstated.
- Second Offense: If you have been convicted of a prior DUI, you will face enhanced penalties for a second offense. This includes a maximum of 6 months in jail, a minimum fine of $350 (up to $1,500), and driver’s license suspension for up to 5 years. You will also be required to have an IID installed in your vehicle for up to 6 months after your driving privileges are reinstated.
- Third Offense: A third underage DUI offense is a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties can include a maximum of 6 months in jail, a minimum fine of $350 (up to $1,500), and driver’s license suspension for up to 10 years. You will also be required to have an IID installed in your vehicle for up to 6 months after your driving privileges are reinstated.
- Fourth or Subsequent Offense: Any underage DUI offense that occurs after a person has been convicted of three or more DUIs is a fourth-degree felony. The penalties can include a maximum of 18 months in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and driver’s license suspension for life. You will also be required to have an IID installed in your vehicle for up to 6 months after your driving privileges are reinstated.
Underage DUI and License Suspension
In addition to the criminal penalties, an underage DUI conviction can result in driver’s license suspension. For a first offense, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 2 years. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years.
Second and Subsequent Offenses: For a second or subsequent underage DUI offense, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 7 years.
After your driving privileges are reinstated, you may be required to have an IID installed in your vehicle. You will also be required to maintain financial responsibility, which means you will have to obtain a special type of insurance coverage that is often referred to as “SR-22” insurance.
Underage DUI and Future Implications
Having an underage DUI conviction on your criminal record can have numerous future implications. In addition to the immediate penalties, you may face long-term consequences that can make your life difficult. For example, your insurance rates will likely increase, and you may have difficulty securing employment or being accepted into a college or university.
At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, we understand the serious nature of an underage DUI charge. We also understand the potential long-term implications of a conviction. When you turn to our firm for help, we will work hard to protect your future and help you secure a favorable outcome.
Our firm can help you explore defense strategies that may help you avoid a conviction, such as:
- Challenging the traffic stop that led to your arrest
- Challenging the results of the chemical test
- Challenging the procedures used by law enforcement
- Negotiating with the prosecution to secure a reduction or dismissal of the charges
- Representing you at all court hearings and proceedings
- Providing you with compassionate and personalized legal counsel
Parental Responsibility in Underage DUI Cases
When an underage driver is charged with DUI, the parents can also face criminal charges. In Ohio, a parent or legal guardian can be charged with “contributing to the delinquency of a minor” if they allow their child to drink alcohol. This is a first-degree misdemeanor, and the penalties can include a maximum of 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
It is important for parents to be aware of this law and to take steps to prevent their child from drinking alcohol. If you are a parent and your child has been charged with underage DUI, it is important to seek the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney right away.
Experienced Legal Representation
If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI, it is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, we understand the serious nature of these charges, and we are prepared to help you fight for your rights. Our Dayton underage DUI attorney can provide you with the strong legal representation you need during this difficult time. We are here for you when you need us most.
Call L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 or online to request a confidential consultation with our Dayton underage DUI lawyer.
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Good Things Happen When We Go to Court
Proof of Our Success
Read Our Client Testimonials
At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it."
Extremely pleased with L. Patrick Mulligan and Associates. They helped me through every step of the process and worked hard for me. I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it. Thank you!
- Megan -
"Patrick and his team are the only choice!"My husband was forced to defend himself at our home but that put him in jail. I first went with another lawyer, Mike Mills, who took my money and that was it. Feeling hopeless, I contacted Patrick’s team and they didn’t disappoint. Within 3 hours, Patrick was at jail speaking with my husband and a few days later, Patrick had him home. When you call the office, everyone helps you. You are not just another case to them; I know and experienced it. They are a team you want to be on your family’s side! Thank you Patrick and Laura and team - you are the best, thank you!- Jackson
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"When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging."My family and I have used Patrick for different cases. A child custody as well as DUI. Initially you may feel scared and want to keep calling but in the end he has always proven that he is the best of the best. When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging. He knows what he's doing. Child custody WON! DUI best possible outcome! I wouldn't hire anyone but him. I highly recommend! Thanks Mr. Mulligan and staff!- Satisfied Client
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"You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support."I want to personally thank you, Patrick and everyone else who did an amazing job on my cases. I've unfortunately dealt with a lot of attorney's over the years and you guys were the first one's I've ever trusted or felt that you really did what you said you were going to do!! Myself and my family couldn't thank you enough. You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support.- Brian
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"Best Lawyer ever."Patrick Mulligan took on my case in May 1996 not knowing how things would go. My case being his first Big case. He saved my life. I have still to this day will always remember and be Thankful to him for trusting and believing in me. I was a mother of a daughter 19 months old who as killed by my boyfriend at the time. The state tried to prove me for child endangering and wanting me to serve 18 months in prison. Parick didnt know until that point what he had gotten into . Patrick did everything he could to prove I was a good mother. It was almost a year after my daughters life was taken. We went to trail and I stood on the stand with all my friends and Dr.'s. Patrick worked so hard for me and we won and here I am 15 years later . I found his web site and had to tell my story. Anyone who needs his help he will work as hard as he can for anyone he believs in. I'm so gald to see he is still in Cinti helping people. Thank you Patrick. I will talk to you soon.- Stacy
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"I would recommend him to anybody."Patrick Mulligan is one of the few attorney's in Dayton that takes no bullshit I would recommend him to anybody- Justin
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"Help in the Middle of the Night"Mr. Mulligan made all the difference in my case. Through his yellow page ad, I was able to reach him in the middle of the night, after my ex-wife had me falsely arrested for Domestic Violence Verbal. He was prompt in coming to my assistance. He went out of his way to help reach my family so that they could get me released from holding. He answered all my questions and walked me through the entire process. He was able to get the results I was hoping for at the pre-trial, so that we did not actually have to go through an actual trial. Mr. Mulligan exceeded all my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in a similar unfortunate situation. He was a Godsend for me.- Mark