Sioux City Underage DUI Attorney

Protecting Iowa Teens from the Consequences of Drunk Driving

While the legal drinking age in Iowa is 21, this does not stop many teenagers from drinking. In fact, a 2019 survey found that 35% of Iowa high school students admitted to drinking alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey. Unfortunately, some of these teens decide to get behind the wheel after drinking and end up getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

Underage DUI charges can result in serious and long-term consequences for teenagers. If your child has been arrested for an underage DUI, you should reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The Sioux City underage DUI attorneys at Goodman Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for a favorable outcome in your case. We also have offices in Le Mars and Sioux Falls.

Call (712) 373-2621 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our firm.

What Is the Legal BAC Limit for Minors in Iowa?

Teenagers can be charged with an underage DUI if they are caught driving with any amount of alcohol in their systems. Unlike the legal BAC limit for adults, which is 0.08%, there is no legal BAC limit for minors. This means that a police officer can arrest a teenager for an underage DUI even if they have a BAC of less than 0.08%.

It is important to note that teens can also be charged with an underage DUI if they have consumed any amount of alcohol and are under the influence. This means that a teen who is caught driving after consuming a small amount of alcohol can still be arrested for an underage DUI, even if their BAC is not above the legal limit.

What Are the Consequences of an Underage DUI in Iowa?

Being convicted of an underage DUI can result in a wide range of consequences for teenagers. In addition to criminal penalties, teens will also have to deal with the long-term consequences of having a DUI on their criminal record. If your child has been arrested for an underage DUI, you should reach out to a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

The potential consequences of an underage DUI conviction include:

• Driver’s license suspension
• Community service
• Probation
• Enrollment in an alcohol education or treatment program
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Increased insurance premiums
• Difficulty finding employment
• Difficulty getting into college
• Loss of scholarships
• Loss of extracurricular activities

What Are the Penalties for an Underage DUI in Iowa?

The penalties for an underage DUI conviction depend on several factors, including the driver’s BAC and whether or not they have any prior DUI convictions. If a teenager has a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they can be charged with a regular DUI in addition to an underage DUI. The penalties for a regular DUI are more severe than those for an underage DUI.

The potential penalties for a first-offense underage DUI in Iowa include:

• Up to 30 days in jail
• Up to $1,250 in fines
• Up to 180 days of driver’s license suspension
• 60 hours of community service
• Enrollment in an alcohol education or treatment program
• Drug and alcohol testing

If a teenager has a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%, they can be charged with a “zero tolerance” underage DUI. The penalties for a zero tolerance underage DUI are less severe than those for a regular underage DUI. However, the penalties for a second or subsequent zero tolerance underage DUI are more severe than those for a first-time zero tolerance underage DUI.

The potential penalties for a first-offense zero tolerance underage DUI in Iowa include:

• Up to 30 days in jail
• Up to $625 in fines
• Up to 30 days of driver’s license suspension
• Enrollment in an alcohol education or treatment program
• Drug and alcohol testing

If a teenager is arrested for an underage DUI and refuses to submit to a chemical test, they can have their driver’s license suspended for up to 1 year. This is true regardless of whether the teenager is convicted of an underage DUI.

How Can a Sioux City Underage DUI Lawyer Help Me Fight a Charge?

Being charged with an underage DUI can be a frightening experience for teenagers and their parents. However, it is important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. There are several defenses that a qualified lawyer can use to help you fight an underage DUI charge.

Some of the most common defenses against an underage DUI charge include:

• The police officer did not have a valid reason to pull the driver over
• The police officer did not have probable cause to arrest the driver
• The police officer did not read the driver their Miranda rights
• The police officer did not administer a chemical test within two hours of the driver’s arrest
• The breathalyzer used by the police officer was not properly calibrated
• The driver has a medical condition that caused them to fail the breathalyzer
• The police officer violated the driver’s constitutional rights

It is important to note that the defenses available to you will depend on the specific facts of your case. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your arrest and help you determine the best way to fight the charges against you.

How Can I Avoid Getting an Underage DUI?

One of the best ways to avoid getting an underage DUI is to not drink alcohol until you are 21 years old. However, we understand that many teenagers will choose to drink alcohol before they turn 21. If you decide to drink alcohol before you turn 21, you should never get behind the wheel after drinking. Instead, you should find a sober driver or another safe way to get home.

There are several safe alternatives to driving after drinking, including:

• Waiting for a sober friend or family member to pick you up
• Calling a taxi or using a ridesharing app to get home
• Using public transportation to get home
• Spending the night at a friend’s house
• Walking home if you live close by (and it is safe to do so)

How Can I Get an Underage DUI Expunged in Iowa?

Having an underage DUI on your criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, get into college, and secure housing. Fortunately, you may be able to get an underage DUI conviction expunged from your criminal record if you meet certain requirements. A conviction can be expunged if you were convicted of a simple misdemeanor and have not been convicted of any other crimes for at least two years. You will also need to pay a fee and fill out an application to have your conviction expunged.

Goodman Law Firm Can Help

If you have been arrested for an underage DUI, you should not hesitate to reach out to a qualified lawyer for help. The Sioux City underage DUI attorneys at Goodman Law Firm can help you fight the charges against you and work to protect your future. We understand the long-term consequences of an underage DUI conviction and can help you explore all of your legal options.

Call (712) 373-2621 today to schedule a consultation with our firm.