Bend Underage DUI Attorney

Fighting Against a Drunk Driving Charge in Deschutes County

If you are under the age of 21 and have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are facing serious consequences. Oregon law allows for no leniency when it comes to DUI charges against minors. In fact, the state has some of the harshest penalties for underage DUI in the nation. You could lose your license for up to three years and face thousands of dollars in fines and other penalties. Even worse, you could end up with a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. A conviction could affect your future employment and education opportunities, as well as your ability to obtain insurance and loans in the future. It's important to hire an experienced Bend underage DUI lawyer to represent you.

What Is the Minimum Jail Time for Underage DUI in Oregon?

In Oregon, the minimum jail time for an underage DUI conviction is 72 hours. However, it is not uncommon for minors to receive sentences of 30 days or more. Additionally, if you refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, the court may consider this to be an aggravating factor. This means that you could face even harsher penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Underage DUI in Oregon?

Generally, the penalties for underage DUI are the same as they are for adult DUI. Depending on the circumstances, you could face a variety of penalties, including:

• Fines. The minimum fine for an underage DUI conviction is $1,000. However, if you are under 18, your parents may be held liable for the fine.
• Jail time. You could face up to 90 days in jail for a first-time conviction.
• License suspension. Your license will be suspended for up to three years. If you are under 18, your license will be suspended for one year.
• Ignition interlock device (IID). If you are convicted of a second DUI, you will be required to install an IID on your vehicle for one year.

What Is an IID and How Does It Work?

An IID is a small device that connects to your vehicle's ignition. When you try to start your vehicle, you will be required to blow into the device to prove that you are sober. If you fail or refuse to blow into the device, it will not allow your vehicle to start. IIDs are considered to be a highly effective tool for reducing repeat DUI offenses. If you have been charged with underage DUI, it is important to speak with a Bend underage DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Don't Go Up Against the State Without a Skilled Attorney

Underage DUI charges are very serious. If you are convicted, you could face severe penalties, including:

• Fines
• Jail time
• License suspension
• An IID
• Counseling
• Community service

In addition to these penalties, you could face a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. A criminal record can make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also make it difficult to obtain professional licenses and insurance, and it could make life insurance premiums more expensive. By hiring a Bend underage DUI attorney, you can increase your chances of avoiding a conviction.

Contact Our Underage DUI Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Baxter Harder, LLC, our Bend DUI attorney has handled hundreds of criminal cases. We are dedicated to helping our clients and have a proven track record of success. If you have been arrested for DUI, we can work with you to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. 

Contact our Bend, OR Underage DUI defense attorneys today for a free consultation.