If you or your child is facing an underage DUI charge in New Hampshire, you are in the right place. We understand how overwhelming and stressful this moment can be. You might feel scared, confused, or unsure about what steps to take next. These feelings are normal. A DUI arrest for someone under the age of 21 is serious, and it can affect a person’s future in many ways. But you are not alone. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and protect your rights every step of the way.
Understanding Underage DUI in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the law is very clear when it comes to drinking and driving under the age of 21. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers under 21 is 0.02 percent. That means even a very small amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge. Unlike adults who are held to a 0.08 BAC limit, the state has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. This law is meant to discourage young people from mixing alcohol and driving, but it can also lead to harsh consequences even when someone didn’t feel impaired.
It’s important to know that a DUI charge is not a conviction. There is still time to defend the case and protect the future of the person charged. Just because someone has been arrested or ticketed does not mean the case is over. There are many legal ways to challenge what happened, and the law must be followed exactly by the police and the court. If any steps were missed or done wrong, that could change the outcome of the case.
Common Situations That Lead to Charges
Many underage DUI charges start with a simple traffic stop. A police officer might pull over a young driver for speeding, a broken taillight, or not using a turn signal. During the stop, if the officer smells alcohol or sees signs of drinking, they may ask the driver to take a breath test or perform field sobriety tests. Sometimes, these tests are done unfairly or are hard for anyone to complete, even without drinking.
Other times, a DUI charge can happen at a party or gathering where underage drinking was taking place. If police arrive and find someone trying to leave in a car, they may stop that person and start an investigation. No matter how the charge begins, the steps that follow can be life-changing.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
Once a person is arrested for DUI, they may be taken to the police station and given more tests. The police will then write a report and give the case to the prosecutor. In New Hampshire, a DUI is a criminal charge, which means it goes to court. The young driver will have to go to court and face a judge. They could face penalties like fines, license suspension, alcohol education programs, and even time in jail, especially if it is not their first offense or someone was hurt.
But those are only the legal penalties. A DUI charge can also affect a person’s chances of getting into college, joining the military, applying for jobs, or keeping their driver’s insurance. That is why it is so important to take these charges seriously and not wait to get help.
How We Look at the Case
Every case is different, and we look closely at all the details. The first question we ask is whether the stop by the police was legal. If the officer had no good reason to pull over the car, that could be a strong defense. We also look at how the field sobriety tests and breath tests were done. These tests must be given in the right way and under the right conditions. If they were not, we may be able to challenge the results.
We also ask about how the arrest was made and whether the person was read their rights. Sometimes, the police make mistakes. If they did, that could change what evidence can be used in court. We take time to listen to your side of the story and explain what the law says. Then we work to find the best way forward.
Building a Strong Defense
There are many ways to fight an underage DUI charge. One way is to show that the person was not driving under the influence. Just having a low BAC is not always enough to prove guilt. Another way is to show that the BAC test was not done right or was not accurate. Sometimes the testing machines are not working properly, or the test was not given in time.
We may also work with medical professionals or other experts to explain why the driver may have looked impaired when they were not. If the case goes to trial, we are ready to argue your case in court. But in many cases, we can get the charges reduced or even dropped without going to trial. This can help protect your record and future.
What You Should Do Now
If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI, it is important not to wait. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the more options you will have. Do not speak to the police or prosecutors without getting legal advice. What you say can be used against you later. Keep all papers and documents from the arrest and try to write down everything you remember while it is still fresh.
You should also avoid talking about the case on social media or with friends. These conversations can sometimes end up in court. Stay focused on the next steps and talk to someone who knows the law and can protect your rights.
We Are Here to Help You
We understand that being charged with underage DUI can be scary. You may be worried about your future, your license, and your freedom. But there is hope. You do not have to go through this alone. With the right help, you can get through this and come out stronger on the other side.
At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we know how to handle underage DUI cases in New Hampshire. We will stand by your side, answer your questions, and fight for the best result in your case. Your future matters, and we are ready to help you protect it. Contact us today to talk about your case and find out what we can do to help.