Juvenile DWI Charges in New York City

Defense Counsel for Underage Drivers Facing Conviction

New York State has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers. A driver under the age of 21 who registers a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or greater will face a DWI charge. This is such a small amount that even a few sips of an alcoholic beverage could result in a reading over the legal limit. A conviction can lead to a loss of driving privileges for six months, and a second offense could result in license revocation until the individual turns 21.

It is essential to take action immediately. Contact a New York City DWI defense lawyer from H. Benjamin Perez & Associates, P.C. today. The sooner you retain our services, the sooner we can begin building a strong case on your behalf.

DWI Convictions Can Put Your Livelihood in Jeopardy

Getting a DWI on your record, especially early in your driving history, can have devastating effects on many aspects of your daily life. You may lose the ability to drive, making it difficult or even impossible to get to work or school. Insurance providers will almost certainly increase your premiums. While job loss and interruptions to your education are serious consequences, they may not be the most severe. A DWI conviction—even as a juvenile—can also result in jail time and substantial fines.

Protecting Yourself from the Prosecution

With the dedicated support of one of our respected DUI defense attorneys, you can expect representation that challenges every element of the prosecution's case. We understand that revealing the truth and exposing questionable or flawed evidence can significantly weaken their argument against you. We are prepared to put in the necessary hours to ensure that you are defended both properly and fairly.

To prove that a person under 21 is guilty of driving while intoxicated, the prosecution must establish several factors, including:

- The police had valid grounds for stopping the defendant
- The defendant was actually operating the vehicle at the time of arrest
- Any blood or breath tests were lawfully administered
- The results of those tests were accurate and uncontaminated

Clear Your Name with a NYC Criminal Defense Attorney

Based on the amount of alcohol you allegedly consumed—and how that affected your BAC—the charges you are facing could be classified as either a DWAI or a misdemeanor DWI. If someone was injured and claims to hold you responsible, you might even be charged with a felony offense. In any case, you will likely be taken to court for sentencing. You shouldn’t stand before a judge alone.

The professionals at our firm have litigated thousands of cases throughout our impressive history, ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies. We can put all of our experience and expertise to work defending you against the harsh penalties of the legal system.