Underage DUI Attorney in Towson
Your Ally When Facing Juvenile DUI Charges in Towson
When your family faces an underage DUI charge in Towson, you deserve more than general legal services. You need supportive guidance from professionals who understand Maryland’s juvenile courts and care about your child’s future. At Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC, our team delivers tailored defense strategies, open communication, and a clear explanation of the local juvenile justice process.
We meet families at their point of need, whether a school administrator or law enforcement has notified you of a pending charge. In Towson, police and juvenile intake offices move quickly after an arrest, so immediate advice provides real peace of mind. When questions arise about court dates, school repercussions, or college admissions, we provide clear, practical answers based on our hands-on experience with Baltimore County procedures.
An underage DUI conviction threatens scholarships and careers. Choose an underage DUI attorney in Towson with a consistent track record of success. Contact our firm immediately at (410) 755-5801 or reach out online for a confidential discussion.
Understanding Maryland’s Underage DUI and DWI Laws
Maryland’s drunk driving laws are complex, involving both criminal penalties and administrative license actions. For drivers under 21, the legal standard is significantly lower than the adult limit of 0.08% BAC.
The Zero Tolerance Rule
Under Maryland Transportation Article 16-113, all driver's licenses issued to individuals under the age of 21 carry an alcohol restriction. The Zero Tolerance policy means that any person under 21 operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher is in violation of the law.
This 0.02% BAC level is incredibly low and often falls far short of what would be considered legally "impaired." However, the criminal charge can still result in a conviction, fines, and points.
Underage DUI vs. DWI
Even a minor can be charged with the standard adult offenses if their BAC is high enough or if they show significant signs of impairment:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Charged when the BAC is 0.08% or higher, or when impairment is substantial. This is the most serious charge (up to one year in jail).
- DWI (Driving While Impaired): Charged when the BAC is between 0.07% and 0.08%, or when impairment is evident but not substantial (up to 60 days in jail).
An accomplished underage DUI attorney in Towson knows how to argue that even if the BAC was slightly over 0.02%, it did not rise to the level of criminal impairment required for a DWI or DUI conviction.
Leveraging the Former Prosecutor Advantage
Our firm uses the insider knowledge of a former prosecutor to anticipate the State's strategy and attack the evidence where it is weakest, which is often the foundation of our consistent track record of success.
- Challenging Probable Cause for the Stop: The initial traffic stop must be legal. We meticulously investigate: Did the officer have reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle (e.g., were the traffic violations vague or minor)? If the stop was unconstitutional, the arrest is invalid, and an experienced underage DUI attorney in Towson can argue for suppression of all evidence.
- Dissecting the Chemical Test: Even at the low 0.02% threshold, BAC results are vulnerable to challenge. We focus on:
- Rising BAC: Did the young driver consume alcohol just before driving? If so, the alcohol concentration may have been rising and may have been under 0.02% at the moment of driving, a crucial distinction we argue in court.
- Mouth Alcohol: Small traces of mouthwash, certain foods, or acid reflux can artificially inflate the breath test result, particularly at the low 0.02% level.
- Device Maintenance: We demand the maintenance records for the breath testing device to look for calibration failures.
- Arguing Lack of Impairment for DUI/DWI: In many underage cases, the BAC is low, but the police charge the full DWI/DUI. We utilize the limited evidence of impairment to the client's advantage, arguing that even with trace alcohol, the driver was still operating the vehicle safely and that the criminal standard for impairment was not met.
What Sets Us Apart
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Thousands of Happy Clients
Our attorneys have successfully served thousands of clients, delivering personalized and effective legal solutions.
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Former Prosecutor Experience
With Mike LaFleur’s background as a former prosecutor, we bring unique insight into both sides of the law, giving us a strategic edge.
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Wide Range of Services
Our firm offers a wide range of experience across criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and estate planning, ensuring comprehensive legal support for your needs.
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Teamwork With A Track Record
At Alex and LaFleur, our strong teamwork and collaboration comes with a consistent track record of success, delivering positive outcomes for our clients,
With experience on both sides of the court system, we're prepared for whatever direction your case takes. Contact us today to get started.
Penalties of a Maryland Underage DUI Conviction
While jail time for a first-time offense is rare, the long-term consequences are devastating for a young adult just starting their life. Our firm fights to protect against the full spectrum of penalties.
Criminal and Driving Penalties
- DWI (Driving While Impaired): Maximum penalty of two months in jail, a $500 fine, and 8 points on the driver's record.
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 12 points on the driver's record, which triggers a license revocation.
- License Suspension/Revocation: An underage DUI attorney in Towson works to minimize the license suspension, which can be up to six months for a first offense.
Educational and Professional Consequences
These are often the most damaging aspects for a young person, and our firm takes great care to mitigate them:
- Educational Opportunities: A criminal conviction can lead to disciplinary action from the student's university or college, jeopardize scholarship eligibility, and impact applications for graduate or professional schools.
- Employment: Many entry-level professional positions and internships require a background check that may screen out candidates with a conviction, especially a DUI or DWI.
- Insurance: Drastically increased insurance rates and the requirement to obtain SR-22 insurance.
We leverage our consistent track record of success to seek alternative sentencing like community service, alcohol education, or PBJ to secure a future free of this mark.
The Juvenile DUI Process & What to Expect in Towson
The juvenile system in Maryland operates differently from the adult criminal courts. Police typically refer minors facing DUI charges to the juvenile court, where the process focuses on rehabilitation and second chances. Everything starts with an intake interview, which may lead to suggestions for treatment, education programs, or community service opportunities. Probation officers, juvenile court judges, and county agencies collaborate to decide what fits the circumstances best.
In Baltimore County’s courts, the process often moves faster compared to some other Maryland regions. Intake officers and court personnel may conduct early guidance meetings and assessments, sometimes involving the family, to develop constructive recommendations. Education, accountability, and safe choices remain central. By understanding this process, families can respond proactively and engage with court-offered resources at the right moments.
- Intake and Assessment – A probation officer reviews the situation and may offer guidance or services before formal court involvement.
- Detention Hearings – In some cases, a hearing determines if the youth remains at home or is placed in a supervised setting before the next step.
- Adjudication Hearing – The court considers evidence and determines next steps, often favoring classes or community service over detention.
- Disposition – If a violation occurred, the judge determines consequences with a goal of education and support, rather than punishment alone.
- Post-Case Support – Orders may require counseling or check-ins with probation. Our team remains available for questions and to help families monitor compliance.
Our familiarity with these processes means we guide you at every stage and anticipate what courts and probation officers are looking for. In many Towson juvenile DUI cases, prosecutors focus on education and rehabilitation, so first-time offenders often can show growth and reduce the long-term effects of a charge. Our knowledge of local options helps you make the best of these opportunities.
Why Clients Trust Our Underage DUI Lawyers
Our attorneys have years of experience handling underage DUI cases and related matters across Maryland. As former prosecutors, we know how the government pursues these charges and what strategies may influence outcomes. That insight lets us anticipate challenges and plan effective responses.
We keep communication direct so that families remain informed and supported at every step. Our small practice ensures you interact directly with a dedicated juvenile DUI lawyer in Towson, while our reputation for successful representation speaks to our results-driven approach.
- Decades of Combined Legal Background – We have represented thousands of clients across Maryland since 2004.
- Underage DUI Insight – Our attorneys know local courts, probation officers, and resources in Towson and greater Baltimore County.
- Personal Attention – We offer direct attorney access, flexible meeting options, and responsive communication.
- Guidance from Former Prosecutors – We understand law enforcement and state strategies for prosecuting underage DUI cases, giving our clients an advantage.
Families choose our underage DUI attorneys for our personalized approach. We understand how a DUI charge can affect every area of a young person’s life, from interactions with schools to future job prospects. Because courts in Towson and nearby communities each have unique processes, we adjust our support to meet your family’s specific needs. Building strong relationships with clients is central to how we work, making it easy to ask questions and always feel heard—not lost in the system.
Take the Next Step with a Trusted Underage DUI Attorney
If your family faces an underage DUI allegation, contact Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC to get direction and clarity from a dedicated defense team. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain every stage so you understand your options. With the insight of former prosecutors and our commitment to personal, responsive service, we work to make a complex process manageable for families in Towson and throughout Baltimore County.
Call (410) 755-5801 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation—either in person or virtually—on your schedule. You do not have to navigate this alone.
