Any DUI conviction can result in serious consequences, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department has stricter laws when it comes to underage drinking and driving. If an individual under 21 is found operating a moving vehicle under the influence even after a single drink, they could potentially face a wide variety of legal repercussions and penalties.

As the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater, the team with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan has a nationally-recognized track record in handling underage DUI cases, and has the experience to provide you with skilled representation and counsel.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Florida

Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy, which essentially means that drivers under the age of 21 can face DUI penalties if they have a BAC of just 0.02%. This number is significantly lower than the 0.08% threshold for drivers over 21, and it means that even a single drink can result in serious consequences, which can include:

• A driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher may face an automatic six-month license suspension.
• These must complete a DUI substance abuse course and may be required to attend alcohol counseling
• While rare for first-time offenders with lower BAC levels, there is a possibility of a jail sentencing, especially in cases for repeat offenders or when there are injuries or property damage 

While underage DUI penalties can be extenuating, working with an attorney with a leading Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can help increase the likelihood of you achieving a more favorable case outcome.

Long-Term Consequences of an Underage DUI

A DUI conviction extends beyond immediate legal penalties and can result in terrible impacts for the future. Having a criminal record can result in denied college admission or revoked scholarships. It will also show up on background checks for 75 years and can also potentially limit your ability to get an enjoyable or financially secure job.

Insurance rates for young people are already quite high. However, a DUI conviction on top of being young can cause insurance rates to go up dramatically

Possible Defenses Against Underage DUI Charges

While underage DUI charges are serious, there are legal defenses that can challenge the case. One common defense that your top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may choose to employ is to question the accuracy of the breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test. Breathalyzer devices can show inaccurate results due to improper calibration, medical conditions, or external factors like residual mouth alcohol. Field sobriety tests are also very subjective and easily influenced, and an officer’s interpretation may not always be accurate. 

Other potential defenses include proving that the traffic stop was unlawful or that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull the driver over. In some cases, a skilled attorney can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options that minimize long-term repercussions.

Seeking Legal Representation

If an individual has an underage DUI charge in Florida, their future is at risk. However, legal defenses may be available, and seeking the help of an experienced DUI attorney from a trusted Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can make a substantial difference in the outcome of their case

Facing a DUI? You need to consult with a lawyer who has the skills to make a difference. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.

For more information, view this VIDEO discussing minors being charged with DUI.

Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which leads to significantly higher premiums or, in some cases, outright policy cancellations. This financial burden only adds to the already severe penalties associated with a DUI, which include fines, a suspended license, and even jail time. 

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, the first step you need to take is to consult with the best DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI?

The exact increase depends on your insurer, but Florida drivers can generally expect their rates to skyrocket after a DUI conviction. For instance, if your car insurance previously cost $1,500 per year, your new rate could be around $3,000 or higher. Some drivers may even find themselves paying rates close to triple the amount of their original premium.

A DUI conviction in Florida triggers an obligation to obtain FR-44 coverage, which is a form that requires significantly higher liability coverage than a standard insurance policy would. This requirement typically lasts for at least three years and can make your already expensive insurance even more costly.

Other Insurance Policies May Be Affected

After a DUI conviction, some insurers also increase rates on health, life, medical, and disability insurance. And in more severe cases, your provider may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it, leaving you scrambling to find coverage.

Factors That Influence Insurance Rate Increases

Several factors can determine just how much your insurance rates will rise after a DUI conviction:

• Younger drivers already face higher insurance premiums, and a DUI conviction will only make matters worse and drastically increase your rate
• A clean record before a DUI might soften the extent of your overall penalties and insurance rate increase, but if you have prior criminal convictions, you can most assuredly expect a much steeper increase
• Repeat offenders will see significantly higher insurance costs in comparison to first-time DUI offenders
• Some insurers will provide harsher penalties for DUIs than others, so where you’re insured plays a big role in how drastically your rate will increase

Because of how many variables there are associated with the penalties after a DUI conviction, your best bet is to immediately consult with the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. In some cases, our top-rated Pinellas County DUI attorney can seek a dismissal or reduction to reckless driving in order to sidestep the hefty insurance ramifications of a DUI conviction.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance Premiums?

In Florida, a DUI can impact your insurance rates for a long time. Most insurers consider a DUI conviction when calculating premiums for three to five years, but in some cases, it may be even longer.

The exact length of time depends on both Florida state laws and your insurance provider’s policies. Some companies may gradually reduce the surcharge over time, so long as you maintain a clean driving record, but others choose to keep your rates elevated for the full penalty period.

Seeking Legal Guidance with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan

Insurance rate hikes are just one of the many financial consequences of a DUI. A conviction can also impact your employment opportunities, ability to rent a car, and overall reputation. However, you don’t have to face it all by yourself. With the right legal strategy from the best Clearwater DWI lawyers with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, you may be able to reduce the overall charges against you or avoid a conviction entirely.

The best way to protect yourself from the terrible consequences associated with a DUI charge is to be represented by the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717.