Florida law already takes driving under the influence seriously, but when a minor is in the car, the consequences become much harsher. A DUI involving a child passenger is considered especially dangerous because it puts a vulnerable person at risk, and these cases carry enhanced penalties that can significantly impact your life.
If you are facing a DUI with a Minor in the Vehicle charge, the best way to achieve the most favorable and lenient possible outcome is to speak with one of the DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.
Florida Law on DUI with a Minor in the Vehicle
In Florida, it is illegal to drive either with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or while your normal capabilities and faculties are impaired. When a child under the age of 18 is present in the vehicle, the charge is automatically treated as more serious. Whether it is your first DUI or not, having a child in your car while impaired can be considered Neglect of a Child, which can escalate your overall charges from a misdemeanor to a felony..
What Are the Penalties of a DUI with a Minor in the Vehicle?
If you are charged with DUI while a minor is in your vehicle, you can expect penalties that go beyond those of a regular DUI. Fines are higher, jail sentences may be longer, and probation terms are often more restrictive. For example, a first DUI usually carries a fine of up to $1,000, but that amount can increase significantly when a child passenger is involved.
Judges may also order the installation of an ignition interlock device, as well as extend the period of driver’s license suspension. In some cases, you could face additional criminal charges, such as child neglect or child abuse, which can further make the situation far more disastrous, especially without proper guidance from a DUI lawyer in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.
Additional Consequences Following a Conviction
Beyond fines and jail time, a DUI with a minor in the vehicle can have lasting personal consequences. If you are a parent, the conviction could affect your custody or visitation rights in future family court matters, if applicable. Courts may also require you to complete DUI School and attend a substance abuse evaluation or treatment program before your license can be reinstated.
Even more, being convicted of an elevated DUI charge will most likely appear on background checks, which can make it difficult to keep your job or professional licenses.
What Can a Lawyer Do for a DUI with a Minor in the Vehicle Charge?
Although facing a DUI charge is daunting in the first place, the first step you should take is booking a consultation with a trusted expert lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. One of our highly experienced DWI defense lawyers in Clearwater will examine every detail of your traffic stop and arrest to determine whether your rights were violated. If the officer lacked probable cause or if field sobriety tests were conducted improperly, those issues can be raised in your defense.
Your attorney can also question the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, especially if the equipment was not calibrated correctly or procedures were not followed. In some cases, it may be possible to show that your BAC was below the legal limit or that you were not actually impaired by pulling in experts or thoroughly analyzing results. And, when appropriate, your lawyer will likely also present mitigating factors, such as a previously clean driving record, to help reduce any potential penalties.
Contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for Top-Notch Legal Representation
At The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, we are proud to represent clients throughout Florida who are facing unjust DUI charges, including those involving minors. We have the combined success and experience to give you confidence in your case.
To get started, book a complimentary case consultation with a leading DUI lawyer in Clearwater and call The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717.