Stamford, Connecticut Underage DUI Attorney

In the state of Connecticut, specific penalties attach to DUI convictions for underage drivers. In the case of 16 and 17 year olds, an elevated blood account (BAC) of .02 will result in an automatic 48 hour summary suspension of their license. Typically, the arresting officer will seize the 16 or 17 year olds driver's license and may impound the car. In addition, drivers under the age of 21 will have their license suspended for 3 years or until they reach the age of 21 - whichever takes longer. At the Law Office of Joseph J. Colarusso, we work with the court in exploring alternatives to lengthy license suspensions and a permanent criminal record. While we cannot guarantee specific results, in some cases it may be possible to reduce the charges or sentence against you.

If your teenage son or daughter has been arrested for DUI, contact criminal defense lawyer Joseph J. Colarusso today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.

Once an Underage Driver's License is Seized

In DUI arrests involving 16 and 17 year olds, the parent or legal guardian of the DUI offender must accompany him or her to the police department indicated on the citation to reacquire their driver's license. Once there, the underage DUI offender must sign a statement acknowledging its return. Currently, there is no fee involved. Afterwards, the officer who seized the license must submit a report of the DUI violation to commissioner. Typically, the commissioner will recommend whether or not the DUI offender's license should be suspended and for how long.

Other DUI Penalties involving Underage Drivers

If a 16 or 17 year old refuses to submit to chemical testing, his or her license will be suspended anywhere between 12 to 18 months. If a chemical test was administered, a license is suspended anywhere from 180 days to one year for a BAC result between .02% and.16%. If BAC result is measured at more than .16%, a license will be suspended between 240 days to one year.

Contact Underage DUI Offender Attorney Joseph J. Colarusso Today

DUI arrests involving underage drivers aren't always constitutional. Officers have been known to pull over cars full of teenagers for no other reason than "they looked like they were up to something." In other cases, an underage driver may be arrested for DUI when an officer finds an open beer in the car that belonged to a passenger. As your attorney, Mr. Colarusso reviews the actions of police officers and is ready to challenge unconstitutional car stops, questionable searches and seizures and improperly administered field sobriety tests.

To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case, contact DUI defense attorney Joseph J. Colarusso today.