Underage DUI Charges & Protecting a Teen's Future in Idaho

Without a fully developed mind, children will often make major mistakes that could cost them years down the line. The freedom of driving and getting a license also comes with a lot of responsibility. If an underage teen chooses to drink and drive, a DUI charge could have a lasting impact. Just like many other states, Idaho has strict DUI laws.

Learn about the consequences of a DUI charge and ways that a lawyer can help protect a teen’s future while allowing them to learn from their mistake.

Case Circumstances

Hiring a defense lawyer early on is an important step for the case. No matter the condition or blood-alcohol level of the teen, a lawyer will first look at the circumstances to determine the best course of action.

If a teen was mistreated or the police officers at the scene of the crime did not follow procedure, then a lawyer may move to dismiss the case before a teen's charges even move forward within the court system. Along with witness statements and police report details, a lawyer could use body camera footage or surveillance footage to prove their case.

If a teen's case is dismissed, then no charges will go on their record and the teen can use the situation as a lesson learned.

Guilty Plea

If the case moves forward, then a lawyer may recommend the teen pleads guilty to the charges. With a guilty plea, a teen is essentially admitting their mistake and the court may be more lenient with their punishment. A lawyer may negotiate for a lesser charge, although most cases for a minor will be a misdemeanor, especially for first-time offenders.

No matter what the charge is, a lawyer will attempt to avoid jail time, especially if the teen pleads guilty. In some circumstances, the biggest punishment your teen will face is a fine as opposed to time behind bars. An experienced lawyer who has worked on past cases can use previous knowledge as an example to represent a teen in the best way possible.

Suspended License

Along with a fine, one of the laws pertaining to minors in Idaho includes a suspended license. While there are some limits on the maximum amount of time a driver can have their license suspended, the full length of time is up to the discretion of the judge. In some cases, a lawyer can help fight for restricted license privileges.

If a teen has a job, then they will not be forced to quit their job or find alternate forms of transportation. The restricted license privilege would typically mean the teen can only travel to and from work. The punishment would essentially eliminate any leisure driving time as opposed to losing the license altogether.

A lawyer may use pay stubs and other job information to prove the need for the teen to receive restricted driving privileges.

Treatment & Education Programs

One way to help a teen avoid jail time and get them back on their feet quicker is through treatment and education programs. A judge may replace traditional sentencing with community-based alternatives that are modeled after adult laws. Some of the basic options include a set amount of community service hours.

A teen may also have to enter a rehabilitation or counseling program. A lawyer can discuss the best options available with your teen. A lawyer will then present those options to the court as an alternative sentence. The option for community-based sentencing relies on the admission of guilt and an opening to negotiate.

Through the programs, not only will a teen get themselves out of legal trouble, but they could find a path to avoid future problems. Inspiration may strike through some of the services, including specific areas where they volunteer to help out.

Sealed & Vacated Charges

The last thing a young teen needs is to have a DUI charge follow them for the rest of their life. In Idaho, a teen has the option to seal and vacate the charges off of their permanent record. The removal will help them start with a clean slate in the future and the charges are no longer held against the teen.

In most situations, the vacated charge option will occur within five years after sentencing. The process is not automatic though. Paperwork must be filed by the teen or the courts will not seal up the documents. A lawyer can help with the process and ensure everything moves along smoothly.

A lawyer can double-check the paperwork, ensure it is filed, and give a teen official notice once the process is completed. A lawyer who was on the case since the beginning will also have their own reminders once the five-year mark has been reached.

If you seek a defense lawyer for a teen in your life, contact us at Hart Law Offices, P.C. We will represent your teen and help ensure a DUI charge doesn't impact them for the rest of their life.