DUI Underage

Cobb County Underage DUI Attorneys

Comprehensive DUI Defense in Marietta, Roswell, and Cobb County

When your child is facing an underage DUI charge, it's essential to secure experienced legal representation. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP., based in Marietta, GA, we provide robust defense strategies for underage DUI charges.

If you have questions about underage DUI charges, contact our Marietta law firm for a free consultation at (770) 599-5328.

Georgia's Underage DUI Laws Explained

In Georgia, the legal drinking age is 21. Consequently, any driver under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher can be charged with an Underage DUI. This limit is significantly lower than the 0.08% BAC limit for drivers who are 21 and older.

Underage DUI Penalties in Georgia

First-Time Underage DUI Consequences

Misdemeanor: A first offense is considered a misdemeanor in Georgia.
Fines: The fines can range from $300 to $1000.
Jail Time: A sentence of 24 hours to 12 months in jail may be imposed.
Community Service: A minimum of 20 hours of community service is required, to be completed within 60 days of sentencing.

Second-Time Underage DUI: Increased Penalties

Misdemeanor: Like the first offense, a second offense is also a misdemeanor.
Fines: The fines can range from $600 to $1000.
Jail Time: A sentence of 72 hours to 12 months in jail may be imposed.
Community Service: A minimum of 30 days of community service is required.

Third-Time Underage DUI: Severe Repercussions

High and Aggravated Misdemeanor: A third offense is categorized as a "high and aggravated" misdemeanor in Georgia.
Fines: The fines can range from $1000 to $5000.
Jail Time: A sentence of 15 days to 12 months in jail may be imposed.
Community Service: A minimum of 30 days of community service is required.
Reduced Flexibility: With a third offense, there is less flexibility regarding good behavior, and individuals receive only four days of credit for every 30 days served in jail.

Subsequent Offenses: Facing Felony Charges

Felony: Anything beyond three offenses within the same ten-year period is considered a felony in Georgia.
Significantly Increased Penalties: Felony charges result in substantially higher fines, longer jail sentences, and more extensive community service requirements.

It's essential to recognize that these penalties can have a profound impact on a young person's future, including their educational and career opportunities. That's why parents should consider legal representation from the Law Office of Thomas D. Bumgardner, PLLC in Marietta, GA. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for underage DUI cases. We are dedicated to protecting your child's rights and future, offering personalized guidance and a relentless commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your child.

Ready to Defend Your Child's Future Against DUI Charges. Contact our Cobb County DUI attorneys for a free consultation at (770) 599-5328.

How Our Underage DUI Attorneys Can Make a Difference

Facing an Underage DUI charge can be a frightening and confusing experience. Our attorneys can provide essential assistance, including:

Legal Knowledge: Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of Georgia's DUI laws and can create a strong defense strategy tailored to your child's case.
Negotiation Skills: We will negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation.
License Restoration: We can help minimize the impact on your child's driving privileges, potentially reducing the duration of their license suspension.
Upholding Rights: We are committed to upholding your child's constitutional rights throughout the legal process, ensuring fair treatment and due process.
Emotional Support: Our compassionate team will provide emotional support to both the accused and their parents during this challenging time.

Local Support for Underage DUI Defense in Marietta and Cobb County

Living in Marietta or anywhere in Cobb County, you know how tight-knit our community is. When a young person faces an underage DUI charge, it can feel like the whole world is watching. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, we understand the unique challenges of defending underage DUI cases in our local area.

Our firm is well-acquainted with the local legal landscape, including the Cobb County State Court and the Marietta Municipal Court. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures that can make or break a case. This local knowledge allows us to craft defense strategies that are not only legally sound but also tailored to the nuances of our local judicial system.

One of the biggest concerns for parents in Marietta and surrounding areas is the impact of an underage DUI on their child's future. A DUI conviction can severely limit educational opportunities with institutions like Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Technical College nearby. Additionally, the local job market, including major employers like WellStar Health System and Lockheed Martin, can be unforgiving when hiring individuals with a criminal record.

We also understand the local resources available for rehabilitation and community service, such as the Cobb County DUI Court Program and various community service organizations. While we can't promise specific outcomes, we can guide you through these options to potentially mitigate the long-term effects of a DUI charge.

At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for Marietta and Cobb County families. We know the stakes are high and are here to help you navigate this challenging time with the local expertise and dedication you deserve.

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Client Experiences

Hear from those we've represented in their legal battles.

Ben, I was very impressed with how you handled everything.

Jeff
Mr. Schnatmeier made the experience as painless as possible. He was very responsive and I was pleasantly surprised by how available he was.

Anonymous
Mr. Schnatmeier did an excellent job for me, and I would highly recommend him to others. He was responsive to my questions, stayed abreast of matters in my case, and always kept me informed of what had transpired and what was to come.

Anonymous

Why Trust Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP with Your Child's DUI Case?

Choosing our law firm means choosing a team that brings years of experience, thorough knowledge of Georgia's DUI laws, and a commitment to fighting for your child's rights. We believe in open communication and will keep you informed at every stage of the process.

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the legal support you need during this difficult time.

Don't let an underage DUI charge derail your child's future.

Secure Your Child's Future: Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Marietta DUI Defense Team at (770) 599-5328.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the legal consequences for a first-time underage DUI in Georgia?

For a first-time underage DUI in Georgia, the individual faces misdemeanor charges, with fines ranging from $300 to $1000, possible jail time of 24 hours to 12 months, and a minimum of 20 hours of community service to be completed within 60 days of sentencing. These penalties are designed to reflect the seriousness of driving under the influence and aim to deter future violations.

How does Georgia law define an underage DUI?

Under Georgia law, an underage DUI is defined as any driver under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. This threshold is significantly lower than the 0.08% BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking and driving.

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Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP

Contact 770-599-5328

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278 North Marietta Pkwy NE
Marietta, GA 30060

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