There is one piece of good news for parents of a minor charged with illegal consumption or possession of alcohol. Parents are not held liable for their child’s actions (unless, of course, the parent instigated the illegal activity, such as taking your kid to the local bar for a drink — a bad idea if… Read More »
Learn MoreExperienced Denver Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Assisting Parents & Teens
Attorney Handling Colorado Juvenile DUI, DUID, Drug Possession & Sexting Charges
The criminal defense attorneys at Charles L. Fife & Associates, PC have extensive experience representing minors charged with juvenile offenses. We can guide your family through the juvenile justice system, ensuring that your child's rights and interests are protected. If you are looking for an underage DUI attorney in Colorado, our firm has successfully handled thousands of drunk driving cases, and we can also help if your child faces charges related to:
- Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP)
- Drug offenses
- Traffic crimes
- Vandalism
- Mischief
- Shoplifting
- Sexting
In certain cases, a Denver juvenile DUI attorney can help your child gain entry into a Colorado diversion program. Upon successful completion of a diversion program, a minor's offense is expunged from his or her record, so that it is as if the incident never occurred. Our attorneys seek to qualify juvenile clients for diversion programs whenever possible.
Underage DUI Attorney in Denver Representing Colorado College Students
College gives most teens their first real taste of freedom and independence, and too often students do not think about the serious consequences of being charged with a criminal offense while experimenting with alcohol or drugs in a college environment. For example, if you are considering medical school or law school, a single conviction can prevent you from obtaining a professional license. A Colorado DUI/DWAI lawyer at Charles L. Fife & Associates can help you prevent criminal charges from limiting your options and success in the future.
Talk to a Knowledgeable, Experienced Underage DUI Attorney in Denver, Colorado
If your child faces charges related to underage drinking, drugs, theft, or any other offense, do not hesitate to contact Charles L. Fife & Associates, PC. During a free initial consultation, you can talk to a knowledgeable juvenile defense attorney in Denver about protecting your child's rights and future. We have helped many teens avoid the serious and lasting consequences of a criminal record.
Colorado Minor DUI Lawyer Shares 10 Tips for Parents to Deter Underage Drinking
The attorneys at Charles L. Fife & Associates, PC are here to provide aggressive defense representation to teens facing criminal charges. We also hope that most parents never have to retain our services. Thus, we share 10 tips from the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) to help parents deter teen alcohol use and underage drinking and driving:
- Talk with Your Teen
- Provide Structure
- Host a Party
- Foster Self-Confidence
- Lay Down the Law
- Ensure Safety
- Beware of Your Civil Liability
- Be a Role Model
- Be a Safe Boater
- Do Not Wait
1. Talk with Your Teen
- Studies time and time again have confirmed that parents can have a significant--if not the most significant--impact as to whether their teens will engage in risky behaviors, including the use of alcohol. Talk openly to your teen about alcohol. Create clear family rules and expectations by setting a "no alcohol" rule and supporting such an environment with "zero-tolerance" consequences if such rules are broken.
2. Provide Structure
- The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that teen children of "absentee parents" were four times more likely to abuse substances than children in highly structured homes. Find a responsible adult, neighbor, relative, or friend who can look in on your child or share the responsibility for creating activities for your children. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign suggests you give your teens tasks, such as cooking dinner or doing chores, and make sure these tasks get done.
3. Host a Party
- Host a teen party in your own home following clearly stated guidelines of no drugs or alcohol, including: serving beverages in cans or bottles rather than easily tampered cups; asking another parent to help chaperone; when guests leave, do not allow them to return; make your presence known; and if you suspect that a guest has used alcohol or drugs, contact his or her parents immediately.
4. Foster Self-Confidence
- Instill self-confidence in your teen by talking with him or her about peer pressure. At some point, your teen will be offered alcohol. As the National Institute of Health points out, "teens say they prefer quick 'one-liners' that allow them to dodge a drink without making a big scene." In addition, encourage and praise your teens for the good things they do. Participate in their lives and know what they are doing and with whom.
5. Lay Down the Law
- Colorado has a zero tolerance law making it a crime to possess, transport, or purchase alcohol if you are less than 21 years of age. In addition, teen drivers face a one year driver's license suspension, even for a first DUI conviction.
6. Ensure Safety
- Even if you have every confidence in the world that your teen will not drink alcohol, if he or she is out with someone who has made the mistake of illegally drinking, do not compound the situation by allowing anyone to drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver.
7. Beware of Your Civil Liability
- In most cases, it is unlawful for parents to allow their children's friends to consume alcohol in their homes. If these friends are later involved in a crash, the providing parents may be responsible for any injuries, property damages, and wrongful death resulting from the accident. Parents may also face criminal charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
8. Be a Role Model
- Parents should be good role models by making sure their behavior is appropriate. Use alcohol moderately, serve as a responsible host, and never drink and drive.
9. Be a Safe Boater
- Do not overlook area waterways as another venue where advanced planning and safety are paramount, as 50% of all boating deaths are alcohol-related according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
10. Do Not Wait
- If you suspect that your teen is drinking, intervene. Talk to your teen and obtain qualified professional help if necessary. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that harsh, inconsistent discipline and hostility or rejection toward children has also been found to significantly predict adolescent drinking and alcohol-related problems. Set clear expectations and be consistent with discipline for rules not followed.
I have known Charles L. Fife for 2 years now. Unfortunately, I required his personal expertise as an attorney earlier this year. I was very relieved when Mr. Fife agreed to take my case....
