Denver Underage DUI Attorney

Don't Risk a DUI Conviction - Call Fife Luneau, P.C.!

If you are under the age of 21 and have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you face serious legal consequences. In addition to potential damage to your reputation, you may lose your driver's license, pay fines, and risk jail time. 

Even without a conviction, an arrest can create challenges in your daily life. If you are dealing with a DUI charge as a minor, you should seek legal representation immediately.

Our Denver underage DUI lawyer offers the legal support you need. At Fife Luneau, P.C., we focus on delivering personalized service, so you can count on us to work diligently to help you avoid the harsh consequences of a DUI conviction.

Call our Denver underage DUI lawyer at (720) 408-7130 or contact us online for a consultation today.

What Is Considered a DUI in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, underage DUIs are treated similarly to adult DUI charges. The state enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for those under 21. If law enforcement suspects impairment while you are under 21, they may arrest you and file DUI charges.

The state's definition of a DUI encompasses:

• Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
• Driving with a BAC of .05 percent or higher. This threshold is significantly lower for minors due to their lack of legal drinking status.
• Presence of a Schedule I or II drug. These are specified under federal law and include substances often linked to severe legal consequences.
• Presence of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug. The detection of these substances while driving also draws legal scrutiny.

The minimum penalties for an underage DUI in Colorado include a license suspension and a fine. You may also need to attend DUI school, perform community service, and complete substance abuse treatment.

In addition to these penalties, you may need to pay restitution to anyone affected by your actions. Some cases also require you to install an interlock device in your vehicle as a condition of probation.

Colorado’s Underage DUI Laws

Colorado law classifies offenses involving alcohol and minors under 21 into three levels. The severity and criminal status increase with the BAC level.

Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD)

• BAC: 0.02% to 0.05%
• First Offense Classification: Class A Traffic Infraction (a non-criminal offense).
• Penalties: Mandatory 3-month license revocation, fines up to $100, and mandatory public service/alcohol education.

Driving While Impaired (DWAI) and DUI

If the minor's BAC exceeds 0.05% (DWAI) or 0.08% (DUI), they are prosecuted under the same misdemeanor statutes as an adult, facing higher fines, jail exposure, and longer mandatory revocations.

How Does Colorado Decide Whether to Try an Underage DUI as a Misdemeanor or Felony?

In Colorado, an underage DUI typically results in a misdemeanor charge. However, the law allows for increased charges depending on specific facts and circumstances.

Circumstances that could increase the severity of an underage DUI include:

• Refusal of sobriety tests. Declining a blood, breath, or urine test can lead to enhanced consequences under implied consent laws.
• Repeat offenses. Prior DUIs on record can result in harsher sentencing, as courts in Colorado pursue stricter penalties for repeat violations.
• Being pulled over while under 18. When the minor is under 18, courts may apply greater scrutiny, sometimes resulting in juvenile court proceedings or additional requirements.
• Reckless or drug-influenced driving while under 18. A court monitors this conduct closely and may apply heavier penalties when controlled substances are involved.
• Causing an accident that results in property damage or physical harm

If convicted, the court decides whether the underage DUI counts as a misdemeanor or felony by reviewing the circumstances of the case and the individual’s criminal history. A conviction on felony DUI charges may come with penalties that include fines of $5,000 or more, up to six years in prison, and license suspension for as much as three years.

What are the Penalties for Underage DUI in Denver?

Even the initial UDD infraction imposes severe, mandatory administrative and collateral penalties on a minor.

• Mandatory License Revocation (DMV): A first UDD offense triggers a 3-month revocation. Subsequent offenses lead to longer suspensions (6 months to 1 year).
• Criminal Record Escalation: A second UDD offense is elevated to a Class 2 Traffic Misdemeanor, punishable by 10 to 90 days in jail.
• Felony Risk: Prior UDD, DWAI, or DUI convictions within a specific look-back period can be used to elevate a fourth offense to a Class 4 Felony, which carries years in prison.

Along with the penalties listed above, you may need to perform community service, attend alcohol education classes, or participate in substance abuse treatment. You may also be ordered to pay restitution to people or organizations harmed by your actions.

Consequences for underage DUI convictions in Denver reflect the circumstances of the arrest and whether the minor appears in juvenile or adult court. Penalties in the area may include monitored sobriety, required classes with Denver-based educators, and regular check-ins with court officials. 

Those charged after incidents in school zones or during community events may need to complete extra community service hours. Colorado law also calls for substance use evaluations and progress updates, making it important for families to stay organized and follow through on all local court requirements.

You should not face the serious consequences associated with an underage DUI on your own. Our Denver underage DUI attorney can provide you with the legal representation you need to help you avoid the consequences of a DUI conviction.

What is The Impact of an Underage DUI on Future Opportunities?

In addition to legal consequences, an underage DUI conviction can have long-term secondary effects, including:

• College admissions – Many universities review disciplinary and criminal records and may reject applicants who have a DUI conviction.
• Employment opportunities – Employers often conduct background checks, and having a DUI can reduce your chances at a job.
• Auto insurance rates – Insurance companies may significantly increase premiums for someone with a DUI conviction.
• Scholarship and financial aid eligibility – Some scholarships and grants may be revoked after a DUI conviction.

A Denver juvenile DUI attorney may help reduce these long-term consequences by seeking alternatives such as diversion programs or expungement of a conviction when appropriate as permitted by Colorado law.

How to Navigate the DMV Hearing Process for Underage DUI in Denver?

After a juvenile arrest for DUI in Denver, the Colorado Department of Revenue handles an administrative license suspension process, apart from the criminal case. You must request a DMV hearing within seven days of the arrest to contest a pending license suspension. 

Failing to meet this deadline typically results in automatic loss of driving privileges—even if a court later dismisses the charges. The DMV hearing, held at a state administrative office, usually determines whether the minor keeps their license before the outcome of the criminal case.

At the DMV hearing, a juvenile and their representative can review evidence, challenge the validity of the traffic stop, and address any procedural errors. Administrative and court processes often run on different timelines, forcing families to juggle both. The hearing officer will decide based on the information presented, which can have an immediate effect on the minor’s right to drive to school or work. 

Swift action in the DMV administrative process helps protect the young person’s license and minimizes disruption to their day-to-day life in and around Denver.

What Should I Do If My Child Is Arrested for a DUI in Denver?

If your child is arrested for DUI in Denver, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a major difference in their future. Colorado has strict laws for minors charged with driving under the influence, and even a first offense can affect their driving record, insurance, and education opportunities. 

Staying calm, protecting your child’s rights, and seeking legal counsel promptly are essential. A Denver juvenile DUI attorney can guide your family through the next steps and ensure deadlines and legal protections are met.

Here’s what to do if your child is arrested for a DUI in Denver:

• Stay calm and protect your child’s rights — Advise them not to answer any questions until an attorney is present.
• Contact a juvenile DUI attorney immediately — Early legal guidance is crucial to safeguard your child’s future and navigate juvenile court procedures.
• Request a DMV hearing within seven days — This hearing is your only chance to challenge the automatic driver’s license suspension.
• Gather and organize evidence — Collect receipts, test results, witness statements, and any law enforcement reports related to the arrest.
• Document all details — Note the substances involved, the timing of events, and any procedural errors that may have occurred during the arrest.
• Follow legal advice closely — An attorney can identify weaknesses in the case, address chemical test issues, and pursue the best possible outcome for your child.

How Can a Denver Juvenile DUI Lawyer Help?

A skilled Denver juvenile DUI attorney supports minors by evaluating each case, reviewing the facts, and developing legal strategies to protect your child’s future. The attorney advocates for your family in court with the aim of reducing charges or, in some situations, negotiating alternative outcomes such as probation, education programs, or community service to limit penalties.

A Denver juvenile DUI lawyer also reviews options for record expungement, helping to clear a youth’s record if the law allows it after certain resolutions. Having the right representation means families can better navigate the juvenile justice system, understand available programs, and take proactive measures to defend the child’s rights and opportunities.

Why Choose Fife Luneau, P.C. for Your Underage DUI Defense?

When an underage DUI threatens a young future, you need a defense firm in the Denver area that is immediately accessible and dedicated to minimizing consequences.

• We Offer Free Consultations and 24/7 Availability: We provide free consultations and are available 24/7 to ensure that critical deadlines (like the 7-day DMV hearing request) are never missed.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm has handled thousands of DUI cases, giving us the experience to challenge the evidence and advocate effectively in the Denver County courts.

Let our firm fight to protect your child’s driving privileges and permanent record.

Contact Fife Luneau, P.C. for a consultation at (720) 408-7130 or reach out online if you are facing DUI charges as an underage individual.