Underage DUI in East Tennessee
Knoxville, Johnson City, Jacksboro, Chattanooga
If you or someone you know has been charged with an underage DUI in Tennessee, you need to take the situation seriously and act quickly. At Garza Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense attorneys help young drivers and their families protect their rights, their driving privileges, and their future.
Under Tennessee law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. As a result, Tennessee enforces strict drunk driving laws in the State for minors.
Tennessee’s Underage DUI Law – Zero-Tolerance BAC
An underage driver may be charged with underage DUI, formally referred to as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) under Tennessee law, with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. In practical terms, that can be one drink or even less, depending on body weight and other factors.
This creates a much lower legal threshold for underage drivers, exposing them to DUI charges in situations where drivers over 21 face no penalties.
Underage DUI Penalties in Tennessee
Tennessee courts take underage drunk driving extremely seriously. Even a first offense underage DUI can carry significant consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.
Potential penalties include:
- Fines and court costs
- Mandatory community service
- Alcohol education or treatment programs
- One-year driver’s license suspension for a first offense
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can negatively affect college admissions, scholarships, employment opportunities, and auto insurance rates.
Why Choose Garza Law Firm for Underage DUI Defense?
At Garza Law Firm, we know that one mistake should not define a young person’s future. Our legal team carefully evaluates every underage DUI case, including:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- Whether breath, blood, or other chemical tests were properly administered
- Whether Tennessee’s implied consent laws were followed
- Whether evidence can be suppressed or charges reduced
We fight to protect your license, your record, and your future, while guiding families through an already stressful process with clarity and compassion.
Speak with a Garza Law Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are under 21, or if your child has been arrested for DUI, do not wait. Early legal intervention can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of an underage DUI case.
Call Garza Law Firm at (865) 351-3135 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Located in downtown Knoxville, Johnson City, Jacksboro, and Chattanooga, we proudly serve clients throughout all of East Tennessee.
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