Underage DUI Charges Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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Philadelphia Underage DUI Lawyer

Underage DUI Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Protecting Minors From Lasting Consequences Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

It is illegal to consume alcohol in Philadelphia if you are under 21 years of age. Merely possessing or transporting it can be enough to allow the state to take away driving privileges, even if no motor vehicle was involved. Underage DUI laws single out young drivers with penalties and standards that are much stricter and harsher than those imposed on adults. The team of skilled Philadelphia underage DUI defense attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin do not take underage DUI charges lightly.

Mounting an aggressively relentless defense is essential to protect a young person from the punishment associated with an underage DUI charge in Pennsylvania. Drivers at least 18 at the time of the offense could receive mandatory jail sentences if convicted.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

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Special Rules for Underage DUI Charges

Adult drivers must have a blood alcohol content level of at least .08 percent to be charged with DUI. State law lowers the BAC to a mere .02 percent if a driver is younger than 21 years of age.

Pennsylvania uses a tier system in which DUI offenses are separated into three levels:

General Impairment Level: BAC levels are within the .08 percent to less than .10 percent range
High Level: BAC levels range from .10 percent to less than .16 percent
Highest Level: BAC level is .16 percent or higher

Even though an underage driver might have a BAC of .02 percent, which is substantially lower than the levels required for adult drivers in the second or high level of the grading system. A young driver who might have consumed a beer faces penalties that are more severe than those faced by an adult who probably consumed significantly more alcohol.

Zero Tolerance Means Harsh Penalties for Young Drivers

An underage driver convicted of DUI faces two days to six months in jail, fines ranging from $500 up to as high was $5,000 and a suspension of his or her license to drive for at least 12 months. If the driver has a prior conviction, the penalties are even more severe:

One prior conviction: Minimum jail sentence of 30 days, $750 up to a maximum of $5,000 in fines and a 12-month license suspension
Two prior convictions: From 90 days in jail to up to five years in prison, fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 and an 18-month license suspension

Higher BAC levels in underage drivers can put them into the highest tier in the state’s three-tier grading system. This significantly increases the penalties and, for those with prior convictions, can result in a criminal record that could affect employment, education and housing opportunities in the future.

Arrested On an Underage DUI charge? Call Today For a Free Initial Consultation With our Relentless Philadelphia Underage DUI Attorneys

Philadelphia criminal defense attorney Michael T. van der Veen built his reputation on achieving successful outcomes for clients. He has assembled a team of tough-minded, client-focused attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to pursue nothing less than the best possible outcome for clients charged with underage DUI in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. You can reach our Philadelphia underage DUI attorneys at any time, 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year, to schedule a free initial consultation by calling (215) 610-3440 or using the online contact form.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underage DUI Charges in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Pennsylvania holds drivers under 21 to a much stricter standard. While adults are charged with DUI at a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, underage drivers can be charged at just .02 percent. This means even minimal alcohol consumption can trigger criminal penalties. Underage DUI charges often result in harsher consequences, including mandatory license suspension, higher fines, and potential jail time, even for a first offense. These cases require a strong defense due to the zero tolerance approach used in Pennsylvania.
A first underage DUI conviction carries penalties such as a minimum of two days in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a one year license suspension. Prior convictions increase penalties dramatically, with potential jail sentences ranging from 30 days to five years and extended license suspensions of up to 18 months. Higher BAC levels can elevate the charge to the highest tier, which brings even more severe consequences. A conviction can also affect scholarships, job opportunities, and college admissions.
Yes. An experienced attorney can challenge the basis for the traffic stop, the accuracy of breath or blood test results, the calibration of testing equipment, and the officer’s adherence to required procedures. Your attorney may also be able to argue that the BAC test was improperly administered or that constitutional rights were violated. In some cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed, or alternative sentencing options may be available to minimize long term consequences.
In many cases, a DUI conviction becomes part of a permanent criminal record and cannot be automatically expunged. This can affect employment, professional licensing, and school opportunities. However, depending on the circumstances, an attorney may help you pursue expungement, record sealing, or alternative resolutions that prevent a conviction from appearing on your record. Early legal representation is essential to protect your long term future.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin

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