Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is a criminal offense in the state of Colorado. However, your child could also face criminal charges if they are accused of underage drinking and driving. The penalties of a conviction could permanently alter the course of your child’s life. Understanding the charges against them and the consequences of a guilty verdict is crucial if you hope to protect your child and build the most powerful juvenile defense possible.
According to Colorado law, under CRS 42-4-1301(2)(d), motorists under the age of 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle when their blood alcohol content (BAC) level reaches .02%. If your child is charged with and convicted of underage drinking and driving (UDD) the penalties could follow them for the rest of their life.
The extent of these consequences will vary depending on whether they have previously been accused or found guilty of a prior UDD. These consequences could include:
Several potential defenses could be used to defend against UDD charges. First, your UDD lawyer will try to work with the prosecutor to get you entered into a pretrial diversion program. In doing so, you may be able to avoid some of the harsher penalties of a conviction if you can fulfill the requirements of your pretrial diversion program. When you do, the prosecutor will dismiss the charges against you or reduce them to a less serious offense.
However, if you do not qualify for a pretrial diversion program or the prosecutor is unwilling to work with you, we may need to consider your defense options. Some of the most common types of defenses seen in UDD cases include:
When your child is accused of underage drinking and driving, it is easy to panic. However, you must remain calm and take steps to help your child avoid the severe consequences of a UDD conviction.
A top-rated Colorado DUI lawyer with McAdams Law Office is here to help you defend your child’s reputation and protect their future. Schedule a confidential consultation today when you complete our secured contact form or call our office to begin working on your child’s UDD defense strategy.
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.