Call Us
Contact Us
Text Us

Arizona Underage DUI Lawyers

Arizona Underage DUI Lawyers – We Defend Your Future

Under 21 and charged with DUI in Arizona? Arizona’s Zero Tolerance law means even a trace of alcohol can end your license, your scholarship, and your record before you graduate. Speak with an underage DUI lawyer now, before the State locks in its case.

Available 24/7 1,000+ Cases Won Free Confidential Consultation

5.0★ Google Reviews • Aggressive DUI Defense • Fast Action When Your License, Freedom & Future Are On The Line

24/7 Confidential Line, Call Now Before Evidence & Test Results Lock In


Recognized By

Free Confidential Consultation, Arizona Underage DUI Defense Aggressive Representation & Affordable Payment Plans

Name(Required)
Best Way To Reply

Recognized By

As Seen On

As Seen On NBC News, USA Today, Digital Journal, AZ Central, Lamar, ABC News, Fox News
Michael Tamou, founding attorney of Tamou Law Group in his Scottsdale office

Michael Tamou

Founding Attorney · Tamou Law Group, PLLC

When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm that handles DUI defense at the highest level. As members of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), our team brings advanced DUI science training to every underage case, including former prosecutors and law enforcement who know exactly how these cases are built.

If your child has been arrested or charged, call 623-321-4699 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.

Arizona has a Zero Tolerance law for underage drivers, and prosecutors move fast.
If you’re under 21, any detectable alcohol, not just .08, can trigger a DUI charge under ARS § 4-244(34). Add a license suspension of 2 years, a permanent record, and college/scholarship consequences that follow you for life.

An underage DUI conviction can cost you your license, your scholarship, and your future.

Text “HELP” to 623-321-4699 for a fast confidential callback, 24/7

Call 623-321-4699 – Speak to Michael Tamou
What Makes Underage DUI Different

Underage DUI vs. Standard DUI in Arizona

Arizona treats drivers under 21 completely differently than adult DUI offenders. The legal limit isn’t .08, it’s zero. The license suspension is longer. The consequences hit your college, scholarships, and record harder. Before you do anything, understand what you’re actually facing.

Standard Adult DUI Age 21+
Legal BAC Limit.08% or higher (ARS § 28-1381)
Governing StatuteARS § 28-1381, Driving Under the Influence
License Suspension90 days to 1 year
Jail TimeMinimum 10 days (9 may be suspended)
Fines & Fees$1,250+ plus surcharges
Ignition Interlock6-12 months required
Who ProsecutesCity Court or Superior Court
Collateral DamageInsurance, career, immigration
Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance) Under 21
Legal BAC LimitZero. Any detectable alcohol.
Governing StatuteARS § 4-244(34) + ARS § 28-1381 overlap
License SuspensionUp to 2 years for first offense
Jail TimeSame minimums apply if .08+ BAC
Fines & Fees$500+ for “baby DUI,” $1,250+ if .08+
Ignition InterlockRequired on license reinstatement
Who ProsecutesAdult court (18+), same as standard DUI
Collateral DamageScholarships, FAFSA, college admissions, housing

The biggest misconception: An underage DUI is not a “slap on the wrist.” Under Arizona’s Zero Tolerance law (ARS § 4-244(34)), a driver under 21 can be charged with DUI for having any amount of alcohol in their system, even a sip. And if the BAC hits .08 or higher, the underage driver is charged under both statutes and faces the exact same mandatory jail, fines, and interlock as a 40-year-old.

Then add the underage-specific penalties on top: a 2-year license suspension, potential loss of scholarships and financial aid, consequences for FAFSA and college housing, and a conviction that can follow them into every job and apartment application for the next decade.

In Arizona, under 21 means zero tolerance, any detectable alcohol is a DUI.

Under ARS § 4-244(34), a driver under 21 with any measurable amount of alcohol faces DUI charges, even if they blow well below .08. If the BAC reaches .08 or higher, they face the full ARS § 28-1381 penalties on top: mandatory 10 days jail, $1,250+ fines, ignition interlock, and license suspension. And the underage license suspension is up to 2 years. Your defense needs to start now.

Charged With “Baby DUI”?

ARS § 4-244(34) “Zero Tolerance” charges apply when an underage driver has any alcohol, even below .08. We challenge the traffic stop, testing procedures, and the officer’s observations.

BAC .08 or Higher Under 21?

You’re facing both underage DUI and standard DUI charges. We challenge the blood draw, breathalyzer calibration, and chain of custody to fight both charges at once.

Worried About College & Scholarships?

We work fast to protect your record, your financial aid eligibility, and your future. Same-day consultations, aggressive MVD hearing strategy, and diversion options where available.

Arizona Underage DUI Defense Lawyers at Tamou Law Group


Protecting Your License & Your Future in Arizona A Proven Defense Process for Underage DUI Charges Across Arizona

  • Dismiss or Reduce DUI Charges
  • Save Your Driver’s License
  • Protect Your Record & Career
Michael Tamou, Arizona underage DUI defense attorney at Tamou Law Group

Underage DUI charges carry devastating consequences that hit harder than a standard adult DUI, Arizona’s Zero Tolerance law means any detectable alcohol is a crime, license suspensions can reach 2 years, and a conviction follows the student through scholarship applications, FAFSA, college admissions, and background checks for years to come. At Tamou Law Group, our dedicated underage DUI defense lawyers fight for students, young drivers, and their families across Arizona.

When you work with an experienced underage DUI lawyer at Tamou Law Group, you get a defense team that includes former prosecutors and public defenders who understand how the State builds underage DUI cases, and how to dismantle them. As members of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), we bring advanced DUI defense training to every underage case across Arizona.

Call Michael Tamou Today & Start Fighting For Your License & Freedom Right Now

623-321-4699

1 Immediate Response & License Protection

Contact our law firm immediately after a DUI arrest. You have only 15 days to request an MVD hearing to fight your license suspension. Our lawyers respond immediately, including after-hours emergencies, to protect your driving privileges and your rights before the State locks in its case.

2 Evidence Review & Testing Challenges

We review every detail, the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer calibration records, blood draw procedures, chain of custody, lab analysis methods, body cam footage, and officer training records. DUI cases are built on scientific evidence that is often flawed, and we look for every error.

3 Strategic Defense Development

Our team builds a defense strategy tailored to your specific charges, BAC level, and circumstances. With former prosecutors and public defenders on our team, plus advanced NCDD and DUIDLA training, we anticipate prosecution tactics and identify weaknesses in blood draws, breath tests, and field sobriety procedures.

4 Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy

Tamou Law Group fights through motions to suppress, MVD hearings, negotiations, and trial to get you the best possible outcome, whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, a plea to a non-DUI offense, or acquittal. We fight aggressively to protect your license, your record, and your future.

5 License Restoration & Record Protection

From MVD hearings through case resolution, we are by your side at every hearing and every critical decision point. We work to minimize jail time, reduce fines, protect your driving privileges, and keep a DUI conviction off your record whenever possible.

The Sooner You Act, The Better. Speak To An Experienced Underage DUI Lawyer Today

Recent Underage DUI Defense Results Handled by Our Arizona Underage DUI Lawyers

Every case is unique and results depend on the facts, but these examples reflect how our firm handles serious underage DUI cases across Arizona.

Baby DUI, Zero Tolerance Charge

Offense: ARS § 4-244(34) Client: College Freshman, Age 19

Case Dismissed

Client blew a trace amount on a PBT after leaving a dorm party. After challenging the stop justification and PBT calibration, the prosecution dismissed all charges and the client’s scholarship was preserved.

Underage DUI, Consumption Only

Offense: Minor in Possession + Baby DUI Client: Age 18, College Scholarship

Diversion, Charges Dismissed

Secured acceptance into a diversion program that allowed the client to complete education and community service. Upon completion, all charges were dismissed and the scholarship was protected.

Underage DUI, Actual Physical Control

Offense: APC, Sleeping It Off Client: Age 20

Case Dismissed

Client was charged while parked and sleeping to avoid driving impaired. Demonstrating the vehicle was not in operation led to a complete dismissal.

Why You Need an Underage DUI Lawyer Immediately

Arizona consistently ranks among the states with the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Under ARS § 28-1381, even a first-offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying mandatory jail time, a minimum of 10 days, plus fines exceeding $1,250, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, license suspension of 90 days to one year, and mandatory alcohol screening and education. There is no diversion or deferred prosecution for DUI in Arizona, every conviction carries mandatory minimum penalties that judges cannot waive.

Beyond the criminal case, you face an administrative license suspension through the Arizona MVD that begins automatically unless you request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest. Underage DUI cases across Arizona move fast. Blood evidence, breathalyzer calibration records, and officer body cam footage must be challenged early. The longer you wait to hire an underage DUI lawyer, the harder it becomes to preserve and challenge the evidence that will determine whether a young driver keeps their license, their scholarship, and their clean record.

Protecting Your License, Your Record, and Your Future Across Arizona

Call Michael Tamou Now! Arizona Underage DUI Defense, 24/7

What Clients Say About Tamou Law


Why People Choose Tamou Law Group for Underage DUI Defense

Aggressive Defense From a Team That Knows How Prosecutors Build DUI Cases

Award-Winning, High-Stakes DUI Defense

Tamou Law Group has built a reputation as one of Arizona’s most aggressive and highly respected DUI defense firms. Our underage DUI lawyers have defended some of the most complex underage DUI cases across Arizona, including Super Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI felonies, DUI with serious injury, drug DUI, and commercial driver DUI cases.

Our firm has earned distinction and recognition from leading national and statewide legal organizations, including:

  • National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), advanced training in DUI defense, blood testing, and field sobriety science
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA), dedicated to excellence in impaired driving defense
  • Super Lawyers®, recognized for excellence in criminal defense
  • AVVO, Superb-rated for defense results and client satisfaction
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, awarded to exceptional young criminal defense advocates
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100, recognition reserved for the top criminal trial lawyers nationwide
  • State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Law Section, active involvement and continued education in advanced criminal defense

Underage DUI cases in Arizona often hinge on scientific evidence, blood alcohol testing, breathalyzer results, field sobriety test performance, and toxicology reports. Our underage DUI lawyers know how prosecutors rely on this evidence and how to challenge every element through independent expert review, calibration record analysis, and aggressive cross-examination of lab technicians and arresting officers.

Clients trust Tamou Law Group because we bring credibility, preparation, and courtroom readiness to every DUI case. When your license, freedom, career, and record are on the line, you need a defense team with advanced DUI defense training prepared to fight at the highest levels of Arizona courts.

Personalized Strategy & Aggressive Representation

No two DUI cases are alike. Some involve questionable traffic stops, improperly administered field sobriety tests, or flawed blood draws. Others involve rising BAC defenses, medical conditions that mimic impairment, or prescription medications. As your Arizona underage DUI lawyer, we take time to understand your case, review all testing procedures, and build a defense around your specific charges and circumstances.

From the moment you call 623-321-4699, you are treated with respect, confidentiality, and urgency. We know the fear and uncertainty that accompany any DUI charge, and our underage DUI lawyers stand with you every step of the way.

Common Defense Strategies in Arizona Underage DUI Cases

A strong underage DUI defense starts with understanding the science, the procedures, and the weaknesses in the State’s case. Our underage DUI lawyers evaluate every angle before deciding how to move forward.

Challenging the Traffic Stop & Arrest


Challenging the Traffic Stop, The first step in many DUI cases is analyzing the legality of the traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If this standard was not met, we will file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained during the stop, which can lead to your case being dismissed.

Improper Field Sobriety Testing, Field sobriety tests such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg can be unreliable, especially if administered incorrectly or under unfavorable conditions like poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or bad weather. Fatigue, nervousness, and medical conditions can also affect performance. We investigate whether the officer was properly trained and certified to administer these tests.

Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest, Police officers must have a good reason to believe someone is breaking the law before they can make an arrest. In a DUI case, the officer must see signs that the driver is impaired in addition to swerving, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol. If the officer didn’t have enough evidence to arrest you, Tamou Law Group will argue that the arrest was not legal, which can result in the case being dismissed.

Violation of Miranda Rights, Under Arizona DUI laws, if a driver is arrested and questioned without being read their Miranda rights, the defense can argue that any statements made during the interrogation are inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case when any statements would be used to help prove impairment.

Challenging the BAC Evidence


Faulty BAC Testing, Breathalyzer and blood tests are not perfect. If there were issues with the administration of the test or if the testing equipment was not properly calibrated, the accuracy of the BAC results can be called into question. Arizona DUI laws require that testing equipment be regularly maintained and properly administered. Tamou Law Group requests all maintenance records and evaluates whether proper procedures were followed.

Blood Sample Issues, For cases where blood samples were taken, the prosecution must be able to prove that the sample was properly handled and stored throughout the testing process. If there is any break in the chain of custody, the defense can argue that the results may have been tampered with or are otherwise unreliable. Tamou Law Group is equipped to analyze the blood results and chain of custody.

Rising BAC Defense, Your BAC may have been below .08 while driving but rose above the limit by the time testing occurred. Alcohol absorption takes time, and we use expert toxicologists to demonstrate your BAC at the time of actual driving was legal, not the BAC at the time of testing.

Medical Conditions, Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or acid reflux, can lead to falsely elevated BAC results. Individuals with these conditions may have high levels of acetone in their breath, which can be mistaken for alcohol by a breathalyzer. This defense can be effective in cases where the BAC reading doesn’t match the driver’s level of impairment.

After reviewing your case, the underage DUI lawyers at Tamou Law Group will explain which defenses apply, how they can be presented, and whether the best path forward is dismissal, suppression, negotiation, or trial.

Understanding Underage DUI Charges & Potential Consequences

Arizona’s Zero Tolerance Law Applies to Every Underage DUI

Arizona stacks underage DUI penalties on top of every standard DUI consequence. Under ARS § 4-244(34), any detectable alcohol triggers a “Baby DUI.” If BAC hits .08 or higher, the underage driver is charged under both the Zero Tolerance law and the standard DUI statute, stacking jail time, fines, interlock, and a 2-year license suspension. Our underage DUI lawyers defend every classification below.

Baby DUI / Zero ToleranceAny Detectable Alcohol Under Age 21 (ARS § 4-244(34))
Classification:Class 1 Misdemeanor
Jail:Up to 6 months possible
Fines/Fees:$500+ plus surcharges
License:Up to 2 years suspension
Record:Criminal conviction, affects FAFSA & college
Underage + Standard DUIUnder 21 with BAC 0.08%-0.149% (Dual Charge)
Charges:Both ARS § 4-244(34) & 28-1381
Jail:Minimum 10 days (adult DUI penalties apply)
Fines/Fees:$1,500+
License:Up to 2-year suspension
Interlock:6-12 months required
Underage Extreme DUIUnder 21 with BAC 0.150%-0.199%
Jail:Minimum 30 days mandatory
Fines/Fees:$2,500+
License:Up to 2-year suspension
Interlock:12 months required
Record:Permanent criminal + DUI on background
Underage Super Extreme DUIUnder 21 with BAC 0.20% or Higher
Jail:Minimum 45 days mandatory
Fines/Fees:$3,000+
License:Up to 2-year suspension
Interlock:18 months required
Record:Severe college & scholarship impact
Underage Drug DUIAny Drug, Prescription, or Marijuana Metabolite Under 21
Charges:Both ARS § 4-244 & 28-1381(A)(3)
Jail:Same minimums as standard DUI
Fines/Fees:$1,500+
License:Up to 2-year suspension
Other:No legal “limit”, any detectable drug triggers charges
Underage Aggravated DUI (Felony)Under 21 with Suspended License, Child in Vehicle, Wrong Way, or 3rd Offense
Classification:Class 4 or Class 6 Felony
Prison:Up to 2.5 years or more
Fines/Fees:$4,000+
License:1-year revocation + underage extension
Other:Permanent felony record, severe college & career impact

What Are the Penalties for Underage DUI in Arizona?

Arizona stacks two separate sets of penalties on underage DUI convictions, the Zero Tolerance penalties under ARS § 4-244(34) and, if BAC reaches .08+, the full adult DUI penalties under ARS § 28-1381. An underage DUI lawyer can help you understand your exact exposure and fight to minimize consequences.

Sentencing Ranges


Baby DUI / Zero Tolerance (ARS § 4-244(34)), Class 1 misdemeanor. Up to 6 months jail possible, $500+ fines, and up to 2-year license suspension. Criminal record that affects FAFSA and college admissions.

Underage + Standard DUI (.08+), Full adult DUI penalties stacked on top: 10 days jail, $1,250+ fines, 6-12 months interlock, plus the 2-year underage license suspension.

Underage Extreme DUI (.15+), 30 days mandatory jail, $2,500+ fines, 12 months interlock, 2-year license suspension. Permanent Extreme DUI on record.

Underage Super Extreme DUI (.20+), 45 days mandatory jail, $2,750+ fines, 18 months interlock, 2-year license suspension. Severe scholarship and admission consequences.

Underage Aggravated DUI (Felony), Class 4 felony carrying 1-3.75 years in prison. Felony record follows the student for life. Loss of civil rights including gun ownership and voting.

Collateral Consequences for Young Drivers

Scholarship & financial aid loss, Many scholarships, grants, and merit-based aid programs have “good moral character” clauses. A DUI conviction can cause automatic revocation of academic, athletic, or state-funded financial aid.

College admissions & housing, Universities routinely ask about criminal convictions on applications, including transfer applications and housing. A conviction can mean denial of admission, dorm access, or Greek life participation.

Professional licensing & career impact, Future careers in healthcare, law, education, law enforcement, finance, and the military can be permanently affected by a DUI on a young person’s record.

Insurance and driving rights, SR-22 filing for 3 years, tripled insurance premiums, and a 2-year license suspension can prevent a young driver from getting to class, work, or internships during some of the most important years of their life.


That’s why fast, aggressive defense matters. The sooner you involve an underage DUI lawyer, the more options you may have to protect the student’s license, record, and future.

Don’t Wait For The State To Get Ahead. Call Tamou Law Group Now.

MVD Hearings & License Protection for Underage DUI

Fighting to Save Your Driving Privileges

After a DUI arrest in Arizona, the MVD will automatically suspend your license unless you request an administrative hearing within 15 days. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and requires immediate action. Our underage DUI lawyers handle both the MVD hearing and the criminal defense simultaneously.

  • 15-day deadline to request MVD administrative hearing, missing this deadline means automatic suspension
  • MVD hearing to challenge the suspension and protect your driving privileges
  • Restricted license or ignition interlock options while your case is pending
  • Coordination between MVD proceedings and criminal court defense strategy
  • Post-conviction license reinstatement and interlock device compliance

An underage DUI lawyer can help you navigate the MVD process, protect your driving privileges, and coordinate your administrative and criminal defense for the best possible outcome.

Stopping Your License Suspension, The Admin Per Se Process

After a DUI arrest in Arizona, you will receive an Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit from the arresting officer. This document triggers an automatic license suspension, separate from your criminal case, unless you act fast.

What Is the Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Form?


Let me guess? Your Implied Consent form states that the officer made observations like “bloodshot, watery eyes,” “odor of alcohol,” or “slurred speech” to justify further testing and arrest.

This is standard for them to say, but they need more!

The Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit is a form completed by the arresting officer and sent to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). It serves as both the officer’s probable cause statement and the trigger for your administrative license suspension. The observations on this form, bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol, slurred speech, are cookie-cutter phrases that officers use in nearly every DUI arrest. They are not proof of impairment.

How We Fight Your License Suspension


1Request the MVD Hearing Within 15 Days, This is the most critical deadline in any DUI case. If you do not request an administrative hearing within 15 days of your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended. Tamou Law Group files this request immediately upon retention.

2Challenge the Officer’s Observations, The cookie-cutter language on the Implied Consent form is often unsupported by body cam footage. We compare the officer’s written observations against the actual video evidence to expose exaggerations and inconsistencies.

3Challenge the Testing Procedures, We examine whether the blood draw or breathalyzer test was conducted properly, whether the officer followed Arizona’s implied consent advisement requirements, and whether the BAC results are reliable enough to support a suspension.

4Win the Hearing or Secure Restricted Driving, If we win the MVD hearing, your license suspension is overturned entirely. If the suspension stands, we fight for a restricted license with ignition interlock so you can continue driving to work, school, and medical appointments.

You Have Only 15 Days to Save Your License

Don’t let the MVD suspend your driving privileges by default. Call Tamou Law Group now and we will file your MVD hearing request immediately.

CALL 623-321-4699 NOW

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for Underage DUI in Arizona?

What you do in the first 24-48 hours after an underage DUI arrest in Arizona can determine your case outcome. You have critical deadlines, including the 15-day MVD hearing window, that require immediate action.

Critical Steps After a DUI Arrest


1Be Polite But Say Nothing, Provide your license, registration, and insurance. Beyond that, politely decline to answer questions about where you were, how much you drank, or when your last drink was.

2Request an Attorney, Clearly state “I want a lawyer” before submitting to any chemical testing. Arizona’s implied consent law requires testing, but you have the right to counsel first.

3Request the MVD Hearing Within 15 Days, You must request an administrative hearing with the MVD within 15 days of your arrest or your license will be automatically suspended. A DUI lawyer can handle this immediately.

4Document Everything, Write down arrest details, officer names, badge numbers, what tests were performed, and the timeline of events while memory is fresh. This information helps build your defense.

5Call Tamou Law Group at 623-321-4699, We provide immediate legal representation, MVD hearing requests, and aggressive DUI defense for arrests anywhere in Arizona.

6Do Not Post on Social Media, Do not post anything about your arrest, where you were drinking, or the incident online. Prosecutors actively monitor defendants’ social media accounts in DUI cases.

Award-Winning DUI Defense


Just Arrested for DUI? Time Is Critical.

Talk to an underage DUI lawyer right now, free & confidential.

✔ National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)

✔ DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)

✔ Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

✔ The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers

✔ Super Lawyers 2025

✔ Elite Lawyers 2025

CALL 623-321-4699

MVD hearing requests · After-hours response · Affordable payment plans

Arizona Underage DUI Lawyer FAQs

These frequently asked questions explain what to expect after an underage DUI charge or arrest in Arizona and how Tamou Law Group can help protect your future.

What is Arizona’s Zero Tolerance law for underage DUI?

Under ARS § 4-244(34), it is unlawful for anyone under 21 to drive with any amount of alcohol in their body. This is the Zero Tolerance or “Baby DUI” law. Unlike a standard DUI which requires .08 BAC, a Baby DUI can be charged with a PBT reading of .01 or even less. It carries its own criminal penalties on top of any standard DUI charged at .08+.

Can my underage DUI be charged as both a Baby DUI and a standard DUI?

Yes. If a driver under 21 has a BAC of .08 or higher, they can be charged simultaneously under ARS § 4-244(34) (Zero Tolerance) and ARS § 28-1381 (standard DUI). This means stacking all the adult DUI penalties, mandatory jail, fines, interlock, on top of the 2-year underage license suspension.

How long will my license be suspended for an underage DUI?

An underage DUI conviction under ARS § 4-244(34) can result in up to a 2-year license suspension, significantly longer than the 90-day to 1-year suspension for adult DUI. You still have only 15 days from arrest to request an MVD hearing and fight the suspension.

Will an underage DUI affect my college admissions or scholarship?

Yes. Most college applications ask about criminal convictions. Many merit-based, athletic, and state-funded scholarships have good moral character or conduct clauses that allow revocation for a DUI. Federal financial aid (FAFSA) can also be affected, especially for drug-related DUI. Aggressive defense to avoid a conviction is critical.

Can an underage DUI be dismissed?

Yes. Underage DUI cases are dismissed or reduced through constitutional challenges (unlawful stop, improper arrest), suppression of BAC evidence (flawed PBT, breathalyzer calibration issues, blood draw chain of custody), procedural violations, and false-positive defenses for medical conditions. An experienced underage DUI lawyer evaluates every avenue.

What’s the difference between a PBT at the scene and the official breath test?

A PBT (portable breath test) at the roadside is not admissible as BAC evidence in court in Arizona, only the calibrated station breathalyzer or blood draw is. But a PBT reading over zero can give officers probable cause to arrest a driver under 21 under the Zero Tolerance law. Challenging the PBT calibration and the officer’s training is often a key defense.

My child was arrested, what should we do right now?

Call a lawyer immediately. Do not let them answer any police questions beyond providing ID. Preserve all evidence, text messages, social media posts, where they were, who they were with. Request the MVD hearing within 15 days to preserve driving privileges. Call Tamou Law Group at 623-321-4699, we respond 24/7 and handle underage DUI cases statewide.

Is underage DUI handled in juvenile or adult court?

In Arizona, a driver age 18 or older is prosecuted in adult court, even if they’re under 21. Underage DUI under ARS § 4-244(34) is an adult criminal charge that results in an adult criminal record. Drivers under 18 are typically handled through juvenile court, but this lander focuses on 18-20 year olds in the adult system.

Is diversion available for a first-time underage DUI?

Arizona does not offer diversion for standard DUI, but some city prosecutors offer limited diversion or deferred prosecution for first-time Baby DUI cases where the BAC was well below .08 and no aggravating factors exist. Eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Your underage DUI lawyer can advocate for diversion acceptance where available.

What if I’m an out-of-state student charged with DUI in Arizona?

Out-of-state students and drivers can face serious compounded consequences, Arizona can suspend your Arizona driving privileges, and your home state’s DMV will be notified under the Driver License Compact and may impose its own suspension. Tamou Law Group handles out-of-state student DUI cases and works to minimize cross-jurisdictional impact.

Can I refuse a breath test if I’m under 21?

Arizona’s implied consent law applies to drivers under 21 as well. Refusing results in an automatic 12-month license suspension. However, a refusal also means the State has weaker BAC evidence. Your underage DUI lawyer will advise on the best strategy depending on the circumstances.

How much does an underage DUI lawyer cost in Arizona?

Underage DUI defense typically ranges $2,500,$7,500 for misdemeanor cases. Felony aggravated underage DUI can range $7,500,$25,000+. Tamou Law Group offers free consultations and affordable payment plans. The cost of experienced representation is minimal compared to the lifelong cost of a conviction on a young person’s record.

Can an underage DUI be expunged in Arizona?

Arizona allows record expungement for certain charges under ARS § 13-911. Eligible cases include dismissed DUI charges, acquittals, and some completed misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods. Felony underage DUI convictions are harder to expunge. Tamou Law Group handles expungement cases statewide.

Why choose Tamou Law Group for underage DUI defense?

We provide aggressive, strategic underage DUI defense with a team that includes former prosecutors, public defenders, and members of the NCDD and DUIDLA. Over 1,000 cases won, fast response times, advanced DUI science training, and focused advocacy to protect the student’s license, record, and future across Arizona.

Need Help Right Now? Call Tamou Law Group 24/7.

Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.