Underage DUI Attorney in Huntington Beach

Protecting Your Child’s Future After an Underage DUI Arrest

When a young person is arrested for DUI, it can feel like everything is at risk at once. A single night can suddenly raise questions about a driver’s license, school, college plans, and a permanent record. If your child or a family member under 21 is facing DUI allegations, our attorneys at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC are here to guide you.

We focus our practice on criminal defense, and we regularly defend juveniles and underage drivers who are accused of DUI in Orange County. Our team understands that you are worried, confused, and looking for clear answers, not scare tactics. With more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience, we work to protect both your child’s legal rights and their long-term opportunities.

Protect your driving privileges and your criminal record. Contact a Huntington Beach underage DUI lawyer at Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case. Call us now at (949) 251-0330 or reach out online now.

Understanding Underage DUI Laws in California

California maintains a "Zero Tolerance" policy for drivers under the age of 21. Depending on the BAC level and the presence of drugs, a young driver may face one or more of the following charges:

• VC 23136 (The Zero Tolerance Law): This is a civil offense. It is unlawful for anyone under 21 to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. Even alcohol from mouthwash or cough medicine can trigger this violation. The primary penalty is an automatic one-year license suspension.
• VC 23140 (Underage DUI): This is an infraction for drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.05% or higher. While not a misdemeanor, it carries a mandatory one-year license suspension, fines, and required alcohol education programs.
• VC 23152 (Standard DUI): If a minor has a BAC of 0.08% or higher or is actually impaired, they can be charged with a standard misdemeanor DUI, the same as an adult. This carries the risk of probation, heavy fines, and even jail time.

Court & DMV Timelines

After an arrest or citation, there are usually two main tracks. One is the criminal or juvenile case, which involves court dates in Orange County. The other is the DMV process, where there is often a short deadline to request a hearing about the driver’s license. Courts commonly schedule an initial appearance within a few weeks of the incident, and the specific courtroom depends on the age of the driver and where the stop occurred.

Our attorneys regularly appear in Orange County courts on DUI matters, including those that originate in this part of the county. We help families understand which court will hear the case, what to expect at each hearing, and how the court’s decisions may interact with school, employment, and family obligations. We also advise on coordinating the DMV hearing and the court case, so that one does not undermine the other.

Protecting the Right to Drive

The most critical stage of an underage DUI case happens outside of the courtroom. When you are arrested or cited, the officer typically confiscates your physical license and issues a pink "Notice of Suspension."

• You have only 10 calendar days from the date of the citation to request an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing with the California DMV.

If you miss this deadline, your license will be suspended for one year automatically. When you hire our firm, we immediately request this hearing to "stay" (pause) the suspension, allowing the student or young professional to keep driving while we build the defense. As former prosecutors, we know how to use the DMV hearing as a discovery tool to preview the evidence the state intends to use in the criminal case.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Underage DUI Convictions in California

The immediate legal penalties are only the beginning of the challenges a young driver faces.

Direct Legal Penalties

• License Suspension: Almost all underage drinking and driving offenses result in a one-year suspension of driving privileges. For those who do not yet have a license, their ability to apply for one is delayed by one year.
• Fines and Fees: Fines can range from $100 for infractions to over $1,000 for misdemeanor convictions, not including the significant "penalty assessments" that can triple the base fine.
• Alcohol Education: Mandatory enrollment in an AB541 (3-month) or longer alcohol program is common, often costing the family hundreds of dollars in tuition.
• Vehicle Impoundment: In many Huntington Beach stops, the vehicle is impounded, leading to daily storage fees and towing costs.

Collateral Consequences

As an underage DUI attorney in Huntington Beach, we often see the "hidden" costs of these charges.

• Insurance Spikes: A DUI on a young driver's record can cause insurance premiums to skyrocket, sometimes making it impossible for the family to afford coverage.
• Academic Discipline: Many colleges and universities have codes of conduct that apply to off-campus arrests. A conviction can lead to the loss of scholarships or even expulsion.
• Employment Barriers: Many entry-level jobs or internships require a clean driving record or a background check. A criminal record at age 19 can close doors before they ever open.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Underage DUI Defense

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we don't just "process" cases; we build defenses. Because we are former prosecutors, we know exactly how the government builds its case against minors. Our methodology includes:

• Challenging the PAS Test: The hand-held breathalyzers used at the scene are notorious for being less accurate than the stationary machines at the station. We investigate the maintenance logs and calibration history of the specific device used in your stop.
• Questioning Probable Cause: Did the officer pull you over because you broke a law, or was it based on a "hunch"? If the stop was unjustified, we file motions to suppress the evidence.
• Investigating Rising Blood Alcohol: It takes time for alcohol to enter the bloodstream. We can often argue that your BAC was below the limit while you were driving but rose during the time it took the officer to conduct the test.
• Mitigation and "Critical Need" Licenses: In cases where a suspension is inevitable, we fight for a "Critical Need" restricted license, which allows a minor to drive to school or work if no other transportation is available.

Why Families Trust Our Attorneys With Underage DUI Cases

When an underage DUI charge threatens a young person’s future, families want experienced advocates at their side. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, each case is handled collaboratively by multiple seasoned attorneys who review evidence, discuss strategy, and explore ways to reduce long-term consequences. This team-based approach helps ensure no issue is overlooked and that decisions are made with a child’s future in mind.

Our firm brings more than a century of combined criminal defense experience to underage DUI cases. We focus exclusively on criminal law, including DUI defense, and are deeply familiar with Orange County courts and prosecutors. That focused, local experience helps families avoid missteps and pursue outcomes that protect a young client’s record and opportunities.

Our attorneys are widely recognized by respected legal organizations, reflecting strong reputations and years of serious criminal defense work. These credentials matter to families because they signal experience, credibility, and trust within the legal community. Our goal is to use that background to guide cases toward resolutions that limit long-term harm, whether in juvenile court, adult court, or through negotiation.

What To Do After an Underage DUI Arrest

The hours and days after an underage DUI arrest can feel chaotic. Taking a few organized steps can protect your child’s rights and give their defense a stronger foundation.

Helpful steps to take after an arrest include:

• Making sure your child is physically safe and that you have gathered any paperwork from the arrest, including citations, tow notices, and temporary license documents.
• Avoiding having your child explain the situation to police, school officials, or others without legal guidance.
• Writing down details about what happened, such as where the traffic stop occurred, what the officer said about the reason for the stop, and whether field sobriety tests were given.
• Collecting contact information for anyone who was with your child or may have witnessed the events.

It is important that your child not try to explain the situation without understanding their rights. Even statements made with the best intentions can later be misunderstood or used in ways you did not expect. Before your child answers questions about alcohol, drugs, or the events of the traffic stop, you have the option to speak with a lawyer who can help you understand those rights.

Talk With Our Team About an Underage DUI

Our team brings more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience, a collaborative approach to strategy, and the insight of a former Orange County prosecutor to every case we handle. We are proud to have attorneys who are recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, and Best Lawyers in America, and we focus that experience on defending people facing criminal accusations, including DUI.

 Consultations are free, and we are available 24 hours a day so you can reach us when an arrest happens, not just during business hours.

To speak directly with our underage DUI attorneys in Huntington Beach about an underage DUI, call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online today.