Underage DUI Lawyer in Las Vegas
Underage DUI Arrest in Nevada? Address Court & DMV Proceedings Promptly
Nevada applies a lower alcohol threshold to drivers under 21, so a test result below the limit for drivers 21 and older can still threaten driving privileges. Our criminal defense practice includes DUI charges against minors as well as cases involving drivers ages 18 through 20.
An arrest can trigger two separate proceedings: a criminal or juvenile matter and an administrative action through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Each has its own procedures, deadlines, and possible consequences. Addressing one doesn’t automatically resolve the other.
Call Christiansen Trial Lawyers at (702) 357-9977 for a free consultation about an underage DUI arrest, pending court date, or Nevada DMV notice.
How Nevada’s Under-21 BAC Limit Works
Nevada sets a 0.02% blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers under 21, compared with the standard 0.08% threshold for drivers who are at least 21. A reading from 0.02% to below 0.08% can support administrative license action even when it doesn’t meet the usual alcohol concentration threshold for an adult DUI charge.
A result below 0.08% doesn’t prevent prosecutors from alleging impairment based on driving behavior, field sobriety testing, officer observations, or other evidence. Cases involving controlled substances require a separate analysis of the alleged substance, test results, evidence of impairment, and applicable law.
How the Driver’s Age Changes the Legal Path
Drivers under 18 and those ages 18 through 20 don’t necessarily follow the same legal path. Age can affect which court has jurisdiction, the available procedures, evaluation requirements, and license consequences.
Drivers Under 18
A case involving a driver under 18 may proceed through juvenile court, depending on the allegation and its classification under Nevada law. State DMV guidance indicates that a person under 18 found to have driven under the influence may face a 185-day license suspension and an alcohol or drug assessment.
Drivers Ages 18 Through 20
Drivers who are 18, 19, or 20 are generally handled in the adult court system. DMV guidance states that a driver in this age group who is convicted of DUI must undergo a professional alcohol or drug evaluation and may face a 185-day revocation. Eligibility for restricted driving privileges or ignition interlock device reinstatement depends on the applicable requirements and circumstances.
Separate Court & Nevada DMV Proceedings
We address both the court case and the concurrent Nevada DMV hearing. The administrative proceeding focuses on driving privileges, while the court considers the criminal or juvenile allegations. A favorable development in one forum doesn’t necessarily control the other.
Our review may examine:
- The initial stop: The stated reason for the stop, officer observations, and available video
- Field sobriety testing: Test instructions, conditions, administration, and reported performance
- Breath or blood evidence: Collection procedures, timing, documentation, and test reliability
- Witness accounts: Statements from passengers, officers, and others with relevant information
- DMV documents: The notice, alleged basis for administrative action, and response requirements
The court process can include an arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions, negotiations, and trial. Depending on the jurisdiction and charge, proceedings may occur in Las Vegas Justice Court, Las Vegas Municipal Court, Clark County District Court, or juvenile court. Because the deadline on a DMV notice may arrive before the court case is resolved, families shouldn’t wait for a criminal hearing to review the license issue.
Consequences an Underage Driver May Face
Possible consequences depend on the driver’s age, alcohol or drug test results, evidence of impairment, prior record, and whether the incident involved injury or property damage. The classification of the charge and its final disposition also matter.
An underage DUI matter can involve:
- License suspension, revocation, or restricted driving conditions
- An ignition interlock device requirement
- Alcohol or drug evaluation, education, or treatment
- Fines and other court-ordered obligations
- Higher insurance costs or reduced coverage options
- Issues involving school, employment, professional licensing, or record sealing
Not every case carries every consequence. We determine which issues apply to the individual driver rather than treating all under-21 arrests alike.
Trial-Ready Underage DUI Defense in Las Vegas
Christiansen Trial Lawyers has represented clients facing criminal charges in Las Vegas and Clark County since 1995. Our attorneys bring more than 120 years of combined legal experience, and Peter S. Christiansen has participated in more than 100 jury trials in state and federal courts.
We build a trial-ready defense by examining the evidence, procedural issues, and the client’s priorities. Clients work directly with experienced attorneys instead of having their cases routed primarily through junior staff. We also provide 24/7 availability and English and Spanish representation.
Get Clear Answers About What Comes Next
A free, no-obligation consultation gives your family an opportunity to discuss the pending court case, administrative action, and immediate deadlines. Bring the citation or release paperwork, court information, DMV notice, available test records, and a detailed account of the stop and arrest.
We provide an honest assessment without promising a particular result. Drawing on decades of criminal defense and courtroom experience, we can identify the issues, explain the available options, and prepare a strategy suited to the facts.
Call Christiansen Trial Lawyers at (702) 357-9977 to discuss an underage DUI charge in a free consultation.
