An underage DUI charge can cause criminal, license, school, and work concerns before the first court date. Nevada applies a lower alcohol threshold to drivers under 21, meaning your case may move forward even when the alleged alcohol level is below the adult DUI limit. A Reno underage DUI lawyer can help you by taking early action.
Our experienced DUI attorney will examine the government’s evidence before you respond and review the stop, testing records, officer statements, and license consequences. The Law Office of John Arrascada LLC can provide direct answers, prepare your case carefully, and defend you against serious allegations with aggressive advocacy.
State law treats underage impaired driving differently from adult DUI. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 484C.350, a driver under 21 may face consequences for driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more. That lower standard matters because prosecutors do not need to rely on the adult threshold to pursue an underage alcohol-related driving case.
This lower threshold can also change the defense analysis. A young driver may not appear impaired, yet the alcohol test result may still become the focus of the case. If you are facing an underage drinking and driving charge in Reno, attorney John Arrascada will examine whether the stop was lawful, whether the investigation was fair, and whether the testing process was properly handled. These details are important because the prosecution must present admissible evidence to prove its case.
A careful defense review begins with the facts, not assumptions about age or alcohol. An attorney will compare the officer’s report with other evidence, including:
Small inconsistencies may affect whether the government can prove that an individual was operating the vehicle, that the stop was lawful, or that the testing process was reliable.
While handling your underage drunk driving case in Reno, our lawyer will also consider the implications of your situation outside of court. Statements made during the stop, school or employment concerns, and your prior record often influence the defense strategy. Mr. Arrascada is highly respected for giving candid, straight answers and artfully and skillfully assisting defendants through high-pressure criminal cases. Our firm will handle the matter personally rather than treating your future as a file to process.
Licensing issues can proceed separately from the criminal case. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) explains that DUI-related revocation is distinct from any criminal case, and reinstatement is not automatic. Reinstatement may require DMV action, fees, testing, proof of insurance, or other conditions depending on the record and the basis for the revocation.
Court penalties require the same practical attention. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 484C.400, DUI penalties can escalate for repeat offenses within seven years. Even a first case may affect a young person’s transportation, academic plans, job applications, insurance, and professional licensing goals. When planning a defense for your minor DUI case, Reno attorney John Arrascada will consider the immediate penalties and long-term consequences of a conviction or unresolved license problem.
Underage DUI cases require close attention to the state’s lower alcohol standard, the reason for the stop, the testing method, the DMV process, and the long-term impact on your driving record. A Reno underage DUI lawyer will bring structure to your stressful situation and identify the defenses that matter most.
The Law Office of John Arrascada LLC provides direct and aggressive representation for those facing criminal allegations. Contact us to discuss your next steps in building a strong, focused defense.
(775) 310-0084 