Underage DUI Charges in Los Angeles
California’s Zero Tolerance Laws – What You Need to Know
If you’re under 21 and have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, you’re facing a tough legal system with zero tolerance. California law imposes strict penalties for any detectable alcohol in your system—even if you’re well below the legal limit for adults.
At KF Law, we know how much is at stake. One mistake shouldn’t ruin your future. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you avoid serious consequences like a criminal record, license suspension, or worse.
California’s Zero Tolerance Law – Vehicle Code § 23136
Under California Vehicle Code § 23136, anyone under 21 caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or more can be cited for an underage DUI, even if they are not impaired.
This means just one drink can lead to legal trouble—especially if you’re pulled over or stopped at a DUI checkpoint.
Additional Charges Under Vehicle Code § 23140
If your BAC is 0.05% or higher, you may be charged under Vehicle Code § 23140, which includes:
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An infraction on your record
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A mandatory one-year driver’s license suspension
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Mandatory DUI education program
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Possible fines
If your BAC is 0.08% or more, or you appear intoxicated, you can also be charged under standard adult DUI laws (VC § 23152)—with harsher penalties including jail time and a criminal misdemeanor conviction.
Penalties for Underage DUI in California
Even first-time offenders face serious consequences, including:
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1-year license suspension (automatic through the DMV)
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Fines and court fees
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Mandatory DUI school or alcohol education program
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Criminal charges (depending on BAC and circumstances)
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Community service or probation
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Insurance rate increases or cancellation
Important: If you’re under 21, you do not need to be legally drunk to lose your license—any measurable alcohol is enough.
DMV Hearings and Your License
After an underage DUI arrest, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge your automatic license suspension. Failing to act quickly can mean losing your license for a full year, even before your court case begins.
Our team can represent you at the DMV hearing and push to preserve your driving privileges.
Defending Underage DUI Charges in Los Angeles
At KF Law, we understand how to challenge underage DUI cases from every angle. Common defense strategies include:
✅ No probable cause for the stop
✅ Faulty or inaccurate breathalyzer results
✅ Improper testing procedures
✅ Medical or dietary factors affecting BAC
✅ Violation of your legal rights or Miranda protections
In many cases, we can get charges reduced—or dismissed altogether.
Protecting Your Future
A DUI at 18, 19, or 20 can have lifelong consequences—impacting college applications, scholarships, job opportunities, and professional licenses.
Our goal is to minimize the impact on your future, whether that means:
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Getting the case dismissed
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Negotiating for a lesser charge (like a traffic infraction or alcohol education program)
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Avoiding a permanent criminal record
We treat every underage DUI case with the seriousness it deserves—because we know how much it matters.
Call Now for a Free, Confidential Case Review
If you or your child has been arrested for DUI under 21 in Los Angeles, don’t wait. Contact our dedicated DUI defense attorneys for immediate help.
📞 Call (213) 290-6464 or fill out our online contact form below to schedule your free, private case review.
We’re available 24/7 and serve all of Los Angeles County, including Hollywood, Glendale, Santa Monica, Orange County and beyond.