Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Underage DUI

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

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Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

Citrus Heights Underage DUI Attorney

Support For Families Facing Juvenile & Underage DUI Charges

Learning that your child has been arrested or cited for driving under the influence can be one of the most stressful moments a parent faces. You may be worried about court, their license, school, and what this will mean for their future. At Walsh Law, we help families work through juvenile and underage DUI accusations and guide them through every step of the criminal process.

Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years of criminal law experience and over 100 jury trials. We use that background to evaluate how prosecutors may look at a young person’s case and to build a focused defense strategy. If your family is dealing with a juvenile DUI arrest from the Citrus Heights area, we are ready to talk with you, explain what comes next, and discuss how we can help protect your child’s future.

Contact us today at (916) 610-3558 to schedule a free case review.

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Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

What is Considered an Underage DUI in California?

In California, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. Unlike adult DUI laws, which typically focus on a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, underage DUI laws have a zero-tolerance standard:

BAC of 0.01% or higher: Minors can be charged with DUI.
Driving under the influence of drugs: The same rules apply, whether the substances are prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs.

Even a single drink at a party or small gathering can result in a DUI charge if the minor chooses to drive afterward. California law treats underage DUI as a serious offense, and the consequences can impact education, employment, and insurance for years to come.

When you are ready to talk about your child’s situation and learn how we can help, call (916) 610-3558 to connect with our criminal defense team.

California Underage DUI Penalties

The penalties for underage DUI in California differ from adult DUI penalties but can still be severe. They are designed to deter minors from drinking and driving and to ensure public safety. Typical consequences include:

License Suspension: A minor convicted of DUI may face a suspension of their driver’s license for 1 year, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
Fines: Court-imposed fines for first-time underage DUI offenders can range from $100 to $1,000, not including additional fees and assessments.
Probation: Minors may be placed on probation for up to 3 years, during which compliance with all legal requirements is critical.
Alcohol Education Classes: Many courts require attendance in a state-approved alcohol or drug education program.
Community Service: Completing a set number of hours of community service may be mandated.
Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, the court may require installation of an ignition interlock device, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.

Repeat offenses or aggravating factors—such as accidents, high BAC, or possession of alcohol—can significantly increase penalties, including longer probation periods, higher fines, and potential juvenile detention.

Underage DUI FAQs

Q: Can a first-time underage DUI be avoided on my record?

A: In some cases, a skilled attorney may negotiate a diversion program or reduced charges, which can limit the long-term impact on your record.

Q: Will my parents be involved in the case?

A: Yes, because underage DUI involves a minor, parents or legal guardians are often required to attend court hearings and may be responsible for certain fines or fees.

Q: How long does an underage DUI stay on my record?

A: A conviction can appear on your driving and criminal record for several years. However, some records can be expunged under California law, depending on your age and circumstances.

Q: Can I get my license back after an underage DUI?

A: Yes, but it may require completing court-ordered programs, paying fines, and sometimes installing an ignition interlock device. Your attorney can guide you through this process.

Q: What if I refused a breathalyzer test?

A: Refusing a chemical test can result in additional penalties, including extended license suspension. An attorney can help challenge the evidence or negotiate reduced consequences.

Why Families Trust Our Juvenile DUI Representation in Citrus Heights

When you look for a juvenile DUI attorney, you are not only hiring someone to handle a case. You are choosing a team to safeguard your child’s future, reputation, and opportunities. Families turn to Walsh Law because our background and approach are tailored to the high stakes of criminal accusations against young people.

Chris Walsh served for years as a prosecutor, including as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. He has personally tried more than 100 jury trials, including high-profile and complex matters such as homicide and cold case murders. That experience helps us anticipate how the prosecution evaluates evidence in DUI cases involving minors and where there may be room to challenge or negotiate.

Our firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense. We are not a general practice office that splits attention among several areas of law. We intentionally accept a limited number of cases at a time so we can provide hands-on, one-on-one support to every client. We represent good people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, and that often includes teens and young adults who made a serious mistake.

Our team brings a strong track record and professional recognition in criminal law. Chris Walsh has been selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County twice and was nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County. He is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, Lawyers of Distinction in Criminal Law, and has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. For parents, this combination of deep courtroom experience and focused criminal defense work is a key reason to place their trust in us.

Defense Strategies in California Underage DUI Cases

Not every underage DUI citation holds up under scrutiny. We evaluate each case using the same analytical lens Chris Walsh applied when building prosecutions, which means we know where evidence tends to break down and where procedure matters most.

Challenging PAS Device Accuracy

Preliminary alcohol screening devices must be properly maintained and calibrated. If calibration records are missing or the device wasn’t administered correctly, the BAC reading may be challengeable. This is a particularly significant issue under VC 23136, where the threshold is just 0.01%. At that level, the statistical margin of error in the testing device itself may be enough to raise reasonable doubt about whether the legal threshold was actually crossed.

Questioning the Lawfulness of the Traffic Stop

A traffic stop must be based on reasonable suspicion of a violation. If an officer lacked a lawful basis for initiating the stop, evidence gathered during the encounter, including any BAC test results, may be suppressible. This is one of the first issues we examine in any underage DUI case.

Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

BAC can continue to rise after a driver stops drinking. If the test was administered some time after the stop, the driver’s BAC at the actual moment of driving may have been lower than the recorded result. This rising blood alcohol defense can be relevant when a reading is close to the applicable threshold.

Medical Conditions and False Positives

Certain medical conditions and medications can produce false-positive results on breath tests. When a driver’s BAC barely exceeds the 0.01% threshold, these factors may be worth exploring as part of the overall defense strategy.

Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court

For drivers under 18, the case may proceed through the Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse rather than the adult criminal system. The juvenile process follows different procedures and may present different outcomes, including diversion programs for some first-time offenders. Whether a case stays in juvenile court or is transferred to adult court can significantly affect strategy and long-term consequences.

The DMV Hearing Process After an Underage DUI in California

An underage DUI arrest triggers two separate processes: one in the courts and one at the DMV. Most families focus on the court case, but the DMV administrative process can determine whether your child keeps their license, and it moves on its own timeline.

After a VC 23136 citation or chemical test refusal, a driver has just 10 days to request a DMV administrative hearing to contest the license suspension. This hearing isn’t automatic. If no request is made, the suspension takes effect after the 30-day temporary license period expires.

We can request and appear at the DMV hearing on your child’s behalf. In many cases, we can handle the hearing without the driver or family needing to appear in person. If the hearing is won, the suspension is canceled. If the suspension is upheld, a restricted hardship license allowing travel to school or work may still be available in some circumstances, though not when the suspension stems from a test refusal.

Full license reinstatement after a suspension typically requires paying a DMV reissue fee, completing any required education program, and filing an SR-22 proof of financial responsibility for a specified period. For Citrus Heights families, underage DUI court matters are handled through the Sacramento County Superior Court system, while the DMV hearing is a separate administrative proceeding that runs in parallel with the court case.

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Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

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Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.