Underage DUI Attorney in Charlotte County

Protecting Your Child After A DUI Arrest

If your child has been arrested for DUI, it can feel like everything is at risk. You may be worried about the court, a criminal record, and how this will affect school or work. As a parent, you need clear answers and a plan, not scare tactics or confusion.

At Bogle Law, we help families facing underage DUI charges in this area. Our goal is to protect your child’s future and guide you through each step of the process. Our founding attorney, Tauna R. Bogle, served as an Assistant State Attorney for six years, so our team understands how prosecutors approach these cases.

We represent young people charged with DUI in juvenile proceedings and in under 21 adult court settings. If your family is dealing with an underage DUI attorney in Charlotte County, you do not have to face it alone. 

You can contact us online or call (941) 257-4743 to schedule an initial consultation and get practical guidance right away.

Understanding Underage DUI Laws in Charlotte County

Florida law regarding minors and alcohol is unyielding. While the legal limit for adults is 0.08%, Florida Statute § 322.2616 establishes a near-zero threshold of 0.02% for anyone under the age of 21. In practical terms, this means that consuming as little as one light beer or even certain mouthwashes or medications can lead to a positive breath test result that exceeds the legal limit for a minor.

It is important to distinguish between the two types of consequences a young driver faces in Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte. The first is the administrative side, which involves the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the immediate suspension of driving privileges. 

The second is the criminal side, which may apply if the minor’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. In such cases, the minor can be charged with a standard adult DUI under § 316.193, carrying the full weight of adult criminal penalties. A Charlotte County underage DUI lawyer is essential to managing both of these separate legal battles simultaneously.

Penalties of Underage DUI Convictions in Florida

The immediate penalties for an underage DUI are designed to be a sharp deterrent, but the long-term "collateral" consequences are often what do the most damage to a young person's life.

Direct Administrative and Criminal Penalties

• First Violation (BAC 0.02% or higher): An automatic 6-month driver's license suspension.
• Second Violation: A 1-year driver's license suspension.
• Refusal to Submit to Testing: A 1-year suspension for a first refusal and an 18-month suspension for a second refusal.
• BAC of 0.05% or Higher: The suspension remains in effect until the driver completes a mandatory substance abuse evaluation and course.
• Adult DUI Penalties (BAC 0.08% or higher): If charged as an adult, the minor faces up to 6 months in jail, fines between $500 and $1,000, and mandatory community service.

Collateral Consequences

A DUI record—even an administrative one—can follow a student for years. We often see clients struggle with:

• Higher Education: Many colleges and universities in Florida and nationwide require the disclosure of alcohol-related incidents. This can lead to denied admissions or the revocation of valuable scholarships.
• Employment Background Checks: A DUI record can disqualify a young adult from positions that involve driving, government clearance, or professional trust.
• Insurance Premiums: Auto insurance rates for young drivers are already high; a DUI can cause premiums to triple or result in the total cancellation of a policy.
• Professional Licensing: Careers in nursing, law, or medicine often require a clean record for initial certification.

Why Families Choose Our Law Firm

Families look for more than legal knowledge when a young person is accused of DUI. They want an underage DUI attorney who understands the pressures on teenagers and college students and who knows how local courts actually work. Our firm brings both courtroom experience and a strong commitment to supporting families through a difficult time.

Our founding attorney, Tauna R. Bogle, is a former prosecutor who spent six years as an Assistant State Attorney. That background gives us insight into how the State reviews underage DUI charges. We use that perspective to anticipate the prosecutor’s strategy and to identify weaknesses in the evidence.

Families often tell us that communication matters as much as legal skill. We focus on explaining options in plain language, returning calls, and keeping parents and young clients informed. Our firm maintains an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, and our reputation in Southwest Florida reflects our dedication to honesty, responsiveness, and client-focused advocacy.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Underage DUI Defense

When defending juvenile and under 21 DUI cases, we begin by carefully reviewing what happened and where the case stands. During the initial consultation, we examine court paperwork, listen to the family’s concerns, and explain the legal process ahead. 

We then conduct a thorough investigation, reviewing police reports, test results, and any available video, while evaluating whether officers followed proper procedures during the stop, detention, and testing.

At Bogle Law, we believe that a single advocate is good, but a team of professionals is better. Our team-based approach means that your case benefits from multiple perspectives, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

• Forensic Scrutiny: We investigate the technical aspects of the breath-test equipment. These machines are not infallible, and improper maintenance or environmental factors can lead to false readings.
• Challenging the Arresting Officer: We scrutinize the officer’s training and the way they administered any field sobriety tests. Many "clues" of impairment in young drivers are actually caused by nervousness or lack of experience behind the wheel.
• Parental Guidance and Communication: We understand that parents are often just as stressed as the young driver. We prioritize keeping the entire family informed and involved throughout the process.
• Negotiation for Diversion: For many first-time underage offenders, we work to secure entry into diversion programs that, upon completion, can result in the complete dismissal of the criminal charges.

Steps To Take After An Arrest in Charlotte County

If your child has been detained or released to you, try to remain calm and gather any paperwork provided by law enforcement or the court. This may include citations, release forms, and documents indicating when and where the first hearing will take place, often at the Charlotte County Justice Center in Punta Gorda. Keeping these materials together will help when you meet with an underage dui attorney.

It is usually wise to limit conversations about the details of the incident, especially with people outside the family, and to avoid social media posts about the event. You can let your child know that there will be an opportunity to talk through what happened with your attorney in a protected setting. If law enforcement requests further interviews, you can consult counsel before making decisions.

Practical steps to take before and after calling our office:

• Gather all paperwork from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or local police, including court notices.
• Write down a timeline of events as you and your child remember them while details are fresh.
• Note any witnesses who were present and collect their contact information if possible.
• Keep track of any medical treatment related to the incident, including evaluations after a crash.
• Contact an underage DUI attorney in Charlotte County so you can discuss court dates and license deadlines.

When you call Bogle Law, we set up an initial consultation to review these materials, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. Our goal is to reduce your stress, explain the process clearly, and begin working to protect your child’s future.

Talk To Our Underage DUI Lawyer in Charlotte County Today

If your family is dealing with an underage DUI lawyer, you do not have to navigate Florida’s criminal and juvenile systems alone. Our attorneys at Bogle Law focus on protecting young people’s futures, managing court obligations, and helping parents understand each step ahead.

We bring former prosecutor insight, trial-tested criminal defense experience, and familiarity with Charlotte County courts to every case. Our team strives to provide honest advice, personalized strategies, and compassionate support so you can make informed decisions. We meet with clients at our Punta Gorda office and by appointment in North Port.

Call (941) 257-4743 or reach out online to speak with our legal team today.