Underage DUI Attorney in McIntosh County

Protecting Your Future: The Long-Term Consequences

A conviction for underage DUI in Georgia is a criminal record that cannot be expunged or sealed. This misdemeanor conviction becomes a permanent stain that follows the minor for life:

• Educational Opportunities: The charge must be disclosed on college and graduate school applications and can result in the loss of HOPE Scholarship or other financial aid.
• Employment Barriers: Future employers, including those offering internships and post-graduation jobs, will see the conviction during background checks, often leading to immediate disqualification.
• Insurance Costs: Auto insurance rates will skyrocket for years, creating a major financial burden for the family.
• Future Enhancements: The underage DUI conviction will count as a prior offense, leading to significantly harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, if the driver is ever arrested for DUI again as an adult.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Underage DUI Defense

The legal battle against an underage DUI must be fought on two fronts: the administrative license suspension and the criminal charge.

• Administrative License Appeal: We immediately file the 30-day appeal for the ALS hearing to challenge the suspension before it takes effect, often securing a crucial victory that allows driving privileges to continue while the criminal case proceeds.
• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We meticulously review police dashcam and bodycam footage to determine if the officer lacked the necessary reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop, which can lead to the suppression of all subsequent evidence (FSTs, breath test).
• Refuting the BAC Evidence: We challenge the results of the state's breathalyzer test (Intoxilyzer) by examining the machine's maintenance records, calibration logs, and the officer's adherence to the 20-minute observation protocol.
• Negotiating for Reduction (Reckless Driving): Our primary goal is dismissal. If that is not possible, we aggressively negotiate with the McIntosh County prosecutor to reduce the charge to a non-DUI offense, such as Reckless Driving, which can save the client from the non-negotiable hard license suspension imposed by the DDS.

How Our Underage DUI Attorneys Guide Families Through the Legal Process

When you reach out to Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC for help with an underage DUI, we help you look ahead and weigh your options at each step. Our process includes:

• Guidance from the first call: We start with a free evaluation to listen to your situation and clearly explain your steps forward with no pressure or judgment.
• Clear breakdown of charges: We review the details of McIntosh County and Georgia law so you know exactly what your family faces and what the process involves.
• Legal support tailored to your needs: We provide practical advice aligned with your circumstances, whether juvenile court or adult court hears the matter, and advise on available options.
• Experience for military and civilian families: Our time in the Army JAG Corps prepared us to support military parents facing complex rules, applying this same diligence when representing all clients.
• Open, compassionate communication: We keep you updated and respond to all questions so that parents and minors feel informed, not overwhelmed, throughout the case.

Keeping You Informed at Every Stage

Every legal journey starts with understanding, so we make time to answer all your questions—especially those unique to McIntosh County practices. Many first-time clients worry about court dates, case outcomes, and how charges could impact college or future goals. We provide context at each stage, setting clear expectations and helping you make the right choices.

Fight the permanent record of an underage DUI. Call (866) 580-3089 for a free consultation. Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC is ready to be your underage DUI attorney in McIntosh County.