Nashville Underage DUI Lawyer

Nashville Underage DUI Attorney

Facing an underage DUI charge can be overwhelming. Instead of focusing on college admissions, you’re navigating the criminal justice system. When you should be touring Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, or Fisk University, you’re worrying about your future. A Nashville underage DUI lawyer can examine your case and offer the next steps to building your defense.

Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer

Being charged with a DUI can lead to serious legal consequences like fines, license suspension, and jail time. Receiving a DUI while underage can have additional penalties, as underage DUI laws differ from regular DUI cases. A skilled Nashville criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process. With nearly a decade of experience handling Nashville defense cases, The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez is ready to fight for your rights.

DUI Prevalence in Tennessee

DUI charges can have a lasting effect on those involved. Information on DUI crashes collected by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security shows a total of 6,562 DUI crashes from October 2024 to September 2025. Of those crashes, 355 were committed by a DUI driver between 15 and 19 years of age. The information also showed that:

• 1 in 7 DUI crashes resulted in serious injuries
• 1 in 4 DUI crashes resulted in a fatality
• 1 in 2 DUI crashes resulted in a fatality or injury
• 1 out of 10 DUI drivers received a fatal or serious injury
• 3 out of 4 DUI drivers were men

Underage DUI Court Process

After the initial traffic stop and arrest, how an underage DUI is handled by the criminal justice system varies with the age of the accused. If the accused is under 18 years of age:

• At arraignment, the accused can enter a plea, and the judge sets any conditions required for release. If the accused is under 18 years old, the judge is likely to refer the case to the juvenile court system. If there are any aggravating circumstances, the judge could allow the case of someone younger than 18 to remain in the adult system.
• In juvenile court, the judge listens to both sides, examines the evidence, and decides on the next steps. An underage DUI is serious even if it is the first time the accused has ever been in trouble. The judge may order counseling, probation, or educational programs.

If the accused is over 18 but under 21, the legal circumstances differ. You can expect:

• At arraignment, the accused enters a plea, and conditions are set for release. The case is referred to the adult court system.
• At trial, if the accused is found guilty of underage DUI, the judge still has options for leniency. The judge may impose fines, suspend driving privileges, order alcohol safety classes, or require community service. The goal with defendants charged with underage DUI is not to punish but to educate and prevent future alcohol problems.

Underage DUI Penalties

Receiving a DUI while underage can result in educational challenges since some schools have automatic suspension or expulsion policies. There may also be challenges in finding later employment. A DUI charge is visible on a background check, and some companies have policies against hiring candidates with DUI charges. Being convicted of a DUI also increases insurance premiums. In addition to the social consequences, legal penalties include:

• Driving while impaired, aged 16 to 20.
  • License revocation for one year without the option for a restricted license
  • $250 fine
  • Public service work, at the judge’s discretion.
• Underage possession of alcohol, aged 18 to under 21
  • First offense. License suspension for one year or until age 17, whichever happens second
  • Second offense. License suspension for two years or until age 18, whichever happens second
  • A restricted license is possible for the first offense, but the offender must serve a one-year suspension before being eligible after the second offense.

FAQs About Nashville, TN Underage DUI Law

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Fraud Case in Nashville?

The actual cost for a lawyer for a fraud case in Nashville depends on several factors. The complexity and duration of the fraud case can lead to a higher overall cost. A criminal defense attorney may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, both of which can be discussed during an initial consultation. You may also be expected to pay a retainer fee to secure services before any work can be completed on your case.

How Much Do DUI Lawyers Cost in Tennessee?

The cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Tennessee depends on several factors. Criminal defense attorneys may require a retainer fee to be paid before work can begin on your case. You may be charged a flat rate for the DUI or an hourly rate. The severity of the charge and whether a plea agreement can be reached can also affect the overall cost. Unique circumstances in your case can increase the cost.

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI Case?

Yes, it is worth getting a lawyer for a DUI case. DUI laws can be complicated and difficult for the average citizen to understand. A criminal defense attorney understands DUI laws and potential penalties and offers trusted guidance. The penalties for a DUI can be severe and have a lasting impact on your ability to drive for years after the charge. It’s always better to have an advocate for your rights represent you in court.

Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Tennessee?

Yes, a DUI can be dismissed in Tennessee under limited circumstances. A knowledgeable attorney can review your case to determine if there is potential for the case to be dismissed. Common reasons a DUI case is dismissed include an unlawful stop, lack of probable cause, improper procedures, faulty testing, violations of constitutional rights, or lack of evidence.

How Can Parents Help After an Underage DUI Charge?

Parents can help after their child is charged with an underage DUI charge in several ways. Understand the gravity of the situation and potential DUI penalties. Having a skilled underage DUI attorney is essential to understanding how to approach the charges.

Gather character statements from influential adults who know your child well. Letters from teachers, coaches, employers, or religious advisors can help show that this incident was a one-time mistake and not a pattern of poor behavior.

Contact The Music City Defender

The criminal justice system can be complex, and it is wise to have a knowledgeable underage DUI attorney advocate for your interests. With experience in negotiations and litigation, The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez offers compassionate, results-driven representation. When you need to hire an underage DUI lawyer, contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Nashville Underage DUI Law Additional Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.