Brunswick Underage DUI Attorney

For drivers under 21 years old, Georgia’s DUI laws are especially unforgiving. A single arrest can lead to license suspension, a permanent criminal record, and consequences that affect college enrollment, employment opportunities, and financial aid eligibility for years to come. At the office of Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, our Brunswick underage DUI defense lawyer is committed to protecting young people and their families from the long-term fallout of a DUI charge. If your son or daughter was arrested for DUI in Brunswick or Glynn County, contact our office today for a fully private, no-obligation consultation.

Georgia’s Zero-Tolerance Standard for Underage Drivers

Georgia applies a strict zero-tolerance policy to drivers under the age of 21. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(k)(1), a person under 21 may not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while their blood alcohol concentration is 0.02 grams percent or more. That threshold is far below the 0.08 percent standard applied to adult drivers, meaning a single drink before getting behind the wheel can be enough to support a charge.

Unlike an adult per se DUI, where the prosecution focuses on a numerical threshold, the underage provision requires no proof of impairment whatsoever. If a chemical test shows a BAC at or above 0.02 percent, the law presumes a violation occurred. This is by design: Georgia’s legislature set the limit at 0.02 percent rather than zero to account for trace amounts of alcohol from mouthwash or food, but the practical effect is that any meaningful amount of alcohol puts an underage driver at legal risk.

According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, the administrative consequences for an underage DUI are also severe. If an underage driver’s BAC was between 0.02 and 0.08 percent, their license will be suspended for a minimum of six months, with no availability of a limited driving permit during that period. If the BAC was 0.08 percent or higher, or if the driver refused implied consent testing, the suspension increases to a minimum of twelve months. A prior conviction for any qualifying offense extends the suspension to at least twelve months as well.

The Impact Beyond the Courtroom

A DUI conviction on a young person’s record creates obstacles that extend far beyond the initial penalties. Georgia colleges, scholarship programs, and professional licensing boards routinely ask about criminal history. Federal financial aid eligibility can be affected by a DUI or drug conviction. Employers in fields involving transportation, healthcare, or government conduct background checks that will surface a conviction, and its effects can linger for decades. Brunswick and the Golden Isles attract many young seasonal workers and visitors year-round, and Glynn County law enforcement actively monitors impaired driving along the causeways and surrounding roads.

How Attorney Jarrett Maillet Defends Underage DUI Cases

Attorney Maillet understands that the stakes in an underage DUI case go well beyond the immediate criminal penalties. His defense work focuses on whether the stop was legally justified, whether chemical testing was administered in compliance with Georgia’s implied consent procedures, and whether any field sobriety evaluations were conducted and interpreted correctly. He also ensures that the 30-day administrative deadline to protect driving privileges is not missed, which can happen quickly when families are focused on the criminal side of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underage DUI Charges in Brunswick

Can an underage DUI conviction be removed from a young person’s record in Georgia?

In limited circumstances, first-time DUI offenders may be eligible for treatment under Georgia’s first offender provisions, which can result in the charge being discharged rather than resulting in a traditional conviction. Whether this option is available depends on the specific facts of the case, the defendant’s prior record, and the court’s discretion. An experienced Brunswick underage DUI defense attorney can evaluate whether this or other options apply and explain exactly what the long-term record implications are.

What happens to a driver between the ages of 15 and 21 convicted of DUI in terms of their license progression?

Under Georgia law, a driver between the ages of 15 and 21 who is convicted of a DUI must delay obtaining their graduated driver’s license or full license for a period of twelve months beyond the scheduled issuance date. This consequence operates separately from any court-imposed suspension and can significantly set back a young driver’s progression through Georgia’s licensing system.

Should my child say anything to law enforcement after an underage DUI arrest?

No. The Fifth Amendment right to remain silent applies equally to minors. A young person arrested for DUI should be polite and cooperative with the officer’s instructions, but should not answer investigative questions or volunteer information about drinking until an attorney is present. Contact a Brunswick underage DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest.

Contact Our Brunswick Underage DUI Defense Attorney Today

At the office of Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Brunswick underage DUI defense lawyer is ready to protect your child’s record and future. Contact us today to arrange a strictly confidential, no-obligation case evaluation. We defend underage DUI charges in Brunswick, Glynn County, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and throughout the coastal Georgia region.