Focused Defense For Young Drivers & Their Families
When a teenager or young adult is accused of drinking and driving, the entire family feels the impact. A juvenile or underage DUI can threaten a young person’s license, education plans, and future opportunities, and parents are left trying to make urgent decisions in an unfamiliar legal system. In this moment, you need clear information and calm guidance, not scare tactics.
At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we help families navigate juvenile and underage DUI charges here in California. Our team understands how the courts look at young drivers, how the Department of Motor Vehicles approaches license issues, and what options may exist to reduce long term harm. We approach every case knowing there is a real future at stake. Our firm is led by attorney Ernest J. Lee Sr., a seasoned litigator who has defended people in San Diego County courts for many years.
When you call us, you reach a local team that will listen, explain your options, and treat your child’s case as a priority. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Why Families Turn to Lee Law Group
Parents looking for help after a juvenile or underage DUI are not just comparing resumes. They are deciding whom to trust with their child’s future and whom they can count on to pick up the phone, answer questions, and guide them through the process. We take that responsibility seriously. Our philosophy is simple: we prepare thoroughly, advocate aggressively in court, and communicate honestly with our clients.
At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we do not offer quick promises or guarantees. Instead, we carefully review the facts, explain what California law allows, and talk through the options with your family. Clients consistently describe us as responsive and attentive. That is reflected in our 5-star rating from past clients, which shows that people feel heard and informed when they work with us.
Our team has deep roots in this community. We live and work here, and we have appeared in San Diego County Superior Court and in the juvenile court system for many years. Before founding the firm in 2007, attorney Ernest J. Lee Sr. worked with several law offices in the area, which gave him insight into how different approaches affect real families. Today, that experience shapes how our attorneys handle each juvenile DUI defense.
We also know that many parents are working hard to support their families and do not have unlimited resources for legal fees. Our firm was created with a mission to give working people meaningful access to quality representation. When you contact a juvenile DUI lawyer San Diego families trust, we take time to discuss your priorities and any financial concerns so that you can make informed choices.
Juvenile & Underage DUI Consequences
Understanding what is truly at stake is often the first step in making good decisions. In California, the rules for drivers under 21 are stricter than they are for older adults. A young driver’s blood alcohol level does not have to be high to trigger serious legal and license consequences, and a single mistake can have effects that last beyond high school or college.
Depending on age and circumstances, a case may go through juvenile court or adult criminal court. Juvenile DUI matters often focus on rehabilitation, while still carrying real penalties. These can include probation, fines, alcohol or drug education programs, community service, and, in more serious situations, potential time in a juvenile facility. For older underage drivers, courts may apply adult DUI statutes, which can increase the severity of penalties.
There is also a separate track through the Department of Motor Vehicles. California’s zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 means that even a low blood alcohol level can lead to a license suspension. A suspension can affect a young person’s ability to get to school, work, and family responsibilities, and may also increase insurance costs. Acting promptly to address DMV issues is critical because hearing requests often have strict deadlines.
Beyond court and DMV penalties, there are quieter but equally important consequences. A juvenile DUI can affect college admission decisions, financial aid, and professional program applications. Some employers run background checks that may reveal a criminal case or driving record issues. Our attorneys regularly deal with these realities in local courts, and we work with families to look beyond the immediate hearing date and think about how today’s choices will influence tomorrow’s opportunities.
What To Do After A Juvenile DUI Arrest
Parents often feel overwhelmed in the first hours and days after a DUI arrest or citation involving their child. Having a clear set of steps can make the situation more manageable and reduce the risk of mistakes that could harm the case. Even small decisions, such as what to say to law enforcement or friends, can have long-term effects.
Here are practical steps many families find helpful:
Make sure your child is physically safe and receives medical attention if needed, even for minor symptoms.
Collect and organize all paperwork, including citations, release forms, temporary license documents, and any court notices.
Avoid having your child discuss the incident in detail with friends, teachers, or on social media, since statements can be used later.
Note any upcoming court dates and any deadlines listed on DMV paperwork, which often require quick action to request a hearing.
Write down what your child remembers about the stop and testing as soon as possible, while details are still fresh.
When you reach out to our firm, we listen before we talk. We want to understand what happened from your perspective, what your child is facing at school or work, and what your biggest worries are. Then we explain the court process, the possible role of an underage DUI attorney, and the practical steps ahead, so that you feel less in the dark.
How A Local DUI Lawyer Protects Your Child
Juvenile and underage DUI defense is about much more than a single court date. It involves understanding how evidence was collected, how testing was performed, how California law applies, and how local judges and prosecutors often handle youth cases. Working with a local underage DUI attorney who knows this environment can help your family make better decisions about the path forward.
Our attorneys appear regularly in San Diego County Superior Court, including at the juvenile court facility. This familiarity helps us anticipate scheduling practices, typical expectations from different courtrooms, and available programs that may affect outcomes. We review the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing, and any statements, always looking for issues that may affect how the case is resolved.
We also keep the bigger picture in focus. A young person’s life does not stop during a case. They may be applying to colleges, working part-time, or balancing family responsibilities. When we advise parents and young clients, we talk about how different options could impact school, employment, and long-term plans. Our goal is to help you make decisions that protect both your child’s immediate freedom and their future.
Communication is a priority for our team. Families often tell us that feeling ignored by the system is one of the hardest parts of a juvenile DUI. We address that by explaining each stage of the process, preparing your child for what to expect in court, and being available to answer questions. Our attorneys, including those recognized by Super Lawyers or Rising Stars, work together so that your family is not left wondering what is happening with the case.
Because we live and work here, we also understand the wider impact a juvenile DUI can have on this community. School administrators, employers, and community organizations may respond differently when they know a youth is facing a charge. We discuss these realities openly and help families think through how to communicate about the situation when necessary. When you work with an underage dui lawyer San Diego families can meet with in person, you gain a local partner who understands both the legal system and community expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a juvenile DUI stay on my child’s record?
A juvenile DUI can affect both court and driving records, but long term impact depends on age, outcome, and later conduct. Some juvenile matters may be sealed under California law. We review your child’s situation, explain what records may exist, and discuss steps that could reduce future consequences.
What penalties can my teen face for DUI?
Penalties vary based on age, blood alcohol level, prior history, and whether anyone was hurt. Possible consequences include probation, fines, classes, community service, and license restrictions. Courts in this area also look at school and family circumstances. We help you understand the likely range for your child’s case.
Will my child lose their driver’s license?
Drivers under 21 face strict DMV rules, and a suspension is a real possibility. There are short deadlines to request a DMV hearing, and missing them can limit options. We explain how the DMV process works, what paperwork means, and what steps may be available to protect driving privileges.
How will your firm keep us informed?
We focus on regular, clear communication with both parents and the young client. Our team explains each hearing, answers questions, and returns calls as promptly as we reasonably can. Families work directly with our attorneys and staff, so you are not left wondering what is happening with the case.
Can we afford a juvenile DUI lawyer?
We know many families do not have unlimited resources, and cost is a real concern. Our firm was built on the belief that working people should have access to quality legal representation. When you contact us, we discuss fees openly so you can decide what fits your family’s situation.
If your family is facing a juvenile or underage DUI, you do not have to navigate it alone. The choices you make now can affect your child’s record, license, and opportunities for years to come. Our team is here to provide clear answers, grounded advice, and determined advocacy. To talk with an underage DUI attorney who can guide you through the next steps, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We will listen, explain the process, and help you understand the options available in your child’s case.
“Highly recommend! Lee Law Group came through for my family by providing the highest quality of service!”
Ezra F.
“Great Experience!”
“I had a great experience working with Lee Law Group. From the start, their team Lee, Bryan, Jeremy were professional, responsive, and knowledgeable.”
Oscar S.
“5-Stars!”
“I can’t thank Ernest Lee enough for their incredible work on my case. From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for me.”
Brandi H.
“Godsend!”
“Mr. Lee was truly a godsend. From the moment I met him, he showed nothing but kindness, patience, and genuine care for me and my situation. He’s not just a brilliant defense lawyer—he’s someone who truly cares about his clients on a perso”
C D.
“Beyond Grateful!”
“I am beyond grateful for the exceptional legal services I received from Mr. Lee. From the moment I reached out, he provided a level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that truly made a difference.”
