Every year, nearly 500 students die in alcohol-related traffic accidents during prom and graduation season. Recently at Coral Springs Charter School, students saw the effects of a mock drunk driving accident, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
The Law Offices of Carlos Canet encourage teens to resist the desire to drink and drive, especially at this time of year when they are graduating or enjoying prom. But it is important that if they are arrested for DUI, they seek quality legal representation. Simply being under 18 doesn't mean the charges will disappear. Rather, these types of charges, if they result in a conviction, can stay on a teen's record for life. It could result in them being disqualified from serving in the military, being shut out of many quality jobs and being unable to get financial aid or a college education.
A 2008 U.S. Department of Transportation report stated that teens have the highest fatal crash rate of any age group. These types of crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
Around South Florida, various groups have been reaching out to teens and parents to encourage young drivers not to drink and especially not to drink and drive. Parents with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in April held workshops for parents in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The Broward Sheriff's Office has a "No Future With Alcohol" video on its website designed to discourage teen drinking and driving.
Obviously, all of this is positive. Teens shouldn't be drinking and driving. But if they do, an aggressive DUI attorney will be needed. Penalties for DUI in Florida are steep. Even first time DUI convictions can result in fines, fees, community service, DUI school enrollment and jail time. If the DUI involves property damage or injury, the penalties will increase. DUI accidents involving a death will result in prison time.
Just because a suspect is a teen when arrested doesn't mean they will face juvenile charges. That is a decision made by the State Attorney's Office at their discretion. These types of charges can keep your child out of premier universities and colleges and make finding a job difficult.
But the DUI charges can be beat. If your teen has been arrested and charged with DUI this prom and graduation season, don't put their future in danger. Consult with an experienced Miami DUI attorney immediately.
Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet is an aggressive and experienced drunk driving defense attorney, representing clients facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.
