Protecting Your Future After an Underage DUI in Colorado

Defending Clients Against DUI Charges

Being charged with an underage DUI (UDD) in Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially when your future is at stake. Whether you’re a high school student, college student, or a concerned parent, the legal consequences of a UDD conviction can be severe, affecting your driver’s license, academic standing, scholarships, and job opportunities. However, a charge is not a conviction, and with the right legal defense, you may be able to fight the charges, reduce penalties, or even have the case dismissed.

At Front Range DUI Defense, we focus on underage DUI and UDD defense across Colorado. Our attorneys have years of experience helping minors and young adults navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that one mistake doesn’t define their future. We provide aggressive representation, personalized legal strategies, and unwavering support to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

At Front Range DUI Defense, our team has years of experience handling DUI cases in the Colorado Springs area. A criminal defense lawyer from our law firm will stay by your side every step of the way, walking you through any legal matter you may be dealing with. We can negotiate with prosecutors to arrange a plea bargain, or we can represent you in court to reduce or even remove the penalties you may be facing. Give us a call today at 719-294-0566 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.

What Makes Us Different?

Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer?
Experienced DUI Defense Attorneys – Focused on defending underage DUI and UDD cases
Results-Driven Approach – We fight to keep your record clean and minimize penalties
Support for Parents & Students – Helping families understand their options and rights

Whether you’re facing your first UDD charge or a repeat offense, our attorneys are here to fight for you. Call (719) 294-0566 now for a free case evaluation or contact us online to start your defense today.

Understanding Underage DUI and UDD Charges in Colorado

What is a UDD (Underage Drinking and Driving) Charge?

Colorado has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning drivers under 21 face much stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits than those 21 and older. If a driver under 21 has a BAC between 0.02% and 0.049%, they can be charged with Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD). A BAC of 0.05% or higher can lead to a full DUI or DWAI charge, carrying harsher penalties.

How is a UDD Different from a Regular DUI?

A UDD is not the same as an adult DUI. While both involve driving under the influence, the penalties for a UDD are generally less severe than a standard DUI conviction. However, a UDD can still result in:

Driver’s license suspension
Community service requirements
Fines and court costs
Mandatory alcohol education programs

If the BAC is above 0.05%, the driver can face standard DWAI or DUI penalties, including higher fines, longer license suspension, and possible jail time. Additionally, repeat offenses or aggravating factors (such as an accident or high BAC) can result in harsher consequences.

What Does a DUI Attorney Do?

As your DUI attorney, a member of our team will stay by your side every step of the way. There are many roles a DUI lawyer can take on, but the number one role is being there for you and defending your rights.

As your DUI defense attorney, a member of our team will take the following steps:

Question witnesses and make arguments at the DMV hearing.
Review all evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, dash cam footage, and photos of the alleged crime scene. Gather additional evidence in support of your defense.
Negotiate with prosecutors in an attempt to reach a plea deal.
Represent you before a judge in any hearings you are required to attend.
Build a defense strategy to defend you in court.
Represent you at trial while cross-examining witnesses and presenting your defense case.

While everyone has the right to defend themselves against criminal charges, hiring a Colorado Springs DUI attorney for your legal defense is highly recommended. Our experienced team has the professional knowledge to navigate the legal system and defend your rights. Police officers and prosecutors may act like they are on your side, but they are not. It’s in their best interests to get you to plead guilty and accept the maximum sentencing option. By hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you can ensure that your best interests are represented throughout the entire case.

We understand that hiring a criminal defense attorney can be a significant commitment and one that some people are hesitant to make. That’s why our team offers free consultations so you can speak with us before you decide to hire us. We will review the facts from your case and come up with a solid legal defense strategy so you know that we’re the right fit for you. Contact our office today for more information.

Consequences of an Underage DUI in Colorado

Legal Penalties for a UDD Conviction

Even though an Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD) charge carries lighter penalties than a standard DUI, the consequences can still be life-altering. Colorado law imposes the following penalties for a first-time UDD conviction:

Driver’s license suspension – 3 months for a first offense, 6 months for a second, and one year for a third
Fines and court costs – Up to $100 plus additional court-imposed fees
Community service – Between 24 and 48 hours
Mandatory alcohol education classes – Required as part of sentencing
Possible probation – Depending on the circumstances of the case

For a second or subsequent UDD offense, penalties increase, including a mandatory one-year license revocation, higher fines, and possible jail time.

If the BAC is 0.05% or higher, the case may be prosecuted as a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence), carrying harsher penalties, including:

Up to one year in jail
Heavier fines (up to $1,500)
Longer license suspension
Installation of an ignition interlock device

Impact on College, Scholarships, and Future Jobs

A UDD conviction can affect more than just your driving privileges—it can impact your entire future.

College Disciplinary Action: Universities across Colorado, including CU Boulder, CSU Fort Collins, and DU, take underage DUI offenses seriously. Depending on the school’s policies, students may face disciplinary hearings, probation, or even suspension.
Loss of Scholarships & Financial Aid: Some scholarships and grants, particularly those with moral or conduct clauses, may be revoked if a student is convicted of a UDD.
Job Opportunities & Background Checks: Many employers conduct criminal background checks, and a DUI or UDD conviction can raise red flags, especially for positions requiring a clean driving record or security clearance.

In short, a single mistake can follow you for years—but with the right legal defense, you may be able to mitigate or avoid damage to your record.

How We Defend Underage DUI Cases

If you took a breathalyzer test after being pulled over, that reading will be entered into evidence. However, there are many factors that could affect a breath test and make the reading inadmissible. Certain medical conditions can cause breathalyzers to give a false positive, and even a police officer misusing the equipment may void any results.

Improper Field Sobriety Tests

Challenging the BAC Test and Traffic Stop

Many underage DUI cases rely on breath or blood test results, but these tests are not always accurate. Our defense strategy may include:

Questioning the validity of the BAC test – Breathalyzers must be properly maintained and calibrated, and the officer administering the test must be certified. Any error can lead to inaccurate results that may be challenged in court.
Assessing the legality of the traffic stop – Law enforcement must have a valid reason to stop a driver. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or violated your rights, we can file a motion to suppress evidence, which may lead to a dismissal.
Examining procedural errors – If officers failed to follow proper protocol during the stop, field sobriety tests, or arrest, we may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

Negotiating for Dismissal or Reduced Charges

Colorado courts may offer alternative sentencing options or reduced penalties, particularly for first-time underage DUI offenders. We work to:

Negotiate plea agreements – In some cases, a UDD charge can be reduced to a lesser charge, avoiding long-term consequences.
Explore pre-trial diversion programs – Some Colorado counties offer diversion programs for young drivers, allowing charges to be dropped upon successful completion of alcohol education, community service, and probationary conditions.
Fight for deferred sentencing – If eligible, a defendant may receive deferred sentencing, meaning the charge is dismissed after completing court-ordered conditions.

What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Charged with a UDD

Immediate Steps to Take After an Arrest

If you or your child has been arrested for Underage Drinking and Driving (UDD) in Colorado, taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Do NOT admit guilt or provide unnecessary statements – Anything said to law enforcement can be used against you in court. It’s best to politely decline to answer questions beyond providing identification.
Request an attorney before making any statements – Legal representation is crucial from the start to avoid self-incrimination.
Request an Express Consent DMV hearing within 7 days of arrest – If your child’s license has been suspended under Colorado’s express consent laws, you must request a hearing within 7 days. Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension.
Document everything – Write down the details of the arrest, including where and when it happened, what the officer said, whether you took a breath test, and any other relevant information.
Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney – The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of building a strong defense or negotiating reduced penalties.

How Parents Can Help Their Teenager Facing a UDD Charge

If your teen or college student has been charged with UDD, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. As a parent, your involvement can help protect their future. Here’s what you can do:

Remain calm and supportive – A UDD charge is serious, but it does not have to ruin your child’s future.
Help them understand the consequences – Many young drivers don’t realize how a DUI or UDD conviction can impact scholarships, college admissions, and job opportunities.
Ensure they have strong legal representation – A skilled DUI defense attorney can fight for dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options that minimize the long-term impact.
Monitor compliance with court requirements – If the court orders alcohol education classes, community service, or probation, ensuring compliance helps avoid additional penalties.

Acting quickly is key to securing the best possible outcome. A UDD charge does not have to define your child’s future, and an experienced defense attorney can help fight the charges and protect their record.

FAQs About Underage DUI Charges in Colorado

Will a UDD stay on my record permanently?

A UDD conviction can stay on your record permanently unless it is sealed or expunged. Typically you can request expungement once you turn 21 years old. Some diversion programs or deferred sentencing options may allow for dismissal of the charge and immediate sealing, but this depends on the case. An experienced DUI attorney can help determine if you qualify for record sealing or alternative sentencing.

Can I lose my license for a first-time UDD in Colorado?

Yes, a first-time UDD conviction in Colorado results in a three-month driver’s license suspension. A second offense leads to a six-month suspension, and a third offense can result in a one-year suspension. However, in some cases, a skilled attorney may help you secure a restricted license for school or work purposes.

Can I go to jail for an underage DUI?

First-offense UDD charges do not carry jail time. However, second or subsequent UDD charges do. Also, if the BAC is 0.05% or above, the charge may be escalated to DWAI or DUI, which carries potential jail time, higher fines, and a longer license suspension.

How does a DUI affect my college financial aid?

A DUI or UDD conviction can affect scholarships, student housing, and financial aid, depending on the university’s policies. Many schools in Colorado, including CU Boulder, CSU, and DU, have strict policies regarding alcohol-related offenses. A UDD conviction may result in disciplinary action, probation, or even loss of financial aid, especially for scholarships with conduct-based requirements.

How much does it cost to hire an underage DUI lawyer?

The cost of a DUI attorney varies based on the complexity of the case, whether it goes to trial, and potential plea negotiations. However, hiring a lawyer can save thousands in fines, court fees, and long-term costs, such as higher insurance premiums and lost job opportunities. Most DUI attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case.

Get Trusted Legal Help for an Underage DUI in Colorado Today

An underage DUI or UDD charge can have serious, long-lasting consequences, but a charge is not a conviction. With the right legal defense, you may be able to fight the charges, reduce penalties, or even have the case dismissed. At Front Range DUI Defense, we focus on protecting the future of young drivers by providing aggressive legal representation, personalized defense strategies, and unwavering support throughout the legal process.

Whether you are a high school student, college student, or a concerned parent looking for legal help, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the case.

Call (719) 294-0566 now for a free case evaluation or contact us online to start building your defense today.

Don’t wait—your future is worth fighting for.

Underage DUI Defense Attorney in Colorado