Underage DUI Attorney in Hinesville

Defense Focused On Your Child’s Future

When your child is arrested for driving under the influence in Hinesville, it can feel like everything is suddenly at risk. School, work, college plans, and even military opportunities may seem uncertain. You may not know what the charges really mean or how the Georgia courts will treat an underage DUI.

We understand how frightening this is for parents and young people. At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we focus on defending individuals accused of criminal offenses, including DUI cases involving teens and drivers under 21. Our goal is to guide your family through every step and work to protect your child’s record and future.

Our legal team brings more than a decade of criminal defense experience and has handled thousands of cases. We offer free consultations, so you can talk with us about what happened and what comes next before making any decisions.

Protect your child’s future from a "zero-tolerance" conviction. Contact a premier Hinesville underage DUI attorney at Schneider Lerch, LLC by calling (912) 417-5008 or reaching out online. With over 40 years of combined experience and a former prosecutor on your side, we are ready to fight—schedule your free consultation today.

Understanding Georgia’s "Zero-Tolerance" Underage DUI Laws

The Georgia Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) governs how the state handles young drivers. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(k), the state does not have to prove your child was "drunk" or "impaired." They only need to prove that the driver was under 21 and had a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

The Two Ways You Can Be Charged

• DUI Per Se (Under 21): If the breath or blood test shows a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%. The state simply needs the number to prove its case.
• DUI Less Safe: If the officer believes the driver was under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs to the extent it was "less safe" for them to drive. This can be charged even if the BAC is below 0.02%.

Hinesville law enforcement—including officers from the Hinesville Police Department and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office—have increased their use of mobile blood-draw units and sophisticated digital breathalyzers. As former prosecutors, we know exactly how the state builds these cases, and more importantly, we know where the forensic errors often occur.

Juvenile court cases usually focus more on rehabilitation than punishment, although serious consequences are still possible. Younger teens may face probation, alcohol or drug education, community service, and other conditions if the court finds the charge true. For those who are 17 to 20, penalties can more closely resemble adult DUI consequences, and these can include fines, probation, community service, and in some cases jail time for more serious or repeat situations.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Georgia

The consequences of an underage DUI conviction in Hinesville are absolute. Unlike adult DUI cases, there is very little room for judicial leniency when it comes to driving privileges.

Mandatory License Suspension (No Work Permits)

The most devastating penalty for a student or young worker is the loss of their driver's license.

• BAC 0.02% to 0.079%: A mandatory 6-month suspension for a first offense.
• BAC 0.08% or Higher (or Refusal): A mandatory 12-month suspension for a first offense.

Crucial Note: Underage drivers are not eligible for a limited driving permit (work or school permit). This is a "hard" suspension, meaning no driving for any reason for the duration of the penalty.

Criminal Penalties

• Jail Time: Up to 12 months in jail (though often stayed for first offenders).
• Fines: Between $300 and $1,000, plus significant court surcharges.
• Community Service: A mandatory minimum of 20 hours for a first offense.
• DUI Risk Reduction: Mandatory completion of a state-approved "DUI School."

Collateral Consequences

As of 2026, background checks are more comprehensive than ever. An underage DUI can result in:

• Loss of Scholarships: Many Georgia scholarships, including HOPE, can be jeopardized by a criminal conviction.
• College Disciplinary Action: Local institutions like Georgia Southern or Savannah Tech often initiate separate disciplinary proceedings.
• Military Impact: With Hinesville being home to Fort Stewart, we understand that a DUI can derail a young person’s plans for military service or security clearances.

Why Families Choose Our DUI Defense in Hinesville

Families in this part of Georgia turn to our attorneys because they want more than someone to stand next to their child in court. They want a team that takes the time to listen, explains the process in plain language, and develops a strategy built around the young person’s life, not just the charge. That is how we approach every underage DUI case.

Our firm is dedicated to criminal defense, and we regularly handle DUI matters for clients from Hinesville and the broader Savannah area. This work has given us familiarity with how prosecutors and judges here typically approach under-21 alcohol cases. We use that knowledge to help parents understand realistic risks and options, and we adjust our approach to the specific court that will hear the case.

We know you are trusting us with something important. Our attorneys have a reputation for litigating vigorously when negotiations do not protect the client’s long-term interests. We are prepared to present a case at trial if that is the path that best serves your child’s future. At the same time, we put significant effort into negotiations and alternative resolutions that can limit long-term harm whenever possible.

What To Do After An Underage DUI in Hinesville

The hours and days after an arrest are confusing. There may be paperwork from the Liberty County jail, a citation, and notice of an upcoming court date. Your child may be embarrassed or defensive, and you may feel pressure to act fast. Taking a few deliberate steps can help protect their rights and options.

Consider taking these steps as soon as possible:

• Keep all paperwork from the arrest, including citations, bond documents, and any notice of court or license hearings.
• Talk calmly with your child about what happened, and remind them not to discuss details of the incident with friends or on social media.
• Write down what you and your child remember about the traffic stop, testing, and interactions with officers while the memory is still fresh.
• Note all deadlines on the paperwork, because missing a date can affect both the court case and driving privileges.
• Contact an underage DUI lawyer in Hinesville as soon as you can, so you can review your options before making decisions.

When you reach out to Schneider Lerch, LLC, our team will review the documents you received and talk with you about the next steps. We explain what typically happens in cases like yours and how the local court process usually unfolds. During your free consultation, we answer your questions and help you decide how to move forward in a way that reflects your child’s goals and your family’s values.

How We Protect Your Child’s Future

When handling underage DUI cases, we see more than just a legal matter—we see a young person with a future to protect. From the first meeting, we focus on understanding who your child is, what happened, and their goals for the years ahead, shaping our approach around both their immediate needs and long-term prospects.

Our attorneys thoroughly review the traffic stop and testing procedures, evaluating any weaknesses or errors in evidence. We explore potential legal challenges, such as motions to suppress, and determine the best strategy for defending your child, whether that involves negotiating a resolution or aggressively contesting the charge in court.

Beyond legal defense, we consider the personal context of each case. Counseling, treatment, or education programs may be recommended to address alcohol use or related challenges, which can also positively influence how the court views the case. Communication with parents and clients is a priority, ensuring everyone understands the process, options, and expectations while making informed decisions that prioritize the young person’s future.

Talk To Our Underage DUI Lawyers in Hinesville Today

Underage DUI charges are serious, and the choices you make now can influence your child’s opportunities for years to come. You do not have to sort through this alone. Our attorneys at Schneider Lerch, LLC bring extensive criminal defense experience and a clear focus on protecting young clients’ futures in and around Hinesville.

Call (912) 417-5008 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an underage DUI stay on my child’s record?

Whether an underage DUI stays on a record depends on age, court, and how the case is resolved. Juvenile adjudications are treated differently from adult convictions, and some records may be restricted in the future. We can review your child’s situation and explain what the long-term impact is likely to be.

Could my child go to jail for an underage DUI?

Jail is generally less common for a first underage DUI, although it is legally possible in some circumstances, especially for older drivers or more serious cases. Penalties depend on the facts and any prior record. Our attorneys work to pursue outcomes that avoid unnecessary incarceration whenever the law allows.

How quickly should we contact a lawyer after the arrest?

It is usually best to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. There may be deadlines connected to license hearings and early court dates in Liberty County. Reaching out quickly lets us review paperwork, help you avoid missteps, and start protecting your child’s rights from the beginning.

How will your attorneys work with me and my teenager?

We meet with both the parent and the young client, listen to each of you, and explain the process in straightforward terms. Our team keeps parents updated on the case while also making sure the teenager understands their responsibilities. We aim to support your family and keep communication clear at every stage.

Can an underage DUI affect college or military plans?

A DUI at a young age can affect applications for college, scholarships, and the military. The impact often depends on how the case is resolved and how it appears on the record. We discuss these concerns with families and work to pursue outcomes that reduce long-term damage whenever possible.

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