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Underage DUI

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Uploaded: 2026-07-11T02:58:00.000Z
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Underage DUI Lawyer in Florida | Protecting the Future of Young Drivers

An underage DUI arrest can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Whether you are a college student, a recent high school graduate, a young professional, or the parent of a young driver, you may be concerned about your future, education, employment opportunities, driver’s license, and reputation.

As a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, former Florida prosecutor, and former public defender, I understand that an underage DUI is often a person’s first encounter with the criminal justice system. My goal is to help you understand the process, review the available evidence, and develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case.

Every underage DUI investigation is different. I believe each client deserves individual attention, honest answers, and experienced legal representation.

If you are looking for a complete overview of Florida DUI defense, visit my Florida DUI Practice Areas page. You can also learn more about my experience on my About Me page or schedule a confidential consultation through my Contact page.

Why Choose W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.?

When you hire me, you work directly with me—not a case manager or an inexperienced associate.

For decades, I have represented individuals charged with criminal offenses including Florida Statutes § 316.1932, throughout the Tampa Bay area and across Florida. My experience as both a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney allows me to carefully evaluate the evidence, explain your options, and prepare every case as though it could proceed to trial.

I understand that an underage DUI can create anxiety for both the accused and their family. My goal is to provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions throughout the process.

What Is an Underage DUI?

An underage DUI generally refers to a DUI investigation involving a driver who is under the legal drinking age.

The circumstances of every case are different. Some investigations begin with a traffic stop, while others follow a crash investigation, a roadside encounter, or a DUI checkpoint.

Before offering legal advice, I review the available evidence, police reports, recordings, and other discovery materials to better understand what occurred.

My Approach to an Underage DUI Case

Every case starts with understanding the facts.

My initial review typically includes:

Review Area	Purpose
Arrest Documents	Understand how the investigation began
Police Reports	Review the officer’s account of events
Video Evidence	Compare body camera or dash camera recordings with written reports when available
Witness Information	Evaluate statements from passengers or other witnesses
Client Interview	Learn facts that may not appear in official reports

No two underage DUI cases are exactly alike.

Common Concerns After an Underage DUI Arrest

Many young drivers and their parents ask similar questions after an arrest.

Common concerns include:

Will this affect school?
What happens to my driver’s license?
Will this affect future employment?
What should I do next?
What happens in court?

The answers depend on the facts of the case. Rather than making assumptions, I review the available evidence and explain the process based on your individual circumstances.

Understanding the DUI Investigation

An underage DUI investigation may involve several different types of evidence.

Evidence Commonly Reviewed

Evidence Category	Examples
Official Reports	Arrest reports and supplemental reports
Video Evidence	Body camera and dash camera recordings
Witness Statements	Statements from passengers or other witnesses
Photographs	Scene or vehicle photographs
Discovery Materials	Additional evidence provided during the case

The available evidence varies from one investigation to another.

How I Review the Evidence

**One of the most important phases of a criminal case is discovery. Discovery is the process through which information and evidence are exchanged according to applicable court procedures.**

Before recommending a defense strategy, I compare the available information to develop a complete understanding of the case. Every recommendation I make is based on the available facts—not assumptions.

Communicating With Young Drivers and Their Families

For many families, an underage DUI arrest is unfamiliar territory. I believe communication is one of the most important parts of effective representation. If I know the answer to your question, I will explain it clearly. If additional investigation is needed, I will tell you. If I cannot verify a fact with confidence, I will not speculate. My goal is to provide honest guidance throughout the case.

Consultation

Every underage DUI case deserves careful attention. If you would like to learn more about my experience representing individuals charged with DUI, visit my About Me page. If you are ready to discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation through my Contact page.

Court Proceedings

Many underage drivers have never appeared in criminal court before. One of my responsibilities is to explain what generally happens during each stage of the process so there are fewer surprises.

General Case Timeline

First-Time DUI Court Process — **Underage DUI Court Process**

Stage	General Description
Investigation	Law enforcement investigates the incident
Arrest	Driver is taken into custody or cited
Booking	Processing by the arresting agency, when applicable
Court Proceedings	The criminal case begins
Discovery	Available evidence is reviewed
Resolution	The case concludes based on its individual facts

No attorney can ethically promise a specific outcome because every case depends on its own facts.

Factors I Evaluate

Every underage DUI investigation is unique. Some of the issues I review include:

Case Factor	Why I Review It
Traffic Stop	Understand how the investigation began
Officer Observations	Compare reports with available evidence
Video Recordings	Evaluate objective evidence when available
Witness Statements	Compare independent observations
Discovery Materials	Review available documentation
Client Interview	Understand the complete timeline

The significance of these factors depends entirely on the facts of the individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hire a lawyer after an underage DUI arrest?

Many individuals and families choose to speak with a DUI attorney to better understand the legal process and evaluate the available options. Every case is different, and legal advice should be tailored to the specific facts.

Can you guarantee the outcome of my case?

No. No attorney can ethically guarantee a particular result. Every case depends on its own facts and the available evidence.

Do you review body camera recordings?

When those recordings are available through discovery, I review them as part of my evaluation of the evidence.

Will this case affect my future?

Many people have concerns about education, employment, and professional opportunities after an arrest. Because every situation is different, I discuss those concerns individually with my clients rather than making assumptions.

For additional information, I encourage you to explore these related resources:

Florida DUI Practice Areas

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
First-Time DUI
DUI Criminal Defense Attorney
Drug DUI
Commercial DUI
Breath Test Refusal
DUI Breath Testing
DUI Process
DUI Penalties

These pages provide additional information about Florida DUI defense and are designed to help you better understand the legal process.

Speak With W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.

An underage DUI arrest does not have to leave you wondering what comes next. I believe every client deserves experienced representation, honest communication, and a defense strategy built on verified facts.

Learn more about my qualifications by visiting my About Me page.

When you are ready to discuss your case, schedule a confidential consultation through my Contact page.

I look forward to answering your questions, reviewing the available evidence, and helping you understand your options.

Call 813-222-2220

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An underage DUI arrest can affect your future, education, employment, and driving privileges. Learn how I review the evidence, explain the legal process, and provide experienced DUI defense for young drivers throughout Florida.

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Florida underage DUI lawyer helping young drivers protect their future with experienced DUI defense and personal guidance.

FAQ DUI License Reinstatement & Other Concerns in Florida

Can I Get My License Back After a DUI in Florida?

Yes, but the process depends on the circumstances of your DUI case. For a first-time DUI, you may apply for a hardship license after completing DUI school and serving any mandatory suspension period. Repeat offenders face longer suspensions and may need to install an ignition interlock device.

How Do I Apply for a Hardship License in Florida?

To apply for a hardship license, you must enroll in a DUI school approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). After serving the mandatory waiting period, you must attend a hearing with the DHSMV to prove you need the license for work, education, or essential activities. You will also need to pay reinstatement fees and provide proof of insurance.

What Happens if I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Florida?

Refusing a breathalyzer test results in an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension for a first offense and an 18-month suspension for a second refusal. A second refusal can also be charged as a misdemeanor offense, which may lead to possible jail time.

Can I Drive With a Suspended License After a DUI?

No, driving on a suspended license after a DUI is illegal and can result in additional penalties, including jail time, fines, and an extended suspension period. If you need to drive, you should apply for a hardship license legally.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended for a DUI Conviction?

For a first DUI with a blood alcohol content below .15, the suspension period is between six months and one year. If your BAC was .15 or higher, the suspension period remains the same, but you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device. A second DUI within five years results in a mandatory five-year suspension. A third DUI within ten years leads to a mandatory ten-year suspension. A fourth DUI at any time results in permanent revocation.

Client Reviews

The first thing that impressed me about Casey (Mr. Ebsary) was that he answers his own phone calls. He is very friendly and very professional. He knows the law and how to...

Anonymous Google User Tampa

Casey was like a savior to me. I had no idea what was going to happen after I got arrested for DUI – I knew it would not be good and might involve jail time. My primary...

Anonymous Wrote “Like A Savior” Tampa

Casey Ebsary is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Florida. He has expertise in DUI and all kinds of criminal matters. I would recommend him to anyone who...