Teen DWI Lawyer Baton Rouge: A Parent’s Guide When Your Teen Faces a Charge
No parent ever wants that late-night phone call. Your son or daughter made a mistake, and now police have charged them with DWI. Right away, you need answers, and a teen DWI lawyer in Baton Rouge can give them to you.
First, take a breath. One charge does not have to define your child’s future. However, the steps your family takes in the next few days can make a big difference. Below, we answer the questions parents ask us most when a teen faces a DWI or other criminal charge.
Parent Questions for a Teen DWI Lawyer in Baton Rouge
What counts as a DWI for someone under 21?
Louisiana sets a much lower limit for young drivers. In fact, a driver under 21 can face an underage DWI charge with a blood alcohol level of just 0.02, a fraction of the adult limit. In other words, even one drink can lead to an arrest.
What penalties could my teen face?
A first underage DWI can bring a fine of up to $1,000, a license suspension, and up to six months in jail. In addition, courts often require substance abuse and driver improvement classes, and some require an ignition interlock device. On the other hand, many judges choose probation over jail, especially for a first offense.
Will my child go to juvenile court or adult court?
It depends on your teen’s age and the charge. Generally, younger teens go through juvenile court, which focuses more on rehabilitation. However, a driver who is 18, 19, or 20 faces adult court, even though the law still treats them as underage for alcohol. For this reason, you need a lawyer who knows both systems.
Should my teen talk to the police or the school?
No. Your child has the right to remain silent, and they should use it until they speak with a lawyer. Likewise, parents should avoid discussing the details on jail phone lines, because jails record those calls. Instead, let your attorney handle communication with police, prosecutors, and school officials.
Could this affect college, sports, or scholarships?
Yes, it could. A conviction can create problems with college admissions, athletic eligibility, financial aid, and student housing. That’s why the firm also offers college student defense, focused on protecting a young person’s academic future.
What if the charge isn’t a DWI?
Teens also face charges like minor in possession, drug possession, and fighting. Fortunately, the same advice applies: stay calm, stay quiet, and call a defense attorney right away.
Can my teen clear this from their record?
In many cases, yes. Louisiana lets people expunge certain arrests and convictions once they meet the legal requirements. As a result, a mistake at 17 doesn’t have to follow your child for life. Our team handles record expungement as well.
Why Parents Trust the Law Offices of Ossie Brown
When your child’s future hangs in the balance, experience matters. For over 40 years, Baton Rouge families have turned to this firm for exactly that.
A Family Firm That Understands Families
Dana Brown grew up in Baton Rouge as the son of a district attorney and a schoolteacher. Since 2000, he has led the firm his father founded. As a result, he understands what parents feel when a child gets in trouble, and he treats every family with patience and respect.
A Legacy of Protecting Young People
Founder Ossie Brown served as East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney from 1972 to 1984. During that time, he helped create the I Care Program, a youth drug prevention program that still serves local students today. Moreover, his decades as a defense lawyer gave the firm deep insight into how prosecutors build their cases.
Courtroom Experience at Every Level
Dana earned his law degree at Southern University Law Center. Today, he practices in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, his team of experienced attorneys handles juvenile, college student, DWI, and adult criminal cases every week.
Clear Answers for Worried Parents
Clients consistently praise the firm for returning calls and explaining every step. Above all, parents leave each conversation knowing exactly what comes next.
Call a Teen DWI Lawyer in Baton Rouge Today
Your teen made a mistake, but you don’t have to face it alone. Instead, let an experienced defense team protect your child’s record, license, and future. The firm offers every family a free, confidential consultation.
Schedule your free consultation or call 225-343-1111.
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This article offers general information only, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because every case differs, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.