Teen Driving Under the Influence Cases in Orange County: Defense Strategies That Work

Law Office of Katie Walsh

Even one mistake can turn a family’s world upside down. When a teenager is arrested for driving under the influence in Orange County, it can feel like everything is at risk: their freedom, their future, and your peace of mind. Parents often wonder: Will this stay on their record forever? Can they lose their license? Is there any way to fix this?

There is. And it starts by understanding your legal options and having the right advocate by your side. Working with an experienced Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer at the Law Office of Katie Walsh can help you fight the charges while protecting your child’s future.

What California Law Says About Teen DUI Charges

California has some of the strictest underage DUI laws in the country. According to Vehicle Code § 23136, anyone under 21 who drives with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of just 0.01% can be charged with DUI. That means even a trace amount of alcohol can put a teenager at risk of criminal consequences. Other related charges can apply as well:

  • Vehicle Code § 23140: Driving with a BAC of 0.05% or more if under 21
  • Vehicle Code § 23224: Possession of alcohol in a vehicle by someone under 21

Penalties may include license suspension, mandatory DUI classes, fines, and a permanent mark on your child’s record. An Orange County, CA, Juvenile Defense attorney can help you understand how these laws apply and what can be done to challenge them.

In many teen DUI cases, the strongest defense comes from carefully reviewing the facts. A skilled Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer will look at every detail how the stop occurred, how the testing was conducted, and whether your teen’s rights were respected. Common defense strategies include:

  • Lack of probable cause for the initial stop
  • Faulty or improperly administered breath and blood tests
  • Rising BAC that may have occurred after driving
  • Mistaken identity or no evidence that the teen was actually driving

Sometimes, we’re able to push for diversion programs or reduced charges especially when it’s a teen’s first offense. Every case is unique, but with the right approach, it’s possible to protect your child from long-term consequences.

How Orange County Juvenile Courts Handle DUI Cases

In Orange County, teen DUI cases go through juvenile court, not adult court which makes a big difference. These courts focus on rehabilitation, but the process can still be serious.

Judges look at factors like school performance, family support, and any past behavior issues. Depending on the case, the outcome might involve probation, counseling, community service, or substance education. Having an experienced Orange County, CA, Juvenile Defense Lawyer who understands how local courts work can make a real difference in protecting your child’s future.

Talk to an Orange County Juvenile Defense Attorney Today

If your teen has been charged with DUI, this moment matters. The legal system can be confusing, and the wrong move could affect their record, license, and future. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we understand how frightening this is for families. That’s why we keep parents informed, teens supported, and every case handled with care.

Our team is committed to getting the best possible results, because your child deserves more than a second chance. They deserve someone in their corner. Call (714) 351-0178 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Orange County Juvenile Defense attorney today.

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Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client
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