Juvenile DUI Attorney St. Augustine

Legal Help When Your Child Faces A DUI

Finding out that your child has been arrested for driving under the influence is frightening. You may be worrying about their record, their license, and whether this one mistake will follow them for years. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady guide, not judgment or confusing legal talk.

At Canan Law, our criminal defense attorney team helps families navigate juvenile and underage DUI cases in and around St. Augustine. We focus on protecting your child’s rights while working to reduce the long-term impact on school, work, and future opportunities.

We have represented people in the St. Johns County court system for decades, and we understand how these cases move through local juvenile and criminal courts. If your child has been arrested, you can contact our team to talk through what happened and what needs to happen next.

If your child has been arrested for an underage DUI in St. Augustine, you can contact our defense team for a confidential consultation and immediate guidance on what to do next.

Why Families Turn To Our Firm

When a young person is charged with DUI, parents want more than someone who simply appears in court. They want a legal team with deep experience, strong local knowledge, and a commitment to taking their child’s future seriously. That is the approach we bring to every juvenile and underage DUI matter we handle.

Our attorneys have more than 85 years of combined practice experience, and as a firm we have handled over 250 jury trials across criminal defense and other areas. This level of courtroom experience shapes how we analyze charges, evidence, and possible outcomes. Even when a case is likely to resolve without a trial, trial tested judgment helps us evaluate risk and prepare thoroughly.

Canan Law has served St. Augustine and surrounding communities for more than three decades. Over those years, we have become widely known throughout Northeast Florida and are familiar with how cases are typically handled in the St. Johns County courthouse. That familiarity with judges and prosecutors allows us to factor local practice and expectations into our strategy.

Our firm is led by founding attorney Patrick T. Canan, who has been admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He has been recognized as Best Attorney by the Best of St. Augustine in multiple years and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. These recognitions reflect a long record of professional achievement and legal ability.

We also take a team based approach. Our attorneys work together on strategy, test ideas with one another, and review evidence as a group when a case involves a young person’s future. Families often tell us that they value our open communication, our willingness to explain the process, and our compassionate, respectful treatment of their child. Many clients return to us for help with later legal issues and refer friends and family to our firm.

Understanding Juvenile & Underage DUI Charges

Before you can decide what to do, it helps to understand what your child is actually facing. In Florida, the rules for drivers under 21 are stricter than for older adults. There is a lower blood alcohol threshold for certain underage drivers, and a young person can face serious consequences even if their case would be treated differently at an older age.

For minors who are under 18, DUI related charges are often handled in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. Juvenile proceedings in the St. Johns County system are generally focused on rehabilitation, but they can still lead to probation, community service, mandatory classes, or other penalties. In some situations, especially when the driver is closer to 21 or when there are aggravating factors, a case may be filed in adult court instead.

Potential consequences of juvenile or underage DUI can include license suspension, fines, court ordered programs, and increased insurance costs. There may also be school related issues, such as discipline, loss of extracurricular opportunities, or concerns about college admission and scholarships. Even when a young person avoids detention, a conviction on their record can create long term problems if it is not addressed carefully.

It is important to remember that an arrest is not the same thing as a conviction. The state typically must prove that the stop and investigation were lawful, that any testing was done properly, and that the legal standards for guilt have been met. As juvenile and underage DUI cases move through the St. Johns County courthouse in St. Augustine, there may be opportunities to challenge the evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or pursue other resolutions, depending on the facts and eligibility requirements. Our attorneys help families understand these options in clear, everyday language.

What To Do After An Underage DUI Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest can strongly affect how a case unfolds. Parents are often unsure whether to talk to police, what to tell school officials, or how quickly they must act to protect a driver’s license. Having a practical checklist can help you focus on the right steps.

After an underage DUI arrest, these actions can help protect your child’s rights:

• Stay calm and gather basic information about the arrest, including where it occurred and which agency made the stop.
• Remind your child not to discuss the details of the case with law enforcement or others until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Write down everything you and your child remember about the stop, testing, and any statements that were made.
• Keep track of paperwork, such as citations, bond documents, and notices related to license suspension or court dates.
• Contact our office promptly so we can review the situation, help you understand upcoming deadlines, and begin planning a response.

In many DUI related cases, there are separate timelines for the court case and for administrative license proceedings. Missing a deadline can limit your options. When you reach out to us, we can explain which dates apply, what typically happens at the first appearance or arraignment, and how to prepare your child for what lies ahead.

Parents frequently tell us that having a clear plan reduces anxiety. Our goal is to step into the situation, organize the information, and give you an understandable picture of the road ahead. We work to handle the legal complexity so that you can focus on supporting your child.

How Our Attorneys Approach These Cases

Every juvenile and underage DUI case is different, but we follow a deliberate and thorough approach in each matter we handle. We start by listening to you and your child so we understand what happened from your perspective. Then we review the available records, such as police reports, test results, and any video footage that may exist.

Our legal team looks closely at how the stop occurred, whether there was a legal basis for the officer’s actions, and how any field sobriety exercises or breath tests were conducted. In some cases, problems with probable cause, the manner of testing, or the way rights were explained can affect how the evidence may be used in court. We evaluate these issues in light of Florida law and the procedures used in the St. Johns County courthouse.

Because we have handled more than 250 jury trials, we are accustomed to examining evidence with an eye toward how a judge or jury might view it. Even though many juvenile and underage DUI matters are resolved before trial, this mindset helps us identify strengths and weaknesses in the state’s case. When we discuss options with your family, we explain not only what might be possible, but also the risks and tradeoffs involved in each path.

Our familiarity with local prosecutors and court staff allows us to factor local practice into our planning. We consider whether your child may qualify for diversionary programs or reduced charges, depending on the facts and their prior history. While we cannot guarantee any particular result, we work to position the case so that we can pursue the most favorable resolution that the circumstances allow.

Throughout the process, we keep communication open. We explain what each hearing means, what your child should expect, and how you can help them prepare. We know that this may be the first time your family has dealt with the court system, so we take time to answer questions and to explain unfamiliar terms. Our role is not only to handle legal strategy, but also to help you and your child move through the process as confidently as possible.

Protecting Your Child’s Future

Parents often tell us that their greatest fear is not the immediate penalty, but the lasting impact of a juvenile or underage DUI. They worry about college applications, scholarship opportunities, job prospects, and how a criminal or juvenile record might follow their child into adulthood. Those concerns are understandable, and they are part of what guides our work.

A juvenile DUI case can affect more than just court fines or license status. Depending on the circumstances, there may be reporting obligations for certain applications, and background checks can reveal past cases in ways that are confusing to families. Addressing the case carefully on the front end can make a significant difference in how much harm is felt later.

Our goal is always to work toward outcomes that limit long term damage whenever the law and the facts make that possible. In some cases, that may involve seeking a reduction in charges. In others, it may involve exploring diversion options or other resolutions that can lessen the impact, if your child is eligible. We discuss these possibilities honestly so that you understand what is realistic for your situation.

As a firm that has served St. Augustine for more than thirty years and that is deeply involved in the local community, we understand how important a young person’s reputation and opportunities can be. Families in this area have trusted us with serious legal matters for many years, and many return to us for future needs. If your child is facing a juvenile or underage DUI, we encourage you to contact us so we can start working to protect their future.

To speak with our team about your child’s case, call (904) 849-2266.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a juvenile DUI stay on my child’s record?

A juvenile DUI can affect your child’s record, but how it appears and for how long depends on the charge, the outcome, and Florida record rules. In some situations, there may be options that limit long term impact. Our attorneys can explain what is likely based on your child’s specific case.

Can my child lose their license after an underage DUI?

License suspension is a common risk in underage DUI situations. The exact length and conditions typically depend on age, test results, and any prior history. There are also separate administrative procedures that may apply. We help families understand these rules and any deadlines that apply to their case.

How quickly should I contact an attorney after an arrest?

It is usually best to talk with an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. Early guidance can help protect your child’s rights and avoid missed deadlines, particularly for license related matters. When you contact our firm, we can review what happened and outline the next steps.

How will your attorneys keep me informed about the case?

We work to keep parents informed at each stage of the case. Our team explains upcoming hearings, likely timelines, and what your child should expect. We encourage questions and aim for open communication so that you feel involved and understand how decisions are being made.

Does it matter that you are based in St. Augustine?

Being based in St. Augustine is often an advantage in juvenile and underage DUI cases. We regularly appear in the St. Johns County courthouse and are familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and procedures. That local knowledge helps us plan realistically and guide families through the process more effectively.

To speak with a juvenile DUI attorney in St. Augustine, contact our office or call (904) 849-2266 today to schedule a confidential consultation.