Underage DUI in Salinas

How We Review the Stop & Test Evidence

Our review begins with the reason for the traffic stop and continues through the detention, arrest, testing, and charging decision. We examine whether officers had a lawful basis for their actions and whether the evidence supports the specific allegation. Two attorneys leading our firm are certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

Potential areas for review include:

• The traffic stop: The reported driving behavior, officer observations, and legal basis for the stop or continued detention.
• Field observations: The conditions surrounding field sobriety exercises and the officer’s documentation of the driver’s performance.
• Chemical testing: The timing, collection, calibration, administration, chain of custody, and interpretation of breath or blood evidence.
• The allegations: The relationship between the driver’s age, BAC level, suspected impairment, and cited Vehicle Code section.

DMV Administrative Action

A DMV administrative hearing concerns driving privileges. It is separate from the criminal or infraction case and may involve different issues, procedures, and evidence. We assess the suspension notice, testing circumstances, and any alleged refusal independently from the court proceeding.

Criminal Court Proceedings

The court case addresses the filed charge and the penalties authorized by that charge. Depending on the facts, it could involve an infraction, misdemeanor allegation, or another criminal offense. We identify lawful grounds for challenging the evidence and explore available paths toward reduction, dismissal, or another resolution.

Where Under-21 Cases May Be Heard in Monterey County

The Monterey County Superior Court states that adult felony and misdemeanor criminal cases are processed through its Salinas Division, including cases arising elsewhere in the county. However, not every driver under 21 follows the same court path. The driver’s age, filed charge, and circumstances of the stop determine whether the case proceeds in adult criminal court, juvenile court, or another setting.

We serve clients throughout Monterey and San Benito Counties. Since 1970, we have represented people facing felony and misdemeanor allegations with support from attorneys, investigators, and multilingual staff. That background informs our evaluation of constitutional issues and scientific evidence, as well as procedural deadlines.

Personalized Guidance for Young Drivers & Families

An alcohol-related stop can leave families facing unfamiliar paperwork and two government processes at once. We provide guidance based on the actual citation, evidence, and procedural posture rather than treating every driver’s situation as identical. Our family-owned firm also handles underage alcohol and driving allegations through its juvenile defense work.

Parents can help organize documents and prepare a timeline, but the young driver’s age and case status affect how legal decisions are made. During the consultation, we can clarify the known allegations, identify immediate deadlines, and explain the next steps available under the circumstances.

Get Clarity on the License & Court Process

A free initial consultation provides a focused review of the citation, DMV notice, court date, and facts surrounding the stop. Bring the available paperwork so we can identify urgent deadlines and explain how the license and court proceedings may affect you or your child.

Call (831) 704-1852 to speak with The Worthington Law Centre about an underage DUI citation, arrest, or license notice.