Underage DUI Lawyer in Omaha

Protecting A Young Driver’s Future Starts Now

When your child is arrested for driving under the influence, it can feel like everything is suddenly at risk. Their license, their record, and their opportunities for school or work can all be affected by one mistake. 

At Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law, we focus our entire practice on criminal defense, including DUI cases involving teenagers and drivers under 21. Attorney Michael J. Fitzpatrick has spent more than 20 years in the justice system as a former Omaha police officer and former Omaha city prosecutor. That experience, combined with certification in field sobriety and breath testing, allows us to evaluate these cases from several perspectives.

Call us at (402) 809-5008 or online to speak with our Omaha underage DUI lawyer.

What Underage DUI Means For Your Future

Parents often ask first how serious an underage DUI really is. In Nebraska, drinking and driving is treated seriously at every age, and that is especially true for young drivers. A single alcohol-related driving charge can affect a young person’s license, criminal or juvenile record, and standing at school.

For drivers under 18, cases often go through juvenile court, which focuses on rehabilitation but can still involve significant penalties. For drivers who are 18 to 20, underage DUI charges may be handled in county court as criminal matters. The specific court usually depends on the driver’s age, history, and the facts of the arrest.

Consequences can include license suspension or revocation, fines, probation, community service, alcohol education, or treatment requirements. In more serious situations, there can be time in a juvenile facility or jail. Even when detention is unlikely, the impact on a young person’s record can affect college applications, scholarships, military aspirations, and professional licensing down the road.

How We Defend After an Underage DUI Charge

Once families understand what is at stake, the next question is how an attorney can actually help. We begin by looking closely at every stage of the stop, investigation, and arrest. Michael’s background as a former Omaha police officer gives him a detailed understanding of traffic enforcement practices and the procedures officers are supposed to follow.

We review why the vehicle was stopped, how the officer interacted with the driver, and whether there was a lawful basis to request field sobriety or breath tests. If there are issues with the reason for the stop or the way the investigation was handled, those concerns can become important parts of the defense strategy. Young drivers are often nervous, scared, and unfamiliar with roadside instructions, and those factors can affect how they appear on camera or in reports.

Michael is certified in field sobriety and breathalyzer testing, which means he has formal training in how these tests should be administered and interpreted. That training allows us to scrutinize the officer’s choices and technique in a way many defense lawyers cannot. We examine whether the testing environment was appropriate, whether instructions were clear, and whether the results are consistent with the rest of the evidence.

From there, we consider options that may include challenging probable cause, contesting testing procedures, limiting the use of statements, and negotiating for reduced charges or alternative resolutions. The right approach can depend on the client’s age, prior history, and goals, including protection of education and work plans. Throughout the process, we keep parents and young clients informed so they can make decisions with a clear understanding of risks and possible benefits.

What To Do After An Underage DUI Charge

Here are practical steps to take after an underage DUI:

• Keep all paperwork from the police or jail in a safe place so court dates and deadlines are not missed.
• Write down or record your child’s memory of the stop and arrest while details are still fresh.
• Avoid posting about the incident on social media or discussing it with friends who may be witnesses.
• Contact a lawyer who handles underage DUI cases to review the situation before speaking with prosecutors or school officials.
• Make sure your child understands not to talk about the facts of the case with anyone other than you and the attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an underage DUI stay on my child’s record?

An underage DUI can affect a young person’s record, but the long-term impact depends on age, court, and outcome. Some options may limit public access, while others may not. We review your child’s situation and explain how different resolutions could affect records in Nebraska.

Can my teen lose their license after an underage DUI?

Loss or restriction of driving privileges is a common risk after an underage DUI. Nebraska law allows suspensions that vary by age, test results, and prior history. There may also be separate administrative actions. We discuss possible license outcomes and any steps available to address them.

Do we have to go to court in person for an underage DUI?

Most underage DUI hearings require at least some in-person appearances by the young person and, in juvenile court, by a parent or guardian. Exact requirements depend on the judge and stage of the case. We prepare families for each appearance and what to expect.

How can your firm challenge breath or field tests?

We review how tests were given and interpreted, then compare those steps to accepted standards. Michael’s certification in field sobriety and breath testing and his law enforcement background help him identify problems with instructions, timing, or equipment. If we find issues, they can become important parts of the defense.

Talk With Us About AN Underage DUI in Omaha

If your child is facing an alcohol-related driving charge, you do not have to sort through it on your own. Speaking with our firm can help you understand what the charge means, what options may exist, and how a focused criminal defense practice can support your family.

Call us at (402) 809-5008 or online to speak with our Omaha underage DUI attorney.