Juvenile DUI Attorney In Des Moines

Protecting Your Child’s Future After A DUI

If your child has been arrested or cited for drunk driving, you are likely worried about the court, their license, and what this could mean for school or work. At Feld Law Firm, we help families work through juvenile and underage DUI charges and focus on protecting a young person’s future.

We know this may be your first experience with the criminal justice system in Des Moines, and the process can feel confusing and intimidating. Our role is to explain what is happening, outline options, and guide you and your child at every step. When you work with a juvenile DUI lawyer that Des Moines families trust, you do not have to face this alone. Our firm is devoted to criminal defense, and we have handled hundreds of cases in Polk County and surrounding areas. We draw on detailed investigation and local courtroom experience to analyze the evidence, identify issues, and work toward outcomes that limit the long term impact on your child.

Call (515) 996-4441 today to setup a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.

Why Families Choose Feld Law Firm

Parents facing a juvenile or underage DUI need more than general advice. They need a legal team that treats their child with respect, understands how Iowa DUI laws apply to younger drivers, and takes the time to answer urgent questions. That is how we approach every case at Feld Law Firm.

Our attorney has a background as a private investigator, which gives us a practical advantage in cases that depend heavily on details. We carefully review how the stop occurred, whether the officer had a valid reason to pull the vehicle over, and how any field sobriety and breath tests were conducted. This investigative mindset helps us look for problems with the state’s evidence that might otherwise be overlooked.

Over the course of handling hundreds of criminal cases, we have seen how juvenile and underage DUI charges move through the courts here. That experience allows us to provide realistic guidance about what may happen in Polk County and nearby courts, and what factors often matter most to judges and prosecutors when a young person is involved. Families who come to us are often feeling anxious and embarrassed. We work to create an environment where both the parent and the young client feel comfortable speaking openly. We treat clients like family, explain the process in plain language, and encourage questions. For Spanish-speaking families, we offer Spanish-language support so that important information is never lost in translation.

We also understand that cost is a real concern. Our services for criminal defense start at $1,000, which helps you understand the range before we discuss the specifics of your case. When you contact a juvenile DUI attorney Des Moines parents turn to for guidance, we discuss fees clearly so there are no surprises.

Understanding Juvenile & Underage DUI In Iowa

To make informed decisions, it helps to understand how Iowa law treats alcohol related driving offenses for people under 21. The rules can be different from those that apply to older adults, and they can affect everything from court proceedings to a young driver’s license.

Younger drivers often face stricter standards regarding alcohol in their system while they are behind the wheel. In many situations, a lower level of alcohol can still lead to legal trouble for an underage driver. Whether the case goes to juvenile court or adult criminal court in Polk County usually depends on the age of the person at the time of the incident. For minors, many cases are handled in juvenile court, which tends to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. For drivers who are 18 to 20, the case often proceeds in district court in Des Moines, where the procedures resemble other adult criminal matters. In both settings, the consequences can include fines, probation, alcohol education or treatment, and restrictions on driving.

License consequences can be especially stressful for families. A suspension can affect a young person’s ability to get to school, work, or activities. There may also be an impact on auto insurance costs. While penalties vary based on factors like prior history and the specific charge, early involvement of an underage DUI attorney can help you understand what is at stake and what can be done to address the situation.

Beyond immediate penalties, parents often worry about records and background checks. Whether a juvenile outcome can later be sealed or expunged may depend on how the case is resolved. Our role is to explain these possibilities clearly so you can factor them into decisions about how to proceed.

What To Do After A Juvenile DUI Arrest

The hours and days after a DUI arrest or citation can feel overwhelming. Having a straightforward plan can help you protect your child’s rights and avoid missed deadlines. Small steps taken early often make a meaningful difference later in the case.

If your child has already been released, gather all documents they received. This might include a citation, temporary license, or notice of an upcoming court date at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines. Keep these papers in a safe place, since they often contain key dates and instructions that affect both the court case and the license.

It is usually wise to avoid having your child give detailed statements about what happened to police, school staff, or others without first speaking with a lawyer. Even comments made with good intentions can be misunderstood or taken out of context. An underage DUI lawyer can help you decide when and how to share information.

You may also receive information from the Iowa Department of Transportation regarding potential license actions. Those notices can have time limits for requesting hearings or taking other steps. If you contact our firm quickly, we can review any letters or forms with you and explain what they mean.

Helpful steps you can take right away include:

• Preserve all paperwork and digital information related to the stop and arrest
• Write down your child’s and any passenger’s memories of what happened while the details are fresh
• Track all court dates and deadlines listed on citations or notices
• Avoid discussing case details on social media or in group messages
• Call Feld Law Firm to schedule a time to talk about the situation

When you reach out, we listen to what happened from your point of view, review the documents, and explain the next steps. Working with a juvenile DUI attorney Des Moines families rely on can help you feel more in control at a time that may otherwise feel uncertain.

How We Defend Juvenile & Underage DUI

Every juvenile or underage DUI case involves its own facts, people, and history. Our goal is to understand those details, evaluate the strength of the state’s evidence, and develop a defense approach that reflects both the legal issues and your child’s long term goals.

Because our attorney previously worked as a private investigator, we devote significant attention to how the stop and investigation unfolded. We carefully examine whether the officer had a valid reason to stop the vehicle, how field sobriety tests were administered, and whether breath or blood testing followed proper procedures. Problems in any of these areas can affect how the case should be handled.

We also look at how statements were taken, including whether your child was questioned in a way that respected their rights. In some situations, we may identify legal or constitutional concerns that need to be raised in court. When you work with a juvenile DUI attorney Des Moines residents turn to for careful analysis, you can expect us to walk you through what we find and what it may mean.

Beyond legal issues, we consider the person behind the charge. We learn about your child’s schooling, work, activities, and any prior record. These details can matter when we speak with prosecutors or present information to the court. We aim to help decision makers see the full picture, not just a snapshot from the night of the arrest. Depending on the circumstances and what is available in a particular court, we may discuss options such as diversion programs, alcohol education, or negotiated resolutions that can reduce the long term impact of an underage DUI case in Des Moines. We explain the pros and cons of each route in clear language, so your family can make informed choices together. Throughout the process, we keep communication open. We talk with parents and young clients about upcoming hearings, likely next steps, and what preparation may be helpful. Our focus is on making sure you always know where the case stands and what we are working on for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A juvenile DUI can affect your child’s record, but how long it is visible often depends on the outcome and later options for sealing or expungement. We explain what the court is likely to report, how schools or employers may see it, and what steps might help protect their future.

What penalties can my underage driver face in Iowa?

Penalties for an underage DUI in Iowa can include license suspension, fines, probation, and alcohol education or treatment. The exact consequences usually depend on age, test results, prior history, and how the case is resolved. We review these factors with you so there are no surprises.

How will your firm work with my teenager?

We communicate with both the parent and the young client, and we encourage questions from each of you. We explain the process in plain language, prepare you for court appearances, and discuss options together. Our goal is to create a team approach that supports your child and respects your role as a parent.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

Our criminal defense services start at $1,000, and we discuss the specific fee for your case after we learn more about the situation. We explain costs clearly up front and answer questions about what is included, so you can make a decision with full information.

Can you help if we speak Spanish at home?

Yes, we offer Spanish-speaking support so that families who are more comfortable in Spanish can fully understand the process and participate in decisions. Clear communication is important in juvenile and underage DUI cases, and we want every client to feel heard and informed.

Talk To Our Team Today

A juvenile or underage DUI is serious, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Early guidance from an underage DUI lawyer can help you understand the charges, protect important rights, and start focusing on solutions instead of fears. At Feld Law Firm, we work to protect young clients’ futures by combining careful investigation, local courtroom experience, and open communication with families in Des Moines and surrounding communities. Our services start at $1,000, and we take the time to explain both the legal process and our role in it. If your child has been charged, the next step is simple. Reach out, tell us what happened, and let us explain how we can help.

Call (515) 996-4441 to talk with our team today.