Contact The Firm: 605-642-2147

Kinney Law, PC
Email

Call

Helping people move on with their lives with straight forward and sincere advice.

More than 40 combined years of experience in tenaciously defending Black Hills clients against criminal charges of DUI, drug crimes, assault and more.  

Nobody knows the courthouses and legal environments better than us.  

Rapid City Underage DUI Lawyer: Protecting Your Future

Last updated on June 22, 2026

South Dakota is tough on drinking and driving, particularly when the driver is underage. After an arrest, young drivers and their families often feel panic, confusion and shame in the hours after an arrest.

For more than 30 years, DUI defense attorney Matt Kinney at Kinney Law, pc, has stood beside people who screwed up and people who were wrongly accused. With over 10,000 satisfied clients, the firm offers straightforward, sincere personal service to families in Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis and Deadwood who need a calm and steady hand.

South Dakota Zero Tolerance Laws for Underage Drivers

South Dakota holds drivers under 21 to a far stricter standard than adults. While an adult faces a DUI charge at a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, a minor can be charged at just 0.02%. That means even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a charge. A minor DUI lawyer in Rapid City can explain how zero tolerance for DUI in South Dakota reshapes a young person’s options from the very first hearing.

Immediate Consequences: License Suspension And School Impact

The fallout from an underage DUI begins almost immediately, long before any trial. A young driver and their parents often face several disruptions at once:

  • License revocation that limits travel to work, class and family duties
  • School discipline, including suspension or loss of athletic eligibility
  • Higher insurance premiums that strain the family budget
  • A minor in possession DUI charge in Rapid City that complicates daily life

These pressures pile up fast, which is why early action from an underage DUI attorney in South Dakota matters so much.

Defense Strategies And Legal Options

A charge is not a conviction and many cases have weaknesses worth challenging. Kinney Law, pc, reviews every detail to find a path forward:

  • Unlawful stops that lacked a valid reason
  • Testing errors in chemical or field sobriety results
  • Negotiation to reduce or minimize penalties

A thorough review often reveals openings for effective defense options.

Protect Your Young Person’s Future

A conviction can follow a young person into college applications, job searches and background checks for years. The firm’s South Dakota underage DUI defense attorneys focus on guarding those long-term opportunities.

Call Kinney Law, pc, at NAPPHONE or use the online contact form to reach the Rapid City or Spearfish office today.