Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the driver’s life at risk, as well as the lives of his or her passengers, other drivers on the road, and any pedestrians. As a result, Texas takes DUIs very seriously. This is especially true when it comes to underage drivers. As a result, it is important to understand the consequences of an underage DUI in Texas. Read on to learn more.
What are the Consequences of an Underage DUI?
In Texas, those who drink alcohol under the age of 21 can face charges for driving under the influence. While a driver over the age of 21 will face charges with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, an individual under the age of 21 can face charges for driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system. If you are charged with an underage DUI in Texas, you may face the following consequences:
- DUI by a minor under the age of 17: If you receive a DUA while under the age of 17, you can expect to face at least a 60-day license suspension, as well as a $500 fine, up to 40 hours of community services, and participation in an “Alcohol Awareness Course.”
- DUI by a minor between the age of 17-20: In this case, you will most likely face a Class B misdemeanor which comes with even harsher penalties. You may face up to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, and at least a 1-year license suspension. That being said, under certain circumstances, if you use an ignition interlock device and participate in community supervision, your suspension may be reduced to 90 days.
What do I do if I am Facing Charges for an Underage DUI?
If you are facing charges for an underage DUI, it is important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A dedicated attorney may be able to have your DUI charges reduced or even dismissed.
If you are facing DUI charges in Texas, contact our firm today. We will explore all possible avenues of defense and advocate for you every step of the way.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED HOUSTON FIRM
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.
