McKinney, Texas Underage DUI Lawyers

Attorneys for Minors Charged With Intoxicated Driving in McKinney

Drivers of all ages may face accusations of operating vehicles while they are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. In situations where minors are accused of drunk driving, their cases may be handled differently than cases involving adults. Because of the ways a minor's life and future may be affected by DUI or DWI charges, they will need to understand their options for defense.

At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers represent minors who are facing charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and we can also assist with any other related charges that may apply in these cases. We can help minors and their families understand the laws that may affect these cases, the steps they can take to defend against convictions, and the strategies that may be used to minimize any long-term penalties that could affect a young person in the years to come.

The Zero Tolerance Law and DUI Charges for Minors

In Texas, minors below the age of 21 are prohibited from operating motor vehicles after drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is known as a zero tolerance policy, because a minor could be arrested for drunk driving if they have any alcohol or illegal controlled substances in their bodies that can be detected. The standards for minors are much stricter than for adult drivers, who may be charged with DWI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher or if their use of alcohol or drugs has impaired their driving abilities.

Intoxicated driving charges for minors are commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI). A minor who is convicted of DUI may face a fine of up to $500 and a driver's license suspension lasting for 60 days. They may be ordered to perform community service for 20 to 40 hours. They will also be required to complete an educational course on alcohol awareness that will instruct them on the dangers of drunk driving so that they will be encouraged to avoid illegal activity in the future.

Minors may also face driver's license penalties based on breath or blood tests performed after being arrested for drunk driving. A test showing that a minor had any amount of alcohol in their system will result in a 60-day license suspension for a first offense. A second offense will result in a 120-day suspension, and a third offense will result in a 180-day suspension. DWI test refusal by a minor will lead to a 180-day license suspension for a first offense or a two-year suspension for any subsequent offenses.

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When a Minor May Be Charged With DWI

In addition to zero tolerance DUI charges, a minor may also face standard DWI charges if they exceed the legal BAC limit of .08 percent. Minors over the age of 17 will face the same penalties that would apply to adult drivers in DWI cases. The fines may be as high as $2,000, and they could be sentenced to up to six months in jail, with a minimum sentence of three days. A conviction will also result in a driver's license suspension lasting from 90 days to one year. A minor will have a misdemeanor criminal conviction on their record, which may affect their future opportunities as they pursue a college education or try to find employment.

Other Alcohol-Related Charges That May Affect Minors

A minor who is pulled over by a police officer on suspicion of intoxicated driving may face a number of other charges in addition to DUI. Because minors are not allowed to drink alcohol, they could face charges related to the possession of alcoholic beverages. An officer who witnesses a minor drinking alcohol or finds a beverage in their possession may arrest the minor and charge them with this offense. If a minor is convicted, they may be required to pay a maximum fine of $500 and perform between eight and 40 hours of community service. Their license may be suspended for 30 to 180 days, and they may be required to attend alcohol awareness classes. Penalties will increase for subsequent offenses.

A minor may also face criminal charges if an open container of alcohol is found in the vehicle they were driving. Beer, liquor, or other alcoholic beverages being transported in the passenger area of a vehicle could lead to an arrest. A conviction may result in a fine of up to $500 and other penalties, including a possible license suspension.

Contact Our McKinney, TX Minor DUI Defense Attorneys

The attorneys at Texas Defense Firm understand how alcohol-related charges against minors are investigated and prosecuted. We can work with minors and their families to build defense strategies that will address specific charges related to alcohol, including DUI, minor in possession of alcohol, or carrying an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. We can take steps to achieve results that will minimize the long-term impact of these charges on a minor's record and prevent them from suffering consequences that could affect their future.

If your child has been arrested for DUI or another offense involving alcohol, we are ready to help you. Contact our McKinney underage DUI defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 to set up a free consultation.