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Facing a charge for underage DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), called a DUI in Texas, can have severe consequences for young drivers. This article will discuss the law regarding DUI charges to help you or your family prepare for the challenges ahead. At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, an experienced Austin DWI Lawyer, we have extensive experience helping clients through DWI and DUI charges to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The state enforces strict regulations regarding underage drinking and driving through its Zero Tolerance Law. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in the system is illegal. This means even a tiny amount of alcohol can result in serious charges. The state imposes severe penalties to discourage underage drinking and enhance road safety to ensure that young drivers are held accountable for any alcohol-related offenses.
The penalties may vary depending on the driver’s age, and can also become increasingly harsh with subsequent charges or higher blood alcohol content (BAC) levels.
For minors under 17, a first-time offense is typically classified as DUI by a minor, which is a Class C Misdemeanor. Penalties may include:
The above measures aim to dissuade future infractions by educating young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
For drivers between 17 and 20 years old, the penalties increase significantly. A DWI conviction for this age group can be classified as DWI by a minor, which is a Class B Misdemeanor that may result in:
These consequences reflect the state’s commitment to reducing impaired driving among young adults.
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, underage drinking and driving can have long-lasting effects. A conviction for DWI can impact:
Texas takes a tough stance on underage drinking to prevent young drivers from engaging in dangerous behaviors that could have lifelong repercussions.
The laws’ complexities can be challenging, especially for young drivers and their families. To clarify some of the most frequent concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding underage DWI, which is typically called a DUI in Texas. These answers can provide insight into what to expect if you or someone you know is dealing with these charges.
If you are caught driving underage with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you could face criminal charges, fines, community service, and a driver’s license suspension. In Texas, it triggers immediate legal consequences due to the state’s zero-tolerance policy. This strict approach means that if a minor is found with even a trace of alcohol in their system while driving, they are automatically subject to penalties, regardless of whether their BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08% for adults.
The suspension period for a driver’s license can range from 60 days to one year, depending on the driver’s age and the number of prior offenses. Repeat charges lead to extended suspension periods and intensified penalties. You can check out more about the DWI laws and consequences here.
“When you hire this firm, you get a named attorney from intake through resolution. The lawyer who explains your case at signing is the lawyer who appears at every setting. We do not hand cases off to whoever is at docket call.”
David D. White
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing an underage DWI charge in Austin requires immediate legal support. At the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, we know the challenges and are ready to guide you through the legal process. Our dedicated team works to craft strategies tailored to your situation and to minimize potential impacts on your future. Call us today at 512-369-3737 to schedule a free consultation.
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David D. White founded the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC and has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004. The firm represents clients across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop counties. Three attorneys handle each case as a team — weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes — and by the first consultation, the firm has obtained the Probable Cause Affidavit, read it, and identified the state’s evidentiary weak points.
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This page was written and reviewed by the attorneys at the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, following our editorial guidelines. The firm has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004 across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop County courts. The firm’s three attorneys — David White (managing attorney, practicing criminal defense exclusively since 2004), Kenneth Hines (associate, practicing Caldwell County courts since 2008; former General Counsel to the Texas Senate Jurisprudence Committee, 2010–2012), and Taylor Kacir (associate; former Senior Misdemeanor County Attorney, Bell County Attorney’s Office) — work each case as a team via weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes.
608 West 12th Street, Suite B Austin, TX 78701
706 Rock St, Georgetown, TX 78626
512-369-3737
get directions