Underage DWI Attorney Dallas, TX

Helping Fight Minor DWI Charges in Texas

Have you or your child been arrested for underage DWI? Contact Scott H. Palmer, P.C. as soon as possible to get effective defense on your side. Backed by over 140 years of combined experience, our Dallas underage DWI attorneys have the know-how, skills, and resources to fight underage DWI charges.

Additionally, our team consists of two former prosecutors who know how the State prepares for cases. With this unique insight, we can develop a defense strategy on your behalf tailored for your unique situation and with a focus on countering the prosecution's allegations. Attorney Scott Palmer is also a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Because our lawyers work together on every case we handle, when you hire us, you'll have a team behind you providing the aggressive representation you need.

To learn more about how we'll put our experience to work for you, call our Dallas underage DWI lawyers at (214) 891-3382 today.

Texas Zero Tolerance Policy

Texas has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. That means if a minor is caught operating a vehicle on public roads with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they could be arrested and charged with a crime. Additionally, they could face civil and criminal penalties that may include jail time, fines, and/or a driver's license suspension.

Can a Minor be Charged With DWI in Texas?

In Texas, an underage DWI is referred to as driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor (DUIA). The offense occurs when a person younger than 21 years of age operates a motor vehicle on state roads with any amount of alcohol in their system.

As with a DWI involving a person 21 years of age or older, a DUIA begins with a traffic stop. If an officer has probable cause to believe the minor was driving under the influence, they can pull them over.

Probable cause is usually established when the officer observes strange or erratic driving behavior, such as:

• Weaving between lanes
• Driving too fast or slow
• Failing to obey traffic laws

Texas Implied Consent Law

Because of Texas's implied consent laws, a minor has automatically given permission to provide a breath or blood sample if they've been arrested for DUIA. If the test reveals that the minor had a detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they may be subject to an administrative driver's license suspension for 60 days. If the minor refused to submit to a chemical test, the suspension period increases to 180 days for the first offense. The penalty continues to increase for each subsequent offense, with the maximum length of suspension being 2 years.

Can a Minor Go to Jail for Underage Drinking and Driving?

The penalties for a DUIA depend on the specifics of the case and the age of the individual, and it is possible for a minor to be sentenced to jail (or even prison) for a conviction.

For drivers under 17 years of age, the penalties include:

• First offense (Class C Misdemeanor)
  • Up to $500 in fines
  • Up to 40 hours of community service
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 180 days
  • Mandatory enrollment in an Alcohol Awareness Course
• Second offense (Class C Misdemeanor):
  • Up to $500 in fines
  • Up to 60 hours of community service
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years
  • Mandatory attendance in an alcohol awareness course
• Third offense (Delinquent conduct by a minor):
  • Up to $500 in fines
  • Up to 60 hours of community service
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years

For drivers between 17 and 20 years of age, the penalties include:

• First offense (Class B misdemeanor):
  • Up to $2,000 in fines
  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 1 year
• Second offense (Class A misdemeanor):
  • Up to $4,000 in fines
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 18 months
• Third or subsequent offense (third-degree felony):
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years

Providing High-Quality Legal Representation Every Step of the Way

If you or your child has been arrested for DUIA, our Dallas underage DWI lawyers are ready to help you. We'll help you understand the process and your legal options.

For a confidential consultation, contact us at (214) 891-3382.