An under 21 DUI conviction will cost you in several significant ways. You will face fines and fees and you could lose your driver’s license for months or even years. Arguably the worst part, however, is having a criminal record. With a DUI on your record, schools and employers can deny your application, and you may not qualify for student loans and scholarships.
Before you make any decisions about this serious matter, talk to an under 21 DUI lawyer in Highland Park to learn about your options. You can meet with our legal team for free.
To schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253.
The Serious Consequences of an Under 21 DUI Conviction
A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, although not as severe as a DWI, carries substantial penalties that can affect every aspect of your life.
The severity of the penalties will depend on several factors, including your prior record if applicable. The minimum punishments for an underage DUI conviction are as follows:
Under 21 DUI – First Offense
- Up to 60 days’ suspension of your driver’s license
- $500 fine
- Community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness program
Under 21 DUI – Second Offense
- Up to 3 months’ suspension of your driver’s license
- $500 fine
- Community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness program
Under 21 DUI – Third Offense
- Up to 6 months’ suspension of your driver’s license
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness program
These punishments may appear minor in comparison to the more serious penalties that accompany underage DWI charges. However, the criminal record you will have as a result of an underage DUI conviction is just as potentially damaging.
Having an underage DUI on your record can interfere with many aspects of your life. It may impede your ability to:
- Get into a good college or university
- Get a student loan
- Get a scholarship
- Get a job
- Rent a house or apartment
- Obtain professional licensure
- Obtain affordable car insurance
Although some under 21 DUI convictions may be eligible for expunction or non-disclosure in the future, yours may not qualify. If you do eventually qualify to have your record sealed or expunged, it may already be too late for some of your most significant life goals.
How an Under 21 DUI Lawyer Can Help
An under 21 DUI lawyer can offer several key benefits for clients who face underage drunk driving charges.
- Protecting your legal rights
- Answering all your questions
- Helping you explore your options
- Representing you in court
- Representing you at the ALR hearing
- Helping you achieve the best possible result
We will begin by obtaining the prosecution’s evidence and performing our own investigation and assessment of your case. If we can identify any problems, we can leverage those to persuade the prosecutor or the court to dismiss the charges.
When you have the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg on your side, you will have the benefit of Randall Isenberg’s more than 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system. That knowledge and insight help advise our legal strategies and guides our team as we fight for your future.
No DUI charge is ever a guarantee of conviction, despite what the prosecutor would like you to believe. Talk to an under 21 DUI lawyer before you make any decisions or discuss your case with the prosecution.
Understanding the Difference Between Under 21 DUI and DWI Charges
DWI Charges Apply for a BAC Of 0.08 or Above
The Texas Penal Code (TPC) defines the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for DWI as 0.08 or above. This law applies to every driver in Texas, no matter what their age may be. If your BAC exceeded the statutory limit, you will face DWI charges. If your BAC did not exceed this threshold, you will likely face DUI charges.
DUI Charges Can Apply for ANY Amount of Alcohol Below 0.08
Underage DUI only applies to drivers under the age of 21. This offense, as established in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC), is truly a zero-tolerance law. No one under 21 can legally drink in Texas. Thus, if you test positive for any alcohol in your system while behind the wheel, the police can charge you with under 21 DUI.
The TABC also establishes the terms and penalties for other crimes related to underage use of alcohol. If you violate any of these laws, you could face multiple charges. These related crimes include:
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Providing alcohol to a minor
- Child endangerment
- Moving violations
Under 21 DUI Diversion and Deferral Program in Highland Park
As a preferable alternative to going to court for under 21 DUI charges, our legal team can help you explore the possibility of participating in a diversion program or deferred adjudication.
These programs, designed for first-time offenders and, often, juvenile offenders, allow you to avoid having a criminal record by performing community service, attending educational courses, or meetings whatever obligations the court may impose. For example, Dallas County offers a few diversion programs geared toward underage offenders.
If you qualify, we can prepare the documentation necessary for your application and make the most persuasive possible case to get you into the most appropriate program. Once you complete your obligations, we will assist you in making a petition to the court to have your charges dismissed.
Talk to an Under 21 DUI Lawyer Today at No Cost
You do not have to fight this battle alone. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg understands the seriousness of underage DUI charges and how a conviction may affect your future.
We would like to provide a free case review for you or your child, to help you learn more about these serious charges and your options for fighting back. Call our office today at 214-696-9253 to see how a criminal defense lawyer can help.
