Teens and young adults eagerly anticipate their first learner’s permit and driver’s license. Once obtained, driving privileges are typically among their most prized possessions. When their driver’s license is in jeopardy, an underage driver may not know what to do or how their future driving privileges will be affected.
As the parent of an underage driver, you are better equipped to understand the serious impact a DUI can have on their immediate and distant future. Your first priority is to ensure your son or daughter is safe and understands the serious repercussions of their actions.
Once you are sure of these facts, you should take steps to contact a local law firm who can help you understand how the law in Irving will impact their ability to drive, their educational options, and their entire future. An Irving under 21 DUI lawyer can help limit the potential legal damage and safeguard your underage driver’s future. We can also help if you are the underage driver facing these charges. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 today.
Zero Tolerance for Underage Drivers in Texas
An adult who is legally able to purchase and consume alcohol is guilty of DWI if their blood alcohol concentration is higher than .08 when they are driving. Underage drivers are subject to much more stringent rules and can be arrested for DUI if they have any amount of alcohol at all in their system according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Texas’ zero-tolerance policy for minors applies to any minor who commits any alcohol-related offense including driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division. It allows any police officer who suspects a driver younger than 21 of having consumed alcohol to stop his car and administer a field sobriety test.
If the police at the scene believe the underage driver has consumed any amount of alcohol, they are allowed to:
- Arrest the underage driver
- Take the driver to a local police station
- Ask the driver to take a breath analysis test
- Demand a blood alcohol concentration test
If you are an underage driver, or the parent or guardian of an underage driver who was arrested for DUI, our legal team can ensure your arrest followed all legal protocols, your rights were not violated, and that your arrest is valid. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 as soon as possible after an arrest is made.
DUI Penalties for Underage Drivers in Irving
If a driver younger than 17 years old is arrested and convicted of DUI, they face the following penalties and fines:
First DUI Offense (a class C misdemeanor):
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- Up to 180 days of suspended driving privileges
- Mandatory attendance in an Alcohol Awareness Course
Second DUI Offense (a class C misdemeanor):
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 60 hours of community service
- Up to 2 years of suspended driving privileges
- Mandatory attendance of an Alcohol Awareness Course
Third DUI Offense (a delinquent conduct charge):
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 60 hours of community service
- Up to 2 years of suspended driving privileges
If you or your child caused an accident that injured or killed someone, or if there was a child under 15 in the car, you may face felony charges which have much more severe penalties.
You do not have to face these serious criminal penalties on your own. An Irving under 21 DUI lawyer can help limit the penalties and fines you and your family are faced with after a DUI arrest. We will also act as your advocate, fight to protect your current driving privileges, and fight to protect your future from the impact of a criminal conviction.
An Irving Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Your Advocate
Fighting a DUI arrest and minimizing the stigma and consequences of a DUI conviction can be difficult on your own. When a lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is by your side, we can:
- Challenge the validity of your arrest
- Ensure your rights were not violated
- Challenge the accuracy of field sobriety testing
In addition to these proactive steps, we can also negotiate a plea bargain in your favor.
Benefits of a DUI Plea Bargain
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 27 allows defendants in criminal cases to enter plea agreements that save time in court and result in lesser penalties than a conviction. By entering a plea agreement, you could potentially:
- Avoid a trial in court
- Receive a lower criminal charge
- Pay a smaller penalty
- Limit damage to your permanent criminal record
Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience, including time as both a former prosecutor and state district judge, which can work in your favor toward negotiating a plea deal that retains your driving privileges and preserves your future.
You May Qualify for a Deferral Program
Texas offers deferral programs that allow defendants to fulfill court-ordered obligations and possibly receive a dismissal of the charges they face. Our team will help you determine whether you might qualify for deferred adjudication.
Protect Your Future from a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in criminal court can have a lasting impact on your future. An under 21 DUI conviction on your record can impede your ability to attend the college of your choice, get or keep employment, and maintain a favorable reputation in your community and among your peers.
If you are under 21 and have been arrested for DUI, or if you are the parent of an underage driver who was arrested for DUI, we are here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 for a free case evaluation. An Irving under 21 DUI lawyer will help you fight for your future.
