If you have been charged with a DWI in Waxahachie, you may be worried about the immediate and long-term consequences a conviction will have on your life. For young drivers, a criminal record could hinder your future career, your education, and even your social life. Luckily, our experienced lawyers know how to defend clients charged with underage DWI, and we’re ready to take your case.
Our Waxahachie underage DWI attorney can build a case for your innocence or for a lesser charge. We will assess your case and determine an appropriate defense strategy.
What Is an Underage DWI?
You can be charged with underage DWI if you are under 21 and drove with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. It’s important to keep in mind that underage DWI charges are different from DUI charges. You’ll face underage DUI charges if you are under 21 and were found driving with any trace of alcohol in your system.
In some cases, an empathetic police officer may notice that you’re young and charge you with DUI instead of DWI.
You Should Consider Hiring Our Lawyer for Your Underage DWI Case in Waxahachie, TX
Even if you’re under 21, you could spend time in jail if you are found driving while intoxicated. It might not be easy to defend yourself against your charges. If you retain a DWI lawyer from our firm, you will have a strong advocate on your side.
We are prepared to guide you through the legal process, explain the penalties you could face, and do everything we can to help you avoid them. You can trust our experienced team to:
Build a Case for You
To build this case, your lawyer will seek out evidence from various sources. This evidence could include camera footage, test results, and/or witness testimony. We will listen to your side of the story without judgment and determine your legal options.
Break Down the Case Against You
You may also feel more confident once your lawyer examines the case and evidence against you. There could be many issues with them, such as a faulty Breathalyzer test or a general lack of evidence. If evidence was gathered incorrectly, your attorney can have it thrown out, potentially leading to the dismissal of your case.
There could also be issues with your arrest. For instance, if your rights were violated by the arresting officer, your attorney could push for a dismissal of your charges.
Fight for a Fair Verdict
Even if the prosecution has a strong case against you, your lawyer can fight to build a stronger one. For instance, if you’re facing a DWI conviction, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the judge. With a plea bargain, you’d plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for leniency, like a simple fine.
As another option, your Waxahachie DWI lawyer could negotiate with the judge for a deferred disposition, which is a type of probation that can lead to case dismissal.
Penalties You Could Face for Underage DWI in Waxahachie
If you are charged with underage DWI, the Texas Department of Transportation states that you will likely face the following penalties:
- 3 to 180 days of jail time
- A fine of up to $2,000
- 90 days to 1 year of driver’s license suspension
If you hire the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we will fight to help you avoid the harsh penalties that come with driving while intoxicated.
Aggravating Circumstances May Merit More Severe Penalties
Charges can be upgraded for certain reckless behaviors or combined with other penalties (such as those for a reckless driving charge).
For example, DWI charges can be upgraded to a felony if you were involved in an accident that hurt or killed anyone.
Finally, a conviction may result in the inability to have your criminal record sealed. So, the penalties are always disclosed to the public. This can affect your ability to:
- Find or keep a stable job
- Apply for college programs
- Seek loans or scholarships for your education
- Secure housing
- Hold professional licenses
On top of these penalties, you could notice that your social life takes a hit. Friends and family may no longer trust you when you have a criminal record. Our firm aims to give you a fair chance at maintaining good standing in your personal and professional life.
Defenses We Can Employ in Your Underage DWI Case
The defense strategy we use will depend on the details of your underage DWI case. Some commonly used defenses against drinking and driving charges include:
- Faulty Breathalyzer results: The machine used to breath test you was inaccurate and showed a BAC that did not accurately reflect your alcohol intake.
- No Miranda rights read: The police officer that arrested you did not read you your rights.
- Lack of probable cause: There was no reason for an officer to believe you were intoxicated and pull you over.
There may be other strategies we can use to stand up for you. Our team will explain your rights and ensure you are comfortable with the defense we use.
Contact Us for a Waxahachie Underage DWI Attorney
If you or someone you know faces underage DWI charges in Waxahachie, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team. Your attorney will handle communication with all parties involved in your case. You do not need to face your charges alone.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today. We are ready to answer your questions and explain the next steps you should take in your case. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.In a case review, we’ll explain what we can do for you. Contact us today to get started.
