Being convicted of underage DWI in Texas can have severe consequences that you will likely feel for many years. That’s why it’s so important to fight the charges and make the state prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A Duncanville underage DWI attorney can be a valuable resource for finding weaknesses in the state’s case against you and building a case for your innocence.
Regardless of how strong the prosecutor says the state’s case is, you have a constitutional right to fight the charges. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is an experienced criminal defense firm with a track record of getting results for people in your situation. An experienced underage DWI attorney can positively impact the outcome of your case.
What Is Underage DWI in Duncanville, Texas?
Anyone over the age of 21 in Texas can be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) if they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Since the legal drinking age in Texas is 21, the state takes a zero-tolerance policy on minors driving under the influence of alcohol. That means you can be arrested for having any alcohol in your system.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in most cases, DUIA (driving under the influence of alcohol) for minors under 17 in Texas is a misdemeanor and is punishable with the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $500
- Driver’s license suspension for 60 to 180 days
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
- Required completion of an alcohol awareness class
Penalties can be higher for minors between 17 and 20 years old who drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. This is considered underage DWI. First-time offenders under this charge may face the following penalties:
- 72 hours to 180 days in jail
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days to 1 year
Second or subsequent convictions can result in even stiffer penalties. The sentencing judge may also require the convicted minor’s parents to complete the same alcohol awareness course as the minor. The abovementioned penalties are also applicable for minors charged with operating watercraft (e.g., jet skis or boats) while under the influence.
Other Consequences of Underage DWI
Criminal penalties and fines are not the only potential penalties minors face for a DUIA or DWI conviction. These convictions become part of your criminal record, which may prevent you from obtaining professional licenses or certifications in the future. A conviction for DWI will also likely result in a dramatic increase in your insurance premiums for many years.
More importantly, DWI convictions in Texas cannot be expunged from your record. That means a conviction could leave you spending the next several decades having to explain or apologize for “one bad day” every time you apply for a job or an apartment. These are the kind of consequences our Duncanville underage DWI lawyers will work hard to avoid.
How Can a Duncanville Underage DWI Lawyer Help You?
Although the penalties for an underage DWI conviction can be severe, the state still must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our underage DWI lawyers in Duncanville will examine and dissect all the evidence the state presents against you. We will review the police report and charging documents for inaccuracies, procedural errors, or other irregularities. Perhaps the arresting officer was not well-trained to use their breathalyzer device or the device was not functioning as it was designed at the time of your arrest.
That’s the kind of evidence that an attorney who is committed to defending you to the best of their ability may uncover. If we can find any weaknesses in the state’s case, it may give us an opening to negotiate directly with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or even dismiss your case.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg?
Here at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we have experience on both sides of the legal process. Our lead attorney, Randall B. Isenberg, is a former district court judge and chief prosecutor. His experience building cases has given him, and by extension our firm, valuable insight into how to challenge the state’s evidence and build a case in your favor.
Board-Certified DWI Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our lead attorney Randall B. Isenberg’s service as a state district judge and former chief prosecutor is not the limit of his experience in criminal law. He has also been board certified in criminal defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His career spans more than 30 years, and our firm would be honored to put that experience to work while building a defense in your case.
Our Duncanville DWI lawyers will do everything in our power to see that your case has the best possible outcome.
We Can Represent You at Your ALR Hearing
One of the most difficult aspects for defendants in DWI cases is that they may face multiple trials. The Duncanville District Attorney will prosecute the criminal portion of your case, which deals with your guilt or innocence and the penalties you face in the event of a conviction.
However, your driver’s license suspension will be handled through an Administrative License Review (ALR), which the DPS conducts. The DPS, not the courts, issues your driver’s license, which is why only the DPS has the power to revoke your license. After your arrest, you only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing, or your license will be automatically suspended.
Not only will your Duncanville underage DWI attorney ensure they file your paperwork requesting an ALR hearing on time, but they can also represent you at the hearing. One potential advantage of us representing you at the ALR hearing is that we can use the discovery process to get an early look at the state’s case and lock the arresting officer into a version of events they can’t retreat from at the trial.
Start Working With a Duncanville Underage DWI Attorney Today
Being arrested for underage DWI does not have to lead to a conviction and all the negative consequences that come with it. Having an experienced, dedicated attorney on your side can positively impact the outcome of your case. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to help you get through one of the toughest times of your life.
If you’re facing charges for underage DWI and aren’t sure what to do next, please contact us for a free case consultation. We have over three decades of experience helping people in your situation, and we can put that experience to work for you. We’re not afraid to fight for you!