If you were arrested or are the parent of a minor who was arrested for under 21 DUI, we can help you minimize the possible consequences. A DWI defense lawyer at our Little Elm office can question any violation of your rights that might mitigate your arrest, help you prepare a solid defense, and challenge blood alcohol concentration (BAC) machinery and results.
Depending on your age, the criminal penalties and fines you face if convicted can vary greatly. If you are 17 or younger at the time of the incident, your parents might also be faced with penalties related to your arrest. An under 21 DUI lawyer at our firm can help your family recover from an arrest and get a fresh start.
How Your Age Impacts Possible DUI Penalties
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) describes its Zero Tolerance Policy that defines underaged drivers as being guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) if they have a measurable amount of alcohol in their system. It also outlines the penalties and punishments of a DUI conviction. According to their guidelines, the age of the driver and the number of previous arrests help define their possible penalties.
DUI Penalties for Drivers 17 and Younger
If you—or your son or daughter—were 17 years old or younger at the time of the arrest, penalties include:
- A first DUI offense is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500, community service of up to 40 hours, and a suspended driver’s license for up to 6 months. It could also mean you and/or your parents are required to participate in an alcohol awareness class.
- A second DUI offense is also a Class C misdemeanor which includes a fine of up to $500, up to 60 hours of community service, a suspended driver’s license for up to 2 years, and participation in an alcohol awareness course.
- A third DUI offense is charged as delinquent conduct by a minor between 10 and 17 years old. Its penalties include fines of up to $500, as many as 60 hours of community service, and loss of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
Because the ascribed penalties can affect the driver and their parents, they can be stressful and frustrating for the entire family. When we work with you, our goal is to guide you through the legal system and minimize the potential damage of a conviction.
DUI Penalties for 17 to 21-Year-Old Drivers
DUI penalties increase as drivers age. If you or your child is between 17 and 21 at the time of the arrest, possible penalties include:
- A first DUI offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor and can lead to fines of up to $2,000, incarceration for up to 6 months, and loss of driving privileges for up to 1 year. Sentence reductions are possible for a first offense upon completion of court-ordered community supervision and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
- A second DUI offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to $4,000 in fines, up to 1 year of incarceration, and a suspended driver’s license for up to 1.5 years.
- A third or higher DUI offense is classified as a third-degree felony and carries a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, and a suspended driver’s license for up to 2 years.
Because the penalties for under 21 DUI increase with age and vary according to specific factors, consider navigating the legal system with a DUI lawyer at our firm. Our local team can help prevent damage to a young driver now and help avoid damage to their future.
We are Committed to Client Service and Support
When you trust your case to our criminal defense team, we provide responsive legal services from a team of lawyers who fights hard for your under 21 DUI case in Little Elm. We do more than fight for your legal rights—we also listen to your version of events with compassion and keep you informed as your case progresses. Our team will:
- Challenge probable cause for the arrest
- Explore plea bargains and sentence reductions
- Ensure you were read your rights in full
- Look for inconsistencies or inaccuracies in your case
Randall B. Isenberg puts more than 30 years of experience as a former prosecutor and state district judge to work for you. When you are ready to fight for your future, we are ready to fight by your side.
Previous Client Testimonials
No one can tell you how hard we will work for you like our clients. Previous client testimonials include the following:
- “The Isenberg law offices are filled with professionals who take every case and client seriously, as if they’re going up to bat for their own family members.”
- “I would recommend the legal services of Randall Isenberg to anyone. They were very professional, prompt, seemed to actually care about my case, and handled it unconditionally.”
- “Randall Isenberg went above and beyond my expectations and would highly recommend him as a lawyer. He stayed in touch with me throughout the representation and made sure I was up to speed along the way.”
Our team continues to fight for under 21 DUI clients and their families. In fact, we make a point of keeping our clients informed while we fight for their best possible outcome because we believe one arrest does not have to derail your entire future.
Get Help from a Little Elm Under 21 DUI Lawyer on Our Team
Our under 21 DUI lawyer will help you fight for lower charges, lighter sentences, plea bargains, and full dismissals. Call (214) 696-9253 to get a free consultation with a member of our client intake team.