When an underage driver gets arrested for DUI, they face serious criminal charges. Upon conviction, you will have to pay substantial fines and you may even go to jail, in some cases. You will lose your driver’s license and the cost of your car insurance will skyrocket. Worst of all, you will have a permanent criminal record that can keep you out of college, prevent you from getting student loans, and interfere with your ability to get a job. An under 21 DUI lawyer in Allen from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. We fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. If you have to go to court for your charges, we build the strongest possible case for your defense.
For a free consultation, call us now at 214-696-9253.
The Penalties You Face for an Under 21 DUI Conviction in Allen
If you are under the age of 21, you cannot legally drink in Allen or anywhere in the state of Texas. Consequently, if you drink and drive, you could face a DUI charge no matter how little you had to drink.
For drivers age 21 and older, the legal standard for intoxication is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08. For those under 21, however, any measurable trace of alcohol is grounds for a DUI charge.
For your first offense, you will face the following penalties:
- $500 fine
- 60-day license suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education course
You could also face some or all of the following, depending on the judge who presides over your case:
- Probation
- Community service
- Additional education
- Substance treatment
For your second offense, you will face the same penalties as your first offense (with a longer license suspension). For a third or subsequent offense, however, you could face the following penalties:
- $2,000 fines
- 6-month jail term
- 6-month license suspension
If your BAC registered at 0.08 or above, you will face DWI charges with penalties that could put you behind bars for months, years, or even decades, if you have any aggravating circumstances in your case.
You will also have a criminal record that can be obtained by anyone, including your potential college or university, landlords, employers, etc. This may disqualify you from some jobs as well as scholarships and student loans.
An Under 21 DUI Lawyer Will Fight for Your Future
If you got arrested for DUI in Allen, TX, do not give a statement to the police or agree to plead guilty until you talk to a criminal defense lawyer. Even if it seems that the police have strong evidence against you, that does not guarantee a conviction.
Take advantage of the confidential, no-cost consultation offered by the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. We can explain your options and how we will fight for your future.
With our legal team on your case, we will put our entire network of resources to work, investigating your case. We provide legal services that include:
Investigating & Documenting Your Case
Our legal team will investigate the circumstances of your case. We will obtain all available evidence and analyze the facts to identify potential problems or mistakes.
Developing Defense Strategies
Using the information we obtain in our investigation, we develop comprehensive legal defense strategies tailored to the facts and evidence of your case. We have a variety of options for challenging the actions of the police and the process and results of BAC testing.
Negotiating for a Reduction or Dismissal
We will negotiate with the prosecutor to have your case dismissed or have your charges reduced to a less serious offense. This is always our primary goal and we will do whatever possible to prevent you from having to go to court.
If we do decide to fight your case in court, however, we will prepare the strongest possible defense and represent you in every aspect of the legal process.
In addition to representing you in criminal court, our legal team will also handle your driver’s license suspension hearing. This allows us to make a case against license suspension on your behalf and obtain critical evidence that can help your criminal case.
Options for Fighting an Allen, TX Under 21 DUI Charge
Our legal team will identify the most effective legal strategies, based on the facts and evidence of your case. Some common strategies we use include:
- Police violations of your legal rights
- Errors in breath or blood BAC testing
- Unreliable BAC testing results
Breathalyzer and blood testing errors are common, and, in many cases, incorrect testing procedures can lead to inaccurate results. Some foods, drinks, oral care products, and medications can also cause unreliable results.
Any potential problems we identify provide us with leverage to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Or, if we must go to court, they provide the basis for your drunk driving defense.
You may also qualify for a diversion or deferred disposition program.
Underage DUI Diversion Programs
Diversion is an option that allows you to complete certain obligations within an established period. If you complete your obligations and you do not have any further brushes with the law, the court may dismiss your charges and clear your record.
Under 21 DUI Deferred Disposition Programs
Deferred disposition programs provide you with the opportunity to complete your obligations in exchange for dismissing the charges. You must not get arrested and you must complete the tasks outlined in your deferral agreement within the specified time.
Our legal team can help you determine if you qualify for diversion or a similar type of program. If so, we will prepare your application and make a plea to the court to accept you into the program. Once you successfully complete your obligations, we can petition the court to dismiss the charges or clear your record.
Free Consultation for Allen TX Under 21 DUI Cases
Facing a DUI is never easy but, for a younger driver, these serious charges can have a particularly harsh result. Do not leave your future to chance. Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg help you decide the right course of action for you and your future.
With more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, state district court judge, and chief felony prosecutor, Randall Isenberg understands what it takes to build a strong case. Let our legal team put this experience to work for you.
Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg now at 214-696-9253 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
