Under Texas drunk driving laws, driving under the influence (DUI) is a charge reserved for underage drivers who consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The charge for drunk driving over the age of 21 is driving while intoxicated (DWI).
If you were stopped by law enforcement for a DUI or received this citation after a traffic accident, you may want to enlist the help of a Flower Mound under 21 DUI lawyer from Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. A DUI on your record could affect your future.
DUI Limits are Stricter Than DWI Limits
Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI under Texas law. Underage drivers found with any alcohol in their system while driving can receive this complex traffic ticket. The police will ask them to submit to a breath or blood test and determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level based on the results.
If the test shows any detectable amount, the driver could face penalties. A DUI, sometimes also called a DUIA (driving under the influence of alcohol), is a Class C misdemeanor.
If you are worried about what could happen after receiving a Flower Mound DUI charge, an attorney at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help reduce the charges or get them dropped based on the circumstances of your case.
Underage Drivers and DWI Charges
Under some circumstances, underage drivers who have a high enough BAC could face DWI charges. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), this charge brings much more serious penalties than a DUI if the driver is convicted. Whether or not a young driver will face DWI charges depends on their BAC level, the circumstances of their arrest, and other factors.
According to Texas Penal Code §49.04, a DWI may be issued if:
- The driver has a BAC of at least .08%.
- The arresting officer believes the driver’s abilities are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor unless there are other factors to consider, such as previous alcohol-related incidents or a collision with serious injuries.
Possible Penalties of a DUI in Flower Mound
If the police cited you for DUI based on the concentration of alcohol in your blood, you could face penalties that affect your wallet and your ability to drive to work, school, and elsewhere. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), penalties for a DUI conviction include:
- A fine of up to $500
- A 60- to 180-day driver’s license suspension
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- Enrollment in an alcohol awareness course
Not only will a conviction on these charges leave you without a driver’s license for up to six months, but it will also remain on your record. When you apply for a job or try to rent an apartment, they will see your arrest record. Companies that require a clean driving record may not hire you.
A second or subsequent DUI before your 21st birthday will increase the possible penalties significantly. Your best option for avoiding these penalties and ensuring you do not have to live with the long-term implications of a mistake you made when you were young is to fight the accusation and clear your name.
Let Attorney Randy Isenberg and His Team Help You
A Flower Mound under 21 DUI lawyer from Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help you fight this citation, seeking a more positive outcome for you in your case. Attorney Randy Isenberg and the rest of the team have helped thousands of others accused of drunk driving offenses over the last three decades. We want to help you, too.
If you hire us to represent you, we will build a defense based on the specific details of your case. Some possibilities include:
- Questioning the accuracy of the BAC test
- Raising issues with how the police officers performed the test
- Proving the police officer had no reason for a traffic stop
- Other police mistakes or improper conduct
You can learn more about our services, the possible defenses for a DUI, and more by speaking with a team member from Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
Discuss Your Case With an Attorney Today
A Flower Mound under 21 DUI lawyer from Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to help you navigate the courts and achieve a more favorable outcome in your case. Our team is ready to review your case and put a plan in place for you, whether that is fighting the charges you face or petitioning for non-disclosure or expungement.
You can reach our team today by dialing (214) 696-9253. Let us help you with your Flower Mound drunk driving case. Randy Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney – let his team go to work for you.
