Under 21 DUI is a serious charge with serious consequences in Texas. The penalties may include a suspended license, fines, and community service requirements. A conviction can also affect your academic or professional life.
If you were charged with this crime in Forney, Texas, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg might be able to defend you. A Forney under 21 DUI lawyer can explore the circumstances of your arrest, inspect the evidence against you, and work to have your charges dropped or reduced.
You are not alone in your fight against under 21 DUI charges. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253. Our criminal defense team can evaluate your case for free today.
Understanding Under 21 DUI Charges and Consequences
When the police catch a minor under the age of 21 driving with any measurable blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they may charge that driver for driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor (DUI), per the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.041. This zero-tolerance policy is much stricter than the 0.08 percent BAC limit placed on drivers aged 21 and over. Drivers who surpass the legal BAC limit may be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), the penalties for DUI may increase with each conviction:
First-Offense DUI
- Up to a $500 fine
- Community service of 20 to 40 hours
- 60- to 180-day driver’s license suspension
- Must take an alcohol awareness course
Second-Offense DUI
- Up to a $500 fine
- Community service of 40 to 60 hours
- 120-day to 2-year driver’s license suspension
- Must take an alcohol awareness course
Third-Offense DUI
- Up to a $500 fine
- Community service of 40 to 60 hours
- 180-day to 2-year driver’s license suspension
Additional Consequences of a DUI Conviction
In addition to the above-mentioned penalties, a DUI conviction may lead to:
- Higher car insurance premiums
- Academic consequences
- Difficulty getting hired for a job if the application requires you to disclose this type of conviction
Minors Can Also Be Charged with DWI
It is important to note that in Texas, it is at the officer’s discretion to charge someone 21 years of age or younger with DWI instead of DUI. DWI is a much more serious charge. A first offense of DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, which might entail:
- A $2,000 fine
- 72 hours to 6 months of jail time
- A 1-year driver’s license suspension
Whether you are a driver under the age of 21 charged with DUI or DWI, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to orchestrate your defense.
To learn how our law firm may be able to protect you against the consequences of an under 21 DUI, call us at (214) 696-9253 today. A member of our team is standing by to provide you with a free case review.
Benefits of Working with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
When you decide to work with a Forney under 21 DUI Lawyer from our team on your case, you enlist the services of a criminal defense law firm devoted to defending your rights. We may be able to provide you with the following services during your case:
Support You Fully
Our legal team can provide support and defend your rights throughout our work together. We can:
- Have confidential discussions about your arrest
- Explain your options and what outcomes may occur in your case
- Give you legal advice
- Design a strategy for your defense
- Answer your questions and update you on developments in your case
Collect Evidence in Your Defense
If there is evidence that contradicts the charges against you, such as witness statements that you were not drinking before your arrest, we may be able to add it to your defense.
Review the Circumstances of Your Arrest
Police need probable cause to pull over a driver. If the arresting officer in your case did not have probable cause, we might be able to get the charges against you dropped.
Scrutinize the Evidence Against You
Our team can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence against you. This process may include:
- Making sure that any confessions or statements you gave to arresting officers came after the police read you your Miranda rights. If not, we may be able to request that a judge dismisses that evidence.
- Making sure that the police properly calibrated and handled the breathalyzer equipment used to measure your BAC and that the arresting officer received adequate training on how to use it.
Represent You in Trial
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can prepare you for court appearances and stand by your side in the courtroom.
Randall B. Isenberg Understands Multiple Sides of the Law
Randall B. Isenberg, our lead attorney, has a legal career that spans over 30 years and includes time as both a Senior Chief Felony Prosecutor and State District Trial Judge. Today, Randy’s understanding of the Texas legal system informs the work of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, a dedicated criminal defense firm.
The Possible Outcomes of an Under 21 DUI Case
In general, an under 21 DUI charge may be resolved by:
- Having the case dropped or the charges against you dismissed
- Reaching an agreement for reduced charges or penalties
- Being convicted with full penalties
Our legal team can be transparent about your options and work hard to try to achieve the best possible outcome in your case when we represent you.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today
You are not alone when facing DUI charges. A Forney under 21 DUI Lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg may be able to stand by your side and fight to defend your rights at every stage of your case.
If you would like to learn more about our services and your options in a free case evaluation with a representative of the firm, call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253.
