An under 21 DUI charge can disrupt a life before it even starts. In addition to substantial monetary fines, an underage DUI conviction can lead to a lengthy driver’s license suspension. Most dangerous, however, is the permanent criminal record that results. Having a drunk driving conviction can interfere with your ability to get a job or hold a professional license. It may also keep you from getting a student loan or getting into the university of your choice. In McKinney, an under 21 DUI lawyer in McKinney can work to protect your legal rights – or those of your child – and build a strong case for your defense. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, at 214-696-9253.
How Will an Under 21 DUI Conviction Affect Your Life?
You may be familiar with the Texas laws governing DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses. However, different laws govern the offense of driving under the influence (DUI). DUI charges pertain only to underage drivers, those under age 21.
Texas residents under the age of 21 cannot legally drink alcoholic beverages. If an underage driver tests positive for any measurable trace of alcohol, they have violated the zero-tolerance standard established in Section 106.041 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC). The Texas Penal Code (TPC) establishes the penalties for underage drinking and driving crimes.
The severity of the penalties you will face for underage DUI vary based on your history of drunk driving offenses, if applicable.
First Offense Under 21 DUI
- Driver’s license suspension up to 60 days
- Monetary fine of $500
- Community service of 20 to 40 hours
- Alcohol education program
Second Offense Under 21 DUI
- Driver’s license suspension up to 90 days
- Monetary fine of $500
- Community service of 40 to 60 hour
- Alcohol education program
Third Offense Under 21 DUI
- Driver’s license suspension up to 180 days
- Monetary fine of $500 to $2,000
- Jail sentence up to 180 days
- Community service of 40 to 60 hours
- Alcohol education program
You could also face a litany of other charges, depending on the circumstances related to your arrest, such as child endangerment, providing alcohol to a minor, minor in possession of alcohol, or other traffic violations. You will also face DUI charges if you drive a boat with any trace of alcohol in your system.
How Can an Under 21 DUI Lawyer in McKinney Help You?
Although the police and prosecutor may pressure you to plead guilty to underage DUI charges, do not agree or make any statements before you talk to a qualified legal professional to explore the alternatives.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provide professional representation to underage DUI clients and their families. When you trust our legal team to represent you, you will have the full benefit of DWI lawyer Isenberg’s more than 30 years of experience in the Texas legal system.
The prosecutor may argue that a DUI conviction is little more than a slap on the wrist. However, a conviction will remain on your record permanently. Later, when your criminal record interferes with your pursuit of a good education or career, you will quickly realize that this offense carries serious consequences that can affect your life for decades.
Our legal team will explain how underage DUI charges will affect your life and help you explore all your options. We will work diligently to identify legal strategies to help you.
Once we have an opportunity to analyze the facts of your case, we may identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or errors made by the police during your arrest. We can leverage this information to negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed.
We can also help you explore options for deferred adjudication and diversion programs. We will protect your legal rights throughout the process and represent you at every court appearance, so you will not have to face this frightening and confusing process alone.
Do You Qualify for an Under 21 DUI Deferral or Diversion Program?
For many young drivers, a deferral or diversion program can help them avoid the severe penalties that accompany underage DUI charges.
Deferral programs, also known as deferred adjudication, provide you with the opportunity to complete court-imposed obligations within a specified period. If you finish your duties, the court will typically dismiss the charges pending against you.
Our legal team can determine which programs you may qualify for and help you through the process of preparing and submitting your application for participation. For example, the McKinney Municipal Court has a juvenile deferral program that may provide an effective solution to your situation.
Although you will still have to pay any monetary fines associated with your charges, along with court costs and fees, you will have the unique opportunity to avoid a permanent criminal record. You must comply with the terms of your deferral and you must stay out of trouble, as any subsequent charges could void your deferral agreement.
Another potential option to explore is the Collin County Teen Court program in McKinney. If the court agrees to refer your case to this program, you will “stand trial” in a mock-court setting. The teen court jurors will hear your case and impose a “sentence,” typically consisting of community service.
You must also return to teen court and serve on a mock jury, hearing the case of another teen. Once you complete your obligations, you can apply to have your record expunged.
Beyond giving you a clean record, the benefits of this program include helping young people learn about and get involved in local government. It helps participants understand how the legal system works and holds them accountable for their actions.
If you qualify for this program, our legal team can request that the judge refer your case. Once you complete your sentence, we will submit a request for expungement of your record. Call 214-696-9253 to get the process of a possible deferral started.
Meet with an Under 21 DUI Lawyer in McKinney for Free
Do not risk your future by trying to battle underage DUI charges alone. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg would like to offer you a complimentary consultation and case review. We can answer all your questions and help your family make the best decision for you and your future.
Contact today at 214-696-9253 to schedule an appointment, we get case results.
