If you were arrested on suspicion of DUI and you are under the age of 21, you might be facing criminal fines and penalties that may cause considerable harm to your present life and your future. A criminal defense lawyer might be able to prepare an effective defense that helps limit the harm of your arrest and let you return your focus to a brighter tomorrow.
The aftermath of an under 21 DUI arrest and conviction may have an adverse impact on your community standing, career ambitions, and personal lifestyle. A Waxahachie under 21 DUI lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg might be able to help you get your life back on track. Contact our staff by calling (214) 696-9253 today.
The Real Cost of an Under 21 DUI
An under 21 DUI arrest might lead to immediate embarrassment and the temporary loss of your driving privileges. It might also lead to a temporary loss of time at work or school.
An under 21 DUI arrest that leads to a conviction might also have more far-reaching consequences that negatively impact your entire future. If you are convicted of an under 21 DUI, you might experience:
- Limitations on future options for private housing rentals, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Limitations on employment opportunities that rely on private or commercial driver’s licenses
If you are convicted of a third-offense DUI or a first-offense DWI with jail time, there could be other consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), incarceration may put limitations on your opportunities for education, higher education housing, and financial aid.
A Waxahachie under 21 DUI lawyer on our team might be able to help you avoid an under 21 criminal conviction that could potentially protect your rights and limit any restrictions now and in the future. Contact the client support team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg by calling (214) 696-9253 to start preserving your future today.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Testing for Young Drivers
When the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of a driver under the age of 21 is tested, the detection of any amount of alcohol might lead to an arrest. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), if police suspect you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are allowed to:
- Perform a field sobriety test
- Arrest you and have your vehicle towed
- Transport you to a secure location for BAC testing
If you were arrested for an under 21 DUI in Waxahachie, the police must have had probable cause to pull you over in the first place. Our criminal defense team might be able to help you prove the absence of probable cause in your arrest, which might subsequently help you avoid the penalties that accompany a conviction.
Under 21 DUI Penalties
If you are a minor and arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you might face the penalties for a Class 3 misdemeanor. A DUI conviction may include a $500 fine, community service, and a 60-day suspension of your driver’s license.
According to Texas Transportation Code §106.041, a minor charged with a third-offense DUI might face harsher penalties such as:
- Fines between $500 and $2,000
- Incarceration of up to 180 days
- Court-ordered community service
Under certain circumstances, you might be charged with the more serious crime of DWI instead of DUI, even if you are underage. Our criminal defense may help you understand the penalties you face and any available options we have to help limit your punishment.
Get a Waxahachie Under 21 DUI Lawyer on Your Side
An under 21 DUI arrest can be a humbling and stressful experience. It can also be frightening, particularly when you become acquainted with the resulting penalties, stigma, and harmful aftermath. When our criminal defense team is on your side, you no longer have to face the potential consequences alone. To help mitigate the potential damages to your social, personal, and professional life, our team may:
- Challenge the probable cause that led to your arrest
- Confirm the validity of your arrest
- Ensure that your rights were honored and protected
- Challenge the accuracy of your field sobriety test
- Examine the efficacy of BAC testing equipment
Our team might also advocate for a reduction in charges, an outright dismissal of charges, or a negotiated plea bargain. We work hard to help safeguard your future by limiting the potential damage of an under 21 DUI arrest.
A Plea Bargain May Work in Your Favor
If you are arrested for an under 21 DUI, you might consider representing yourself at trial or relying on the services of a public defender. Hiring our criminal defense team might have benefits and advantages you should consider. On your behalf, we might be able to negotiate a plea deal that limits the negative impact of an arrest and conviction. If our under 21 DUI team is successful in negotiating a plea deal, we might be able to:
- Receive a reduction in the charges and penalties you face
- Avoid the time and expense of a court trial
- Decrease the amount of any fines or community service obligations
- Reduce the potential damage to your criminal record
One mistake does not have to derail your entire future. Our team is here to help you defend your rights.
Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Help You
An under 21 DUI does not have to completely derail your life. With more than 30 years of experience and a career as a former prosecutor and state district judge, Randall B. Isenberg has insight and knowledge that might help you avoid having a temporary mishap permanently mar your future.
To learn more about how hard a Waxahachie under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm can fight for you, contact the client support team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg by calling (214) 696-9253.
