Lara Bracamonte Davila

Doing What Is Right For You

There are consequences for teens charged with a DUI

On Behalf of | Apr 12, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Parents of Rockwall area teens understand that their children often do not make the best decisions. Teenagers are constantly testing their limits with their parents and engaging in behavior that they’re not supposed to with their friends. Luckily most of the time their mistakes are not life-altering. A teen who is facing drunk driving charges in Texas can be facing serious penalties.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in the United States if you’re under the age of 21. Of course, that doesn’t stop most teens. When they are with their friends and alcohol present, they often join in with everyone else. In Texas, the penalties for underage drinking are serious and can often affect a teen for many years to come.

Possession of alcohol for those under the age of 21 include:

  • Up to a $500 fine
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Community service
  • Alcohol-awareness class

The penalties increase if this is a teen’s second or third offense.

If a teen has any amount of alcohol in their system, it is also illegal for them to drive. The first time they are pulled over for drinking and driving they can face penalties that may include:

  • Fine
  • License suspension
  • Community service
  • Alcohol awareness class

Teens who are 17 or older may also face jail time. The penalties increase with each DUI arrest.

These penalties are not only inconvenient they can also affect a teen’s ability to get into college, qualify for scholarships, and attend graduate school. A legal professional who is skilled in underage crimes can help their client fight these charges and lessen the penalties or even have the charges dismissed.