Texas Underage DWI / DUI
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are different in the State of Texas. Only citizens under the age of 21 can receive a DUI, while anyone can be charged with a DWI.
The laws for someone under 21 years of age are much more restrictive and severe than the laws for adults. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving by minors. In fact, the law states that any minor that has “any detectable amount of alcohol in his/her system” while operating a motor vehicle is Driving Under the Influence.
Driving Under the Influence is considered a Class C offense, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. However, because a DUI is considered an alcohol related offense, there are often costly other expenses associated with a conviction (i.e. increased insurance rates, cancellation by your insurance carrier, driver’s license suspensions, etc.). Additionally, if there is a subsequent charge for DUI and a subsequent conviction, you may be subjected to a lengthy jail sentence and/or additionally fines and court costs.
Just like a DWI, the Texas Department of Public Safety can and will attempt to suspend your driver’s license if you are charged with a DUI. You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI charge to request a hearing to save your driver’s license. If you do not request this hearing, the Department of Public Safety will suspend your Texas Driver’s License for at least 60 days. Contact the lawyers at Johnson and Johnson Law Firm, P.C. immediately to save your license and fight your DUI charge.
It is important that your DUI case be handled by a competent and experienced lawyer familiar with the laws related to DWI and DUI. If your case is not handled appropriately, there can be serious and lasting consequences. However, if the case is handled by an experienced DUI lawyer, it is very possible that your DUI case can ultimately be expunged (removed) from your permanent record. Call the DUI defense lawyers at Johnson and Johnson Law Firm.
713-222-0400
1-877-THE-DWI-FIRM (843-3943)
Johnson & Johnson Law Firm,
P.C.
The Republic Building
1018 Preston, 4th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
