I believe this is what a minor convicted of a DUI in Texas is to expect:
DWI Under 21:
The law states that a minor commits an offense if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system.
If you’re under 21, here’s what happens the first time you are stopped for drinking and driving.
- 60-day driver’s license suspension
- up to a $500 fine
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
- mandatory attendance in alcohol-awareness classes
Judges must follow the law, but depending upon the Judge and the offender’s past record, coupled with current circumstances, he/she may not be so harsh or may really let the offender have it. Any prior offences will be taken into consideration, which may or may not have anything to do with alcohol.
I cannot stress enough that it is in the offender’s best interest NOT handle this without an attorney! Not sure about Texas, but an attorney may be able to work a deal with the Prosecuting Attorney for a "withheld judgment", meaning that if the offender timely complies with all fines/fees/community service/classes/probation, etc., the record is purged (again, depends on your State, but can mean it is erased from the offender’s ‘public’ record, although law enforcement will most likely always have access to that information). In addition, an attorney may even possibly be able to get the entire case dismissed ~ only an attorney would be able to determine if there are grounds for such an argument.
Trying to handle this without an attorney could result in years of issues with employment opportunities, obtaining auto insurance that is not classified as ‘high risk’, etc.
I believe this is what a minor convicted of a DUI in Texas is to expect:
DWI Under 21:
The law states that a minor commits an offense if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system.
If you’re under 21, here’s what happens the first time you are stopped for drinking and driving.
- 60-day driver’s license suspension
- up to a $500 fine
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
- mandatory attendance in alcohol-awareness classes
Judges must follow the law, but depending upon the Judge and the offender’s past record, coupled with current circumstances, he/she may not be so harsh or may really let the offender have it. Any prior offences will be taken into consideration, which may or may not have anything to do with alcohol.
I cannot stress enough that it is in the offender’s best interest NOT handle this without an attorney! Not sure about Texas, but an attorney may be able to work a deal with the Prosecuting Attorney for a "withheld judgment", meaning that if the offender timely complies with all fines/fees/community service/classes/probation, etc., the record is purged (again, depends on your State, but can mean it is erased from the offender’s ‘public’ record, although law enforcement will most likely always have access to that information). In addition, an attorney may even possibly be able to get the entire case dismissed ~ only an attorney would be able to determine if there are grounds for such an argument.
Trying to handle this without an attorney could result in years of issues with employment opportunities, obtaining auto insurance that is not classified as ‘high risk’, etc.
Actually, depending on the BAL and other factors, the suspension can be up to 1 year, or age 18, whichever is LATER.