A Legal Defense for Minors Caught Drinking
Let’s face it, we were all teenagers before, and we all know the truth of the matter; some of us partied, some of us didn’t. Whether you partied hard or not, you know the potential for teenage/underage DWI is high.
The young men and women who get in trouble for this offense are guilty of nothing more than making a mistake that’s made quite often in our society. While that surely doesn’t justify a reckless disregard for responsibility, we understand.
If you’re looking for options to defend yourself, your son, daughter, or another minor from the penalties associated with a conviction for DUI, call Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson or one of our associate attorneys for more information today. Call us at 281-502-2122.
Understanding Texas Juvenile DWI Law
DUI or Driving Under the Influence is the official term assigned to classify offenses in which a juvenile is found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or intoxicated by, drugs, alcohol, or other substances that may induce impairment. That legal standard also applies to nontraditional chemicals and toxic fumes, such as commonly used inhalants and others.
A juvenile has the potential to be charged for DUI if any trace of a suspected substance is found in their system.
Punishment For Juvenile DUI Offenders
When a juvenile court makes the determination of the punishment for a juvenile who was found guilty of DUI in Houston, they must follow the guidelines of the Texas Zero Tolerance Laws that were passed by the legislature to deter such behavior.
Some of the consequences that may be imposed by the Juvenile Court include fines, a requirement of educational community service focused on alcohol & intoxication education, Texas Drivers License suspension, a jail term, and a criminal record.
Other penalties may be imposed by any educational institution the minor is enrolled in which could mean expulsion or exclusion from some school activities, programs, and functions. Even if the school doesn’t take corrective actions, the requirements imposed by the court may interfere with any programs, extracurricular activities, and functions the juvenile is involved in.
Other Offenses Involving Minors & Alcohol
There are also other criminal offenses involving minors and alcoholic beverages which mainly involve possession. To give you a quick idea of what these offenses are, consider the purchase of alcoholic beverages by minor, the sale of alcohol or beer to a minor, public intoxication or “PI” for short, consumption of alcohol by a person who is underage, attempting to purchase beer or liquor, and, of course, driving while intoxicated (DUI).
Depending on the court, the judge, any previous record that may exist, the severity of the offense, and the other circumstances of note surrounding the incident, criminal penalties will vary (in the event that the juvenile DUI offender is found guilty in court).
Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
If you’re a young man/woman, or the parent/guardian of one, and you want to do something about a situation which could have lifelong consequences, call Tad or speak with someone on our legal team at the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates by dialing 281-502-2122.
Our law firm is led by Houston DWI attorney Tad Nelson, a Board Certified® (Board Certified in Criminal Law) forensic lawyer scientist (ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientist) who holds the following credentials;
- Board Certified® By The Texas Board Of Legal Specialization® In Criminal Law
- Graduate And Active Member Of The National College Of DUI Defense®
- ACS/CHAL Forensic Lawyer – Scientist
- Masters Degree In Forensic Science
- American Chemical Society®
- Founding Member Of The DUI Defense Lawyers Association
- Member Of The State Bar College
- Nationally Renown Expert Panelist For Well-Known National News Outlets
- 25+ Year Veteran Texas DWI Lawyer
- Former Assistant Prosecuting Dist. Atty.
Call us for help.
Without legal representation of high competency, things may not go well in a Harris County, Texas courtroom.
Learn More: DUI Cases, Hit & Run