DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Texas used to mean the use of drugs or narcotics. But, since 1983, DUI applies only to minors or anyone under the age of 21.
You’ll need an aggressive Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Lawyer to mount an effective, aggressive defense because Texas is a zero-tolerance state.
That means minors are never legally permitted to have any alcohol in their body and drive a motor vehicle or watercraft.
Prosecutors need no proof of impairment in order to convict.
They simply need to show that there was a detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s body.
If a minor is convicted of Driving Under The Influence (DUI), he or she faces a number of escalating penalties depending upon whether it’s a first, second, or third offense.
The punishment becomes stiffer with every defense, making it more critical to mount the most aggressive defense for the first offense DUI.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) FIRST OFFENSE
- The minor faces a class C misdemeanor which may result in the following punishments:
- A fine up to $500
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
- He or she must attend an Alcohol Awareness Program, a Drug Education Program or a Drug And Alcohol Driving Awareness Program. If he does not complete the program, the court will order the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend or deny the issuance of the minor’s driver’s license for up to 6 months.
- 60 days driver's license suspension. The minor would not be eligible for an occupational license for the first 30 days
- There is no incarceration for this type of misdemeanor if he or she is convicted.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) SECOND OFFENSE
- With a second offense, the consequences increases to:
- Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500
- Attend an alcohol awareness class (at the judge’s discretion)
- 40 to 60 hours of mandatory community service
- 120 days driver’s license suspension. The minor would not be eligible for an occupational license for the first 90 days.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) THIRD OFFENSE
- The consequences become more severe with a third offense:
- The minor is not eligible for deferred adjudication
- Suspended driver’s license for 180 days with no opportunity to obtain an occupational license during the entire suspension period
- .For minors aged 17 years or older, the fine increases to $500 to $2,000 and/or he could face up to 180 days of jail confinement.
Police are not required to take a minor into custody for Driving Under The Influence.
Instead, they will likely issue a citation giving him notice of the offense and time, date, and place where he must appear in court.
If you want a Driving Under The Influence Lawyer in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County or anywhere else in Texas, call us.
We will work to preserve your family’s future with aggressive legal representation.
EXPERIENCED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE LAWYERS
We Are Experienced Driving Under The Influence Lawyers. Our founder, Gary Trichter, is a DUI Specialist By The National College For DUI Defense and has been aggressively defending Texas clients who need to preserve their valuable reputations since 1980.
He co-authored the textbook, Texas Drunk Driving Law, and has authored or co-authored more than 46 legal and Aviation articles.
His partner, Leslie LeGrand, is Board-Certified In Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and recognized as a leading Driving Under The Influence Attorney in Houston.
Together, they have spoken at more than 300 seminars on Criminal Defense and Driving While Intoxicated, and they have taught lawyers, Judges, and prosecutors about various aspects of the law.
We Practice In All Counties including Harris county, Montgomery county, Fort Bend county, and Webster county.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE
Form Submissions have a fast response time. Request your free consultation to discuss your case with one of our attorneys over the phone. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.