Zero Tolerance for Under 21 DWI in Dallas
Facing a DWI charge as a minor can be a frightening experience that resulted from one mistake you will come to regret immediately. In Texas, there is a zero tolerance law for people under the age of 21. If a minor is found with any amount of alcohol in their system whatsoever and is behind the wheel of a car, that minor will be charged with driving while intoxicated and needs legal help fast from a knowledgeable Dallas DWI attorney.
As a kid, you have your whole life ahead of you and facing criminal charges can both utterly frightening and completely daunting. You never thought you would have to deal with something so young in life and didn’t believe a little bit of alcohol could cause so much harm. But, the fact is it was illegal for you to be drinking at all, much less drinking and then driving. And, just because you are a minor, it does not mean a conviction will not show as part of your criminal record. Unless you go to court to have your record sealed, it will. If as an adult, you make this mistake again you can be tried as a second-time offender and face even harsher charges.
Your Dallas DWI lawyer will explain to you the consequences of a conviction while he prepares your case. If you are under 21, your DWI charge is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and you can face a fine of up to $500. You license can be suspended for up to two months and you may be required to perform 20-40 hours of community service. You may also be required to complete an alcohol awareness class. If you are under 18, you can face the same penalties as you would if you were between the ages of 18 and 21, but your parent or guardian will be required to accompany you to any court appearance. Your parent or guardian may also have to attend any alcohol education program a judge sentences you to.
If you are convicted of a DWI, learn from your mistake. If you only experience this one conviction, it may be expunged from your record after you turn 21, but not if you have subsequent charges. To help avoid any conviction, cooperate with your lawyer and be honest with him or her about the incident in question. If you or your parents are not sure of your rights, call a DWI lawyer in Dallas today for help.
