Austin Underage DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI charge as a teenager can feel like a moment that will define the rest of their life. It’s a time filled with uncertainty, fear of consequences, and the looming question of what comes next. The potential impact of a conviction goes beyond just legal penalties. It touches everything from their education to future job opportunities and even their sense of independence. In these crucial moments, having the right support can make all the difference. With the right guidance, a teenager can move past this obstacle, learning and growing while minimizing the long-term consequences of this mistake.

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we understand the complexities of Texas DUI laws and work to protect your rights. With decades of experience handling high-stakes cases, we build strong defense strategies to minimize penalties and safeguard your future.

A Break Down of Texas Underage DUI Laws 

Texas has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. This means even a trace of alcohol in the system can lead to a DUI charge. Unlike adults, who are held to a legal BAC limit of 0.08%, minors can be charged with any measurable alcohol level. Here’s a deeper look at the consequences:

Penalties for Underage DUI in Texas 

The penalties for an underage DUI conviction can vary depending on the driver’s age and history of offenses. Understanding the differences is key to preparing for what lies ahead.

• Drivers Under 17: First-time offenders face a Class C misdemeanor, which could lead to fines up to $500, 20-40 hours of community service, mandatory alcohol awareness courses, and a driver’s license suspension between 60 and 180 days.
• Drivers Aged 17 to 20: Penalties become more severe, with fines up to $2,000, possible jail time up to 180 days, required DWI education programs, and a license suspension of up to one year.

These consequences can grow harsher with repeat offenses, potentially involving longer license suspensions, steeper fines, and lengthier jail sentences.

Additional Consequences

An underage DUI conviction isn’t limited to legal penalties. A conviction can impact several other areas of life that can be affected as well:

• Academic impact: A criminal conviction can affect college admissions and scholarship opportunities, potentially hindering future educational prospects.
• Career consequences: Certain job fields require clean criminal records, and a DUI conviction could close those doors, limiting employment options.
• Higher insurance rates: Following a DUI conviction, teens often face substantial increases in car insurance premiums, creating a long-term financial burden.

Facing DUI charges as a young driver can be overwhelming, but with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to derail your future. An Austin underage DUI lawyer can guide you through the legal process, aiming to minimize the lasting impacts on your life.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Teen DUI Charges

Getting behind the wheel for the first time brings new freedom and significant responsibilities. When a teen faces DUI charges, the consequences can be life-altering. This is where an experienced underage DUI attorney can step in, offering crucial support in navigating the legal complexities. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, offers the knowledge and dedication needed to navigate this challenging time.

Decades of Experience

Established in 1959, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has a long-standing reputation for handling significant personal injury cases. Their seasoned underage DUI lawyer brings decades of courtroom experience, ensuring that each case is approached with the utmost care and diligence. This extensive experience is crucial when dealing with the complexities of underage DUI charges.

Understanding Texas Underage DUI Laws

Texas enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Even a trace of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge. Unlike adults, who are held to a legal BAC limit of 0.08%, minors can be charged with any measurable alcohol level. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson’s deep understanding of these laws allows us to identify potential defenses, such as improper testing procedures or lack of evidence. Their experience ensures your teen’s rights are protected every step of the way. 

Personalized Defense Strategies

The firm takes a personalized approach to each case, thoroughly investigating every detail. We negotiate with prosecutors, seek reduced penalties, and explore alternatives like educational programs to avoid convictions. This tailored strategy aims to minimize the impact on the young driver’s future. 

Protecting Your Teen’s Future 

A DUI conviction for a teen can have long-term consequences, such as:

• Loss of Driving Privileges: A DUI conviction may result in a suspension or restriction of driving privileges, severely limiting independence.
• Permanent Criminal Record: The stain of a DUI conviction can impact a teen’s record, which could affect their ability to attend college or secure jobs.
• Increased Insurance Rates: The financial strain caused by skyrocketing insurance premiums can be overwhelming for families.

Working with a dedicated Austin underage DUI attorney ensures your teen has an advocate focused on minimizing these consequences.

Commitment to Excellence

Recognized in publications like Super Lawyers and Best Law Firms, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson is committed to providing top-tier legal representation. Their dedication to excellence ensures that each client receives the best possible outcome.

Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP Can Defend Your Teen’s Future

A DUI charge at a young age can have serious, lasting consequences. We know how overwhelming this experience can be for both the driver and their family. With decades of experience, our team fights to minimize the penalties and protect your teen’s future. From challenging evidence to negotiating alternatives, we build strong defense strategies tailored to each case.

Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has been a trusted name in Austin since 1959, earning recognition from Best Law Firms and Super Lawyers. We are committed to delivering top-tier legal representation. Call us today at (512) 454-3751 or fill out our contact form.