Underage Drunk Driving Charges

Representation from a Plano DWI Attorney

Lawmakers made drastic changes to Texas’s underage consumption laws in 1997, taking a much harsher stance against minors using alcohol. They have adopted a zero-tolerance policy, with the goal of curbing the use and abuse of alcohol by minors. Minors can now be cited for buying, attempting to buy, possessing, consuming, or driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Odor on their breath is enough – if your child is stopped while driving, they can be ticketed for a DUI, even if they are not intoxicated!

The police do not have to offer a breath test to a minor. It doesn’t matter if any of the alcohol is still in the body, as long as the officer can tell you consumed it in the first place. This means having a beer with your parents when you are 20 (which is legal), and then driving to a friend’s house is against the law.

Zero Tolerance Laws in Texas

The zero tolerance laws and their penalties are designed to rehabilitate and educate minors. The following information (Chapter 106 of the Texas Alcohol Beverage Code) should be used as a general introduction to how the law treats minors and alcohol. To fully understand how any of the following provisions might apply to the specific facts of your or your child’s case, you should consult with a licensed attorney who can answer your questions.

Call the Wilder Law Firm today!

We understand that a drunk driving conviction is not an option for you. At our firm, we strive for all our clients to be found not guilty. For a quick response or free evaluation of your DUI/DWI arrest, please contact our Texas drunk driving attorneys today.