Having a young driver can bring a new level of anxiety for parents. No matter how many times you’ve had the “no drinking and driving” talk with them, they may not fully understand the potential consequences if they get behind the wheel after just a small amount of alcohol.
The charges and penalties for someone under the age of 21 who is accused of driving under the influence are different than for those who are above 21. Texas has a “zero tolerance” law for drivers who are under 21. That means if they have any amount of alcohol in their system, they can face criminal charges. The charges can vary based on specific age.
What penalties can minors face?
Minors under 17 can be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUIA) by a Minor. For a first offense, they could face a suspended driver’s license (60 days), a fine, community service and mandatory participation in an alcohol awareness course. Parents may be ordered to attend a course as well. The penalties typically increase with subsequent convictions.
As with adults, there are also penalties for refusing to take a sobriety test. A minor’s driver’s license can be suspended for 180 days for a first offense.
Minors who are caught drinking and driving and don’t yet have a valid driver’s license will still face penalties. Their eventual driver’s license can be suspended for a designated period of time once they qualify for it.
When can minors face adult charges?
Texas law allows prosecutors the option of charging those who are at least 17 years-old as adults for drunk driving and other offenses. That means if an older teen is found to be driving under the influence in a crash where someone was injured or killed, they could face some serious prison time as well as significant fines and other expenses.
If your teen is arrested for drunk driving, it can be tempting to let them learn their lesson by facing the consequences. However, it’s still important to ensure that their rights are protected. That’s why it can be wise not to let them face the justice system without legal guidance.