Driving Under the Influence: Penalties and defense strategy

Driving Under the Influence in Austin, TX 

If you are under the age of 21 and are pulled over with any amount of alcohol in your system, you will be arrested for driving under the influence. In Texas, you must be 21 years of age or older in order to consume alcohol legally. If you are less than 21 years of age, have consumed alcohol or drugs, and are pulled over while driving, you will be given a DUI.

If your son or daughter was pulled over with drugs or any amount of alcohol in their system, you will need to hire a DUI attorney in Austin, TX to help them navigate their case. Austin DUI lawyer Diana Buss has years of experience representing clients with DUI charges. Call today for your free consultation! 

512-626-6117

diana@bussted.com

Austin juvenile DUI attorney Diana Buss has helped hundred of clients win their cases or greatly reduce their charges.

What happens when you get a DUI in Austin, TX? 
In Texas, there is a zero-tolerance rule for minors who have any amount of alcohol in their system. There are different punishments depending on the age of the minor who was found to have alcohol in their system. 

DUI penalties under 17 years old:
- A first DUI is a Class C misdemeanor if the driver is under 17 years of age. 
- If you are convicted for the first time with a DUI, you will receive a fine of up to $500.
- Your driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of 60 days.
- 20 to 40 hours of community service will likely be required.
- An "alcohol awareness course" in Austin, TX will likely be required for the minor and possibly the parent as well. 

DUI penalties between 17 to 20 years old: 
- A first DUI is a Class B misdemeanor if the driver is between 17 years old and 20 years old. 
-If you are convicted for the first time with a DUI, you will receive a fine of up to $2,000. 
- Jail time ranges from 72 hours to 180 days. Refer to our jail release page for information on how to get an attorney assisted jail release quickly. 
- A minimum of 1-year license suspension. There is an opportunity for a reduced license suspension period of 90 days if the convicted person uses an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer installed on the car of the driver who received the DUI that will not allow the car to start if there is any amount of alcohol detected in the driver's breath). 
- You will likely need to attend DUI classes in Austin, TX. 

DWI vs. DUI in Texas
In some states, these terms can be used interchangeably. In Texas, a DUI charge is given to anyone under the age of 21 who is pulled over while operating a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system - as consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal. A DWI, on the other hand, is given to a person who is 21 years old or older who is operating a vehicle 

Navigating the court system as a minor can be confusing. You will want to present your best self to the court to reduce your charges and may likely need help staying on the right path. Diana has the tools and resources to help you reduce your charges and help keep you on the right track. 

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