Underage Drinking and Driving
In most states in the US, an individual must be 21 before he or she can legally consume alcohol. When an individual who is under 21 consumes alcohol, he or she may be breaking the law. If that individual drives after consuming alcohol, he or she may be charged with DUI.
In Texas, driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime reserved specifically for minors. If you or someone you love was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, contact the San Antonio DUI defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett today at 210-587-6464.
Underage Drunk Driving Laws
Texas has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. This means that any minor who operates any motor vehicle after consuming any alcohol can face charges. In other words, a minor who has just one drink will still be charged with DUI in Texas if caught operating a motor vehicle after drinking.
The punishment for a first-offense DUI is:
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- 60 days suspended license
- Mandatory alcohol awareness courses
Punishments only get more severe with every additional DUI conviction. A DUI is a Class C misdemeanor, but it still puts a permanent mark on an individual’s criminal record.
Contact Us
DUI is a serious offense in the state of Texas that only applies to minors. If you or your underage loved one was caught operating a vehicle after drinking, contact the San Antonio DUI defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett at 210-587-6464 today.
