College Station Underage DWI Lawyer

An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor can result in severe penalties, making the experience frightening for most. The most effective way to protect your rights is to learn about the charges you face and construct a powerful defense strategy.

A College Station underage DWI lawyer could help you through the process and advocate for a favorable outcome. Call today to schedule an appointment with an experienced DWI attorney at the Greening Law Group.

Zero Tolerance for Underage Motorists

Texas statutes govern a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the legal drinking age. That means anyone under 21 can face arrest and subsequent conviction and sentencing for driving under the influence of alcohol, no matter how low their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is when stopped by police officers.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, penalties for an arrest leading to convictions include the following:

• Fines of at least $250 and no more than $2,000;
• Requirement to complete an alcohol awareness course;
• Community service;
• 30-day driver’s license suspension for the first offense;
• A second offense will result in 60-day driver’s license suspense; or
• 180-day driver’s license suspension for a third offense.

The policy criminalizes minors operating any motor vehicle with a detectable amount of alcohol in their system. High BAC levels, age, prior convictions, and other aggravating factors could increase severity significantly, leading to harsher penalties.

A College Station underage DWI attorney could tailor a strong defense and fight to reach the best potential outcome for the charges against you.

Intoxication Assault and Manslaughter

Underage drivers who cause someone to sustain bodily injuries or death can face charges of intoxication assault or manslaughter.

Intoxication Assault

Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony offense and occurs when an underage and intoxicated motorist causes someone else to sustain severe bodily injuries. Penalties include ten years of imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. The state will also suspend their driver’s license for one year.

Intoxication Manslaughter

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony offense that happens when an underage and intoxicated individual causes a crash, causing another person to sustain fatal injuries. Penalties are harsh and may include up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Possible Defense Strategies

Defense strategies against underage drunk driving charges depend on the case specifics but may include the following:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop conducted by police officers;
• Questioning the accuracy of the blood alcohol tests;
• Asserting the driver was not operating the vehicle ;
• Arguing improper police officer procedures led to the arrest;
• Claiming the minor was unaware they drank alcohol; or
• Arguing that the underage driver was not at fault for the collision if one occurred.

An underage DWI lawyer in College Station may decide on various defenses and could help you determine the most effective way forward after reviewing the case.

Call a Reliable Underage DWI Attorney in College Station

The state prosecutor takes underage intoxicated driving charges seriously. Careful planning is essential to create a strong defense against the potential conviction you face.

While there are a range of defenses that you could use to fight against the charges, speaking to a College Station underage DWI lawyer is the best way to prepare a strong case for a favorable outcome. Schedule an initial consultation today with a hardworking criminal defense attorney at the Greening Law Group.