Underage DWI Charges

Under 21 DWI in Houston

Were you recently arrested for driving under the influence, or was your son or daughter recently arrested for an underage DWI? While it's illegal for an adult over the age of 21 to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater while operating a motor vehicle, under the state's zero tolerance law, drivers under the age of 21 cannot drink and drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. As of September 1st, 2009, the state expanded this law to include watercraft in addition to motor vehicles.

Contact our Houston underage DWI lawyers today!

Underage DWI Penalties in Texas

The penalties for an underage DUI in Texas include:

Underage DUI First Offense

• Class C misdemeanor
• Up to $500 fine
• Required to attend a 12-hour alcohol awareness class
• Between 20 and 55 hours of community service
• One year driver's license suspension

Underage DUI Second Offense

• Class C misdemeanor
• Attendance at a 12-hour alcohol awareness class (at the judge's discretion)
• 55 to 60 hours of community service
• Up to one year driver's license suspension

Underage DUI Third Offense

• Not eligible for deferred adjudication
• 180 day license suspension
• If the minor is aged 17 or older, the fine increases from $500 to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both.

Under certain circumstances, the defendant may receive a 90-day driver's license suspension if the presiding judge orders community service and an ignition interlock device.

In addition to these criminal and administrative penalties, an underage drinking and driving charge can trigger school disciplinary actions and difficulties with housing, scholarships, or extracurricular activities, especially in competitive Houston-area school districts and colleges. A juvenile DUI attorney can also help you understand how a case might affect eligibility for professional licenses or future background checks, so you and your family can plan ahead and make informed choices at every step.

Your Rights and Options After an Underage DWI Charge

Being charged with an underage DWI can be a daunting experience, but it’s crucial to remember that you still have rights and options. Understanding the legal processes and potential consequences can empower you to make informed decisions that may significantly impact your future. Our experienced attorneys at Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. are here to guide you through every step.

Here are some vital aspects to consider when facing underage DWI charges:

• Know Your Rights: From the moment you are stopped by law enforcement, you have rights that must be upheld. It’s essential to understand what those rights are and how they apply to your situation.
• Plea Bargaining Options: In many cases, pursuing a plea deal can be beneficial. Our legal team can negotiate on your behalf to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
• Impact on Future Opportunities: A DWI conviction can affect your educational and employment prospects. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your record and future.
• Case Evaluation: Every case is unique. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of the evidence and circumstances surrounding your arrest to form a solid defense strategy.

When we review an underage drinking and driving case, we look closely at the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any breath or blood testing to see whether law enforcement followed Texas law and local procedures in Harris County or the surrounding courts. By challenging weak or unreliable evidence, a juvenile DUI attorney can often create opportunities for reduced consequences or alternative resolutions that better protect a young person’s record and long-term goals.

Don’t face this challenging situation alone. Let the experienced team at Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. advocate for your rights and work towards the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Why Choose Guy L. Womack & Associates for Your Underage DWI Defense?

At Guy L. Womack & Associates, we understand that facing underage DWI charges can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. Our dedicated legal team is committed to protecting your rights and providing you with the best possible defense. Here’s why our firm stands out in the Houston area:

• Experienced Attorneys: Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in handling DWI cases specifically related to underage drinking. We know the intricacies of Texas laws and how to navigate them effectively.
• Personalized Legal Strategies: Every case is unique. We take the time to listen to your story and tailor our defense strategies to your specific circumstances, ensuring that you receive personalized attention throughout the legal process.
• Strong Track Record: We are proud of our history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Whether it's negotiating lesser charges or pursuing dismissals, our results speak for themselves.
• Compassionate Support: We know that this is a sensitive situation. Our team provides not only legal guidance but also emotional support to help you and your family cope with the challenges you are facing.
• Free Consultation: We offer a no-obligation, free consultation to discuss your case. This gives you a chance to understand your legal options and the potential paths forward without any financial pressure.

Families who come to us often want a firm that understands both the criminal process and the unique concerns surrounding a young person’s education, driving privileges, and reputation in the community. By drawing on our decades of trial work in Houston-area courts and our experience advising military members and students, an underage DUI attorney at our firm can help you evaluate each option, from contesting the charges to exploring diversion programs or treatment-based alternatives where available.

Don’t face your underage DWI charges alone. Partnering with a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference. Contact Guy L. Womack & Associates today for legal representation that you can trust.

How Juvenile DWI Cases Move Through Houston Courts

When a young person is arrested for drinking and driving, the case may be handled in juvenile court or adult criminal court, depending on the age of the driver and the specific charges. Understanding how a case will move through the system in Houston helps families anticipate what is coming next and reduces some of the fear that follows an arrest. Our goal is to guide you through each stage so you are never left guessing about deadlines, court dates, or what to expect from prosecutors and judges.

For many minors, the process begins with an initial appearance or arraignment in a Harris County court or a juvenile court setting, where the charges are formally read, and issues like bond or release conditions are addressed. After that, there may be pretrial conferences, license-related hearings, and negotiations with the district attorney’s office about possible reductions or alternative resolutions. A juvenile DUI attorney Houston parents rely on can explain when your presence is required in court, what paperwork or school documentation could be helpful, and how to avoid missteps that might make the situation worse.

In some situations, particularly for first-time offenders, there may be options such as deferred programs, counseling, or treatment-focused resolutions that can lessen the long-term impact of the case. We help families evaluate whether these paths make sense in light of the facts, the young person’s goals, and the approach taken by local prosecutors in Houston and nearby counties. By having a clear roadmap of the process and the available choices, you can make decisions that protect both the immediate case and your child’s future opportunities.

Contact a Houston Underage DWI Lawyer

In addition to the administrative and criminal penalties associated with an underage DUI, you cannot forget what a conviction would do to your monthly insurance premiums and your future. Once you are convicted of DUI, you will be required to disclose this fact on various college applications, student loan applications and applications for employment. Having a criminal conviction on your record is one thing that you want to avoid at all costs, especially at a time in your life when you have your entire future ahead of you.

If you or someone you love was recently arrested for an underage DUI, you are strongly urged to contact a Houston underage DWI attorney from Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. The attorneys at the firm are well-versed in all of the local, state and federal laws and have extensive experience defending young adults against DUI charges. The Houston DWI lawyers at the firm are aware of what penalties you are up against, as well as how a conviction would negatively impact your future.

When you call our office, we can explain what to expect in both the criminal court process and the related driver’s license proceedings, including hearings that may be held in Houston or nearby counties. A juvenile DUI attorney Houston families trust will also help you prepare for each court date, understand potential conditions of bond, and gather school, work or character information that may be useful in presenting you in the best possible light to prosecutors and judges.