The consequences of a DUI conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. You may be denied access to jobs, education, and more. A Keller under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm can protect your rights by explaining your available legal options, constructing a defense that meets your needs, and advocating on your behalf before a judge and jury.
The Consequences of a DUI Conviction
As outlined by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the penalties you face for driving under the influence could include the following.
First Offense
Individuals who have never been convicted of a DUI before face the lightest penalties. These may include:
- From two to six months without your driver’s license
- Between 20 and 40 hours of community service
- A maximum fine of $500
- Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol awareness course
Second Offense
If this is your second DUI offense, you will find that the potential penalties are far stricter than they were before:
- From four months to two years without your driver’s license
- Between 40 and 60 hours of community service
- A maximum fine of $500
- Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol awareness course
Third Offense
Third-offense penalties are nearly identical to second offense penalties, with the exception that you may spend six months to two years without your driver’s license, and no alcohol awareness course is required.
Other Consequences
The penalties discussed above are the direct consequences of conviction – in other words, they are what a judge tells you to do to pay for the crime of which you have been convicted. However, a conviction also often comes with an array of secondary consequences, which can negatively impact:
- Your current job: Getting to work without a driver’s license may be difficult, and jail time could cost you your job.
- Future employment: Even after you have served your time, some employers may still be reluctant to hire you.
- Your education: You may have trouble getting to school without a license, and universities may not want to accept someone with a criminal record.
- Your personal life: Without your license, spending time with friends and family could be more challenging. In addition, some people do not want to associate with someone with a criminal record, even if you are not guilty.
- Your mental health: Even a short stint in jail can have a long-term impact on your emotional and mental well-being.
Protecting Yourself from DUI Charges
A Keller under 21 DUI lawyer wants to help you with all aspects of your case. Whether you need answers to your legal questions or a passionate courtroom advocate, Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can be there for you. Our services include – but are certainly not limited to – the following:
Investigating Your Case
The police have already collected evidence against you. Our team will look for proof that:
- The police made a procedural error and have no legal right to hold or charge you.
- You are innocent of the charges.
This information can come from various sources, including police records or reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements or recordings.
Reducing or Eliminating the Charges
If the evidence allows it, we can ask the judge to dismiss all charges immediately. This way, you can get back to your normal life right away without facing any penalties.
If a complete dismissal is not possible, we can argue for a reduced charge, such as an obstruction charge instead of a DUI. We have done this in the past so that our clients spend:
- Less money on fines
- Less time in jail
- Less or no time without a driver’s license
Going to Court
Not all cases go to trial. However, even if yours does, you do not need to worry about defending yourself. Our team will handle everything, including:
- Finding witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Examining and cross-examining witnesses on the stand
- Preparing and submitting evidence to the judge
- Preparing and delivering oral arguments
A DUI is Different from a DWI
DUI refers to “driving under the influence,” while DWI refers to “driving while intoxicated.” Texas law regards them as two different crimes, each with its own consequences. DWI is typically reserved for drivers over 21, though not always.
An adult is legally considered drunk if their blood alcohol concentration is at .08 or higher. This limit does not apply to those under 21. As stated in Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.041, a minor may be charged with DUI or DWI if they have “any detectable amount of alcohol” in their system.
The arresting officer gets to decide whether to charge a minor with DWI instead of DUI. This is important because a first DWI conviction is much more serious than a first DUI conviction. Penalties may include:
- From three months to one year without your license
- From three days to six months in jail
- A maximum fine of $2,000
Don’t Wait to Seek Guidance from an Attorney in Your DUI Case
Regardless of the penalties you face, it can help to face them with a lawyer’s guidance and support rather than by yourself. Call Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at
(214) 696-9253 to learn more about how a Keller under 21 DUI lawyer from our firm can help you.
Call or text (214) 696-9253 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
