For those who are under the age of 21, it’s extremely important to take the time to think before you decide to drink and drive, as this is something that can result in you being charged with both a DUI and DWI in the state of Texas. Generally defined, DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” while DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated.”
Here are some of the most common consequences involved with drinking and driving for those who are underage.
*One of those most common consequences of underage drinking and driving is the suspension of your driver’s license. In the event that you end up getting pulled over by police and later charged, you run the risk of having your license suspended for up to one year if it is your first offense. On the other hand, if you are dealing with your second offense, your license can be suspended for 18 months, while a third offense will see your license suspended for a period of two years.
*Another common consequence involving underage drinking and driving is not only community service, but also attending alcohol awareness classes as well. There are some instances where a judge may decide that it’s best to sentence you to serve some type of community service in the event that you are found guilty of drinking and driving while underage. Alternatively, a judge may also decide that the best option may be for you to attend some form of alcohol awareness classes before you are deemed to be fit to operate a motor vehicle again. On the other hand, it may also be decided that you need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, which is a special type of breathalyzer device that requires you to blow into it anytime you want to start your vehicle.
*One other common type of consequence of underage drinking and driving is having to pay fees and fines. For instance, a first offense can result in you having to pay fines of up to $2,000. On the other hand, a second offense can result in having to pay $4,000, while a third offense can result in much more severe amounts such as $10,000. Generally, the amount that you end up having to pay is always decided by a judge; however, these are the most common amounts that are always imposed.
*Another of the most common types of consequences involving underage drinking and driving is jail time, which is also perhaps one of the most unsettling as well. As a minor, this is a consequence that can be extremely intimidating, yet in the state of Texas, this type of offense results in a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours and up to 180 days. On the other hand, a second offense of this nature will result in a sentence of between 30 days and one year in jail, while a third offense can result in a jail sentence of between two years and ten years.
*One other common, yet major, consequence of underage drinking and driving to consider is not only the damage to property, but also any injuries and deaths that can occur as the result of your actions as well. This means that if you end up crashing your vehicle, not only could you end up seriously damaging it, but you could also cause extensive damage to someone else’s vehicle as well, as well as cause damage to another person’s property. Furthermore, you can also end up injuring someone else or, even worse, causing the death of someone else or even yourself.
Contact Gabriella Young for any legal troubles and schedule a free consultation today!