Texas Zero Tolerance Laws Affect All Drivers Under 21
In Texas and across the U.S., it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater. For minors, however, slightly different laws apply. A minor in Texas may be arrested and face misdemeanor charges and license suspension for driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system. This “Zero Tolerance” law was created to combat drinking and driving by minors and is known as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor (DUIA by a Minor).
Work with an Advanced Houston DWI Lawyer
If you or your child were arrested for DUIA by a Minor (under the age of 17), or DWI by a Minor (aged 17-21), you cannot afford to waste time in seeking legal counsel. You are facing a civil case and a criminal case, and you need a Houston DWI attorney with the expertise necessary to competently handle both. At Thiessen Law Firm, we are results-driven. We fight for each client, and we are a family. We will work tirelessly toward the best possible result in your ALR hearing and criminal case.
DUIA by a Minor (Under 17)
DUIA by a Minor under the age of 17 is a Class C misdemeanor offense in Houston, punishable by:
- A fine of up to $500
- 20-40 hours of community service
- License suspension for 60-180 days
- Alcohol Awareness Course attendance
A second or third offense may result in license suspension for up to 2 years, in addition to the penalties above.
