Laws And Penalties Of Texas DWI

Texas DWI If 21 Under

Laws and penalties related to drunk driving abound in Texas. In this article, I would be concentrating on the Laws And Penalties Of Texas DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) for offenders under 21 years of age. This law states that DWI is committed if the minor drives or operates a motor vehicle in public while having any evidence of any amount of alcohol in his system. In the first place, minors are not allowed to buy or drink alcohol. Chapter 106 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code provides that a minor commits an offense if he purchases, sells or consumes an alcoholic beverage. Much more so if he drives after taking an alcoholic drink.

First time minor offenders in Texas of driving with alcohol in their systems get the penalty of 20 to 40 hours of community service, driver’s license suspension of 60 days, a fine of up to $500 and required attendance on classes regarding alcohol awareness. Minor offenders found to be in possession of alcohol in Texas get the following penalties: a fine of up to $500, 8 to 12 hours of community service, driver’s license suspension of thirty (30) days and attendance in alcohol awareness classes.

For below 18 year old teenagers who were caught driving in Texas with a .08 BAC (breath or blood alcohol content or concentration) or more, which can easily be reached by people under 18 by merely drinking two or three beers an hour, may get the penalties of up to 180 days jail time, up to one year license suspension and up to $2,000 in fines. Court proceedings will require the presence of the parents of offenders below 18 years old. Their convictions may be expunge when they reach the age of 21 if they do not get additional convictions.