What are the consequences of a DWI for a minor in Texas?

A first DWI conviction for an adult is usually a misdemeanor. However, minors convicted of DWI can face serious consequences. A first conviction for driving while intoxicated as an adult can lead to fines of up to $2,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a license suspension of up to two years. For minors, the consequences are even steeper. If you are under the age of 21 and are convicted of a DWI, you will be subject to a mandatory sentence of at least 10 days in jail, a fine of $2,000, and a mandatory alcohol education program. The consequences of a DWI as a minor can haunt you for the rest of your life. You will have to explain all of this to future employers, colleges, and anyone else who will have access to your criminal record. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Here is more information about DWI consequences for minors in Texas.

What is a DWI?

A DWI is a criminal charge for driving while impaired. A DWI can be charged for alcohol-related incidents, prescription drugs, or any other substance that impairs a person’s ability to drive safely. A DWI is different than a DUI. A DUI is a criminal charge for driving while under the influence of alcohol. A DWI is a criminal charge for driving while impaired by a substance other than alcohol. A DWI can be charged under a variety of circumstances, such as if the driver shows signs of intoxication, if the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%, or if the driver fails a field sobriety test. The difference between a DUI and a DWI is important because a DWI conviction carries more serious penalties than a DUI conviction.

What are the consequences of a DWI for a minor?

If you are under the age of 21 and are convicted of a DWI, you will be subject to a mandatory sentence of at least 10 days in jail, a fine of $2,000, and a mandatory alcohol education program. A first conviction for driving while intoxicated as a minor can lead to fines of up to $2,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a license suspension of up to two years. The consequences of a DWI as a minor are even steeper than for an adult. A first conviction for driving while intoxicated as a minor can lead to fines of up to $2,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a license suspension of up to two years. A second conviction for driving while intoxicated as a minor can lead to fines of up to $4,000, a jail sentence of up to two years, and a license suspension of up to five years. A third conviction for driving while intoxicated as a minor can lead to fines of up to $6,000, a jail sentence of up to three years, and a license suspension of up to seven years.

Jail or Probation?

The court will consider many factors when deciding whether to sentence you to jail or probation. These factors may include your criminal record, the circumstances of the case, your age and education level, and your family and home life. The court will also consider how much time you have already spent in jail. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you will most likely be sentenced to jail. However, the court may also impose a period of probation instead. Probation is a type of sentence that requires the convicted person to follow certain conditions, such as refraining from committing more crimes, reporting to a probation officer, or paying a fine. Probation is not the same as a suspended sentence. If you receive probation, you will still be required to serve time in jail.

Fines, Restitution, and Community Service

If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, the court will order you to pay a fine and restitution. The fine is a penalty that you will pay to the court. The court will determine the amount of the fine. The court may also order you to pay restitution to the victim or victims of your crime. Restitution can be in the form of cash, property, or services. In some cases, the court may order you to pay the victim’s medical bills. The court may also order you to perform community service. Community service can be in the form of volunteering at a hospital or school. The court may also require you to attend a DWI victim impact program.

Conclusion

A DWI conviction for a minor can haunt you for the rest of your life. You will have to explain all of this to future employers, colleges, and anyone else who will have access to your criminal record. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you should consider hiring a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. A DWI conviction can lead to significant penalties, including jail time and fines. A DWI conviction can also result in a loss of driving privileges and the end of your dreams of becoming a police officer.