What is Driving Under the Influence?
Driving Under the Influence is a law that is directed to anyone under the age of 21, who is suspected to be drinking and driving a motor vehicle or watercraft. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041 states that a minor can receive a DUI violation if he has ANY detectable amount of alcohol in his system. In other words, you can have 0.01% of alcohol in your system and if you’re driving, you’re violating this code.
What are the penalties for a 1st DUI charge?
If it is your first DUI violation you can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, a fine only punishment that cannot exceed $500. You will also have to do some sort of community service that focuses on the education or prevention of the misuse of alcohol that can range from 20 – 40 hours, depending on what the judge orders. If it is your first and you receive deferred, you can have the case expunged.
What if I am facing a 2nd DUI conviction?
The penalties for a 2nd DUI charge are more stringent. If it is your 2nd time receiving a DUI conviction, then the court can order a fine anywhere from $500 to $2,000, jail time not to exceed 180 days, or the court can order both of these penalties.
The community service hours are also raised, the court can order anywhere from 40 – 60 hours. Another disadvantage is that you will not be able to get your case deferred, therefore disqualifying your case from an expunction.
Whether your case is a first DUI or 2nd, an experienced attorney such as the criminal defense attorney locals trust can work with you to try and have these fines and hours reduced, making the process as swift and manageable as possible.
