What are the penalties for DUI and minors?
Generally speaking, in addition to suspension of driving privileges, the penalties for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol as a minor are as follows: First Offense: Class C Misdemeanor. If the minor is under age 18, most courts require a parent or guardian to be present at every court appearance. Upon conviction, a minor may be fined, and will be required to perform community service. Additionally, the minor will be required to attend an alcohol awareness program sponsored by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse within 90 days. If the minor fails to complete the alcohol awareness course within the 90-day period, the court may impose an additional license suspension of up to six months. For a first offense, the minor may receive deferred adjudication; however, an order of deferred adjudication for DUI is considered a conviction. If the minor receives only one conviction for DUI (while a minor), that conviction may be expunged from his record after his 21st birthday. Second
In addition to the suspension of your driving privilege, the following penalties apply: First DUI: Class C Misdemeanor. If a minor is under 18, the court requires the parents or guardian to be present at every court appearance, regardless of if the minor has a lawyer or not. The court can compel their presence. If convicted, a minor can be fined and will be required to complete between 20-40 hours of community service related to education or prevention of misuse of alcohol. The minor will also have to attend an alcohol awareness program within 90 days. If the minor is under 18, the court may require the parent or guardian to attend this program with the minor. If the minor fails to complete this course within 90 days, the court may suspend the license for an additional 6 months. For a first offense, the minor may receive deferred adjudication for DUI, although it will be considered a conviction. If this is the only offense the minor receives, he is entitled to have it expunged from his
