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

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is serious. In most cases, minors are treated as adults in court. This means you could receive the same punishment as an adult if convicted of DUI as a minor. Depending on your state, a DWI that occurred before you turned 18 or were under 21 will show up on your record as a DWI. The longer that remains on your record, the bigger challenge it becomes to get things like a job or housing. Additionally, the longer that remains on your record, the higher the likelihood that you will receive a DUI again in the future. If you are fortunate enough to escape a conviction for your first DUI, you should take precautions to keep it off your record permanently. If you are convicted of a first DUI as an adult, you might face hefty fines, loss of license, and jail time. The legal consequences of a DWI for a minor will depend on your state and the specifics of your case. Let’s take a closer look at the penalties for driving under the influence in your state.

Committing a DWI as a minor

If you are under 21 years old and are convicted of a DWI, you will receive the same punishment as an adult. There is no such thing as “being a kid” when it comes to DUI. The reason you are treated as an adult is because of the severity of the crime and the number of people who could be affected by the outcome. You will face the same penalties as an adult, including fines, jail time, and a driving prohibition. Depending on the specifics of your case, a DUI conviction can have serious consequences on your life. For example, if you are under 21 years old and are convicted of a DWI, you could face higher insurance premiums. An insurance company will look at your driving record when determining your eligibility for car insurance. They might even deny coverage altogether. If you drive for work, your employer might terminate you from your job. If you are under 21 years old and are convicted of a DWI, you could face the loss of your license. You might even face deportation if the crime was serious enough. If you are convicted of a DUI as a minor, you might have to serve a longer jail sentence than an adult. The length of your sentence will depend on your age, your criminal record, and the severity of the DUI.

Fines

The fines for a DWI will depend on the state you live in. In some cases, the fines are the same for a DWI that occurred as a minor and an adult. In other cases, the fines are higher for minors. For example, in some states, the fines for minors are twice the amount for adults. Some states impose stiff fines for minors even if the DWI did not result in any injury or death. In other states, the fines are based on the number of times you have been convicted of DUI, the severity of the crime, and the amount of damage caused by your accident. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney. A DWI conviction can haunt you for years to come. You might have to pay fines, pay for re-training classes, and spend time in jail. In some cases, a DWI conviction can put you at risk of losing your job. You should fight the charges as hard as possible. Hiring an experienced attorney will give you a better chance of winning your case. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you should take the time to evaluate your situation and look for ways to lessen the impact on your life.

Jail time

If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you might be sentenced to time in jail. The length of your sentence will depend on your age, the seriousness of the crime, and the state where you were convicted. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor and are sentenced to time in jail, you should try to obtain a place in a program that allows you to serve your sentence in a less restrictive setting. Some courts have programs where a judge can sentence you to time in jail, but you can serve your sentence at home. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor and are sentenced to time in jail, you should try to get a job as soon as you can. A job will help you avoid boredom and keep your mind off the situation. It will also keep you busy and occupied while you are in jail. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you might have to pay for your own defense. You should be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on attorney fees.

Restrictions on your license

If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you might have to temporarily or permanently lose your license. Some states require DUI offenders to install an interlock device on their vehicles, which will prevent them from starting the car if they are under the influence. A DUI conviction can affect your insurance premiums. Depending on the severity of the crime, you might have to pay higher premiums. Many insurance companies will increase premiums based on a DWI conviction even if you were under 21 years old at the time of the DUI. Some states allow you to reduce your premiums by taking a driver safety course. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you might have to pay fines. The fines for a DWI will depend on the state where you were convicted. You might also have to pay court-ordered reparation to the victims of the accident.

Conclusion

A DWI when you are under 21 years old is a serious matter. It can have a lasting impact on your life and career. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you should take precautions to keep it off your record permanently. You should fight the charges as hard as possible. A DWI conviction can have serious consequences on your life. You should hire a criminal defense attorney and try to keep it off your record as much as possible. If you are convicted of a DWI as a minor, you should take the time to evaluate your situation and look for ways to lessen the impact on your life.