Fort Worth Underage DWI Attorney
Being charged with a DWI, or driving while intoxicated, can turn your life upside down. The charges alone can result in problems with work, your social life, and your reputation, and a conviction can compound these effects. For someone who is underage, a DWI can pose unique challenges. If you are facing an underage DWI charge in the Fort Worth area, you could benefit from the help of an experienced Fort Worth underage DWI lawyer.
About Mitchell Law Firm
Brennon Mitchell, a Fort Worth DWI lawyer, defends and protects the constitutional rights of his clients. With his office on Macon Street in Fort Worth, he is conveniently situated to meet with clients throughout southeast Texas.
What sets Mitchell Law Firm apart is Mr. Mitchell’s forensic training. Unlike almost all other lawyers, Mr. Mitchell is not just an attorney. He is a certified ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist. He has acquired education and lab-based training in forensic chromatography, which is the process used by the state to test blood for alcohol or drugs. Because Mr. Mitchell knows how this works, he knows when science is faulty or when a lab has made a mistake.
What Constitutes a DWI in Texas?
DWI, or driving while intoxicated, is not as uncommon as it should be. In Texas, over 90,000 people were charged with a DWI in 2025. It is illegal to drive any vehicle when you are under the influence of a substance. It can affect your reflexes, response time, or cognition. A person is considered intoxicated by law if their blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is 0.08% or higher.
Non-alcohol DWI thresholds are harder to define, but if a substance in your system is affecting your ability to drive safely, you could be charged with a DWI. This is true even if the substance is a prescription medication legally prescribed to you.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a DWI in Texas?
A DWI can result in fines, jail time, and loss of your driver’s license, among other potential consequences. Each state has its own DWI sentencing structure, but punishments generally get more severe with each offense. The sentencing in Texas is laid out as follows.
- First offense. For a first-time DWI conviction, you can be fined up to $2,000 and spend up to six months in jail. There is a mandatory three-day jail sentence. You can also lose your driver’s license for up to one year.
- Second offense. A second DWI can result in a $4,000 fine, one month to one year in jail, and a suspended driver’s license for up to two years.
- Third offense. The fine for a third DWI is $10,000 and comes with a prison sentence of between two and 10 years. Your driver’s license can be suspended for two years, as well.
Aside from these potential consequences, there may be additional fines assessed by the state at sentencing. If there are any aggravating factors, such as having a minor in the car at the time of the DWI, sentences can be more severe.
How Is an Underage DWI Different?
Underage drinking and driving charges carry slightly different consequences than other DWIs because it is illegal for a minor to be drinking at all. Therefore, driving with any alcohol in your system at all is illegal, even if your BAC was not over the 0.08% threshold. If you are underage and caught driving with detectable alcohol in your system, the following consequences are possible on the first offense:
- A $500 fine
- Mandatory alcohol education course
- Two-month driver’s license suspension
- Up to 40 hours of court-mandated community service
Furthermore, if you are over the age of 17 but under the age of 21 and found to be driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you can face severe penalties. These can include the following:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- One to six months in jail, with a mandatory three days
- Suspension of your driver’s license for three to 12 months
As with other DWIs, consequences can be more severe based on any aggravating factors. This can include speeding or causing an accident.
Hire an Underage DWI Lawyer
If you are a minor being charged with a DWI in Fort Worth or the parent of a minor facing this situation, the first thing you should do is hire an underage DWI lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand your legal situation, ensure due process is followed, and assist you in court.
In Fort Worth, underage DWIs are generally handled by the Fort Worth Municipal Court or specific juvenile courts. An experienced attorney who is familiar with Fort Worth underage DWI laws can be the difference between a life-altering conviction and a dismissal.
FAQs
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a DWI in Texas?
The cost for a DWI lawyer in Texas can vary widely based on the lawyer’s individual fees and the complexities of the case. Most attorneys charge an upfront fee, called a retainer, to begin using their services. This is a lump sum that you pay to the lawyer, and then the lawyer’s actual time is billed against it as the case goes on.
Can a Minor Be Charged with DWI in Texas?
Yes, a minor can be charged with a DWI in Texas. DWIs for minors are treated somewhat differently than DWIs for adults because it is illegal for a minor to be drinking at all, let alone drinking and operating a vehicle. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning that driving with any alcohol in your system as a minor results in legal action.
Is Jail Time Mandatory for a First-Offense DWI in Texas?
Yes, a first-offense DWI in Texas carries a mandatory three-day jail sentence. The maximum sentence for a first-time DWI with no aggravating factors is six months, but the three-day sentence is mandatory regardless of the circumstances. Your attorney can help you understand the potential for jail time related to your case.
Is a DWI a Felony in Texas?
No, a DWI is not usually a felony in Texas. Most DWIs are misdemeanor charges. However, a DWI can become a felony based on aggravating factors or if the offense is repeated. A third-offense DWI is usually a third-degree felony. A DWI can also be a felony if there was a child in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
Contact Mitchell Law Firm Today
A DWI charge can derail your life. For an underage driver, the consequences can extend to future job eligibility, school opportunities, and social prospects. You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. An experienced lawyer can help you face this challenge and minimize the impact on your life. Contact Mitchell Law Firm today.
