With the development of the Zero Tolerance policy we also had to enlarge the scope of the Driving Under the Influence Law or D.U.I. Driving Under the Influence simply means there is some drug or alcohol in your body that is effecting the way you are driving. This effect was so great that an officer noticed and then pulled you over. Could this have saved your life? Possibly. The officer then tested you for alcohol or drugs and the test came back positive but below the state of Texas legal blood alcohol concentration level of 0.08%. The test might have been positive for other drugs that effect your driving as well but do not have the legal standard of 0.08% set for them. The point is, if there is any substance in your body that is negatively effecting your driving then you could be charged with a D.U.I. at any age.
First Offense By A Minor
Let us look at the consequences for the first time a minor is convicted of a D.U.I. by a Minor (17 years of age or older but less than 21). The first offense is considered a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. In addition to the fine there is a minimum of 20 hours of community service required. The judge can expand this punishment up to 40 hours of community service. Attendance in an Alcohol Awareness Course is required and, if the minor is under 18, the parent may be required to attend the course. The course is six fun-filled hours of information designed to change your choices concerning alcohol. Finally, minors will have their driver's license suspended for 120 days on their first conviction.