In Texas, all drivers must follow driving laws that relate to alcohol consumption levels. According to these laws, drivers who exceed the legal limit are charged with a DUI. The arresting officer will acquire a breathalyzer test to confirm these levels. The following is a review of alcohol-related charges with a criminal defense attorney in Rockwall TX.
What Are the Legal Limits for a DUI?
The blood-alcohol content readings that define a DUI are 0.08% for all parties over 21, while it is 0.04% for all commercial drivers who are at least 21. The reading for minors under 21 is literally any detectable amount of alcohol. The state of Texas issued a zero tolerance for minor alcohol consumption to prevent minors from drinking alcohol.
What Are the Penalties for Minor-Related DUI Charges?
The penalties for minor DUI charges begin with a one-year driver’s license suspension. Next, they are assigned a fine that doesn’t exceed $500. All drivers with this charge must attend no less than twelve hours of an alcohol education program. Minors reduce their license suspension by performing community services or by installing an ignition interlocking device in their vehicle at their own expense.
What Are Non-Driving Related Alcohol Offenses?
These offenses include but are not limited to purchasing alcohol for a minor, presenting a fraudulent age to obtain alcohol and public intoxication. Minor possession and consumption of alcohol are also punishable infractions. The penalties for these offenses are license suspensions based on the number of previous offenses. They begin with a 30-day suspension.
What Are Penalties for a First Degree DUI Charge?
The charges for the first degree DUI charge is a fine that doesn’t exceed $2,000. The jail sentence ranges from three days to 180 days. The driver faces a surcharge that won’t exceed $2,000 and is required for the next three years. They must complete DUI education courses and install an ignition interlocking device at their own expense.
In Texas, drivers who fail to comply with state laws will face DUI charges. These charges present penalties based on the previous record of the driver. Any driver who is facing these charges contacts a criminal defense attorney in Rockwall, TX through the law offices of Tim Hartley or browse the website today.
