12-year-old Charged With DWI

A 12-year-old boy in Austin is under investigation for driving while intoxicated after a chase and collision occurred. The 12-year-old was first spotted by a law enforcement officer as he weaved in and out of traffic. Although law enforcement initially thought that the child was an adult driver who was texting, the officer began to suspect a person driving while intoxicated after seeing the vehicle cross over the road’s center. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the child driver kept driving and eventually collided with another vehicle. After this collision, the child kept driving and even crashed into an electric pole, which impact stopped the vehicle. The 12-year-old was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Law enforcement has reported that the driver is under investigation for driving while intoxicated, failure to stop and render aid, and evading the police. It remains uncertain what exact evidence led law enforcement to believe that the child was driving while intoxicated.

At Wheeler Law Office, we have represented many underage individuals in all types of alcohol-related offenses and understand what it takes to construct a strong defense.

Alarming Facts About Underage Drinking

Drivers under the age of 21 represent 10% of licensed drivers that are responsible for 17% of fatal alcohol-related collisions. About 2,000 underage drinkers die each year while driving. Underage drinkers tend to be more reckless and are less likely to wear seatbelts than other motor vehicle drivers.

The Consequences of Underage Drinking in Texas

The state of Texas enforces a strict zero tolerance regarding underage drinking. Any individual under the age of 21 who is determined to have a detectable amount of alcohol in their system faces at a minimum a Class C misdemeanor, which includes up to a $500 fine and potential jail time. Individuals may also be forced to participate in community service. Following a charge for underage drinking, an individual must schedule an Administrative License Revocation Hearing concerning the loss of driver’s license privileges. If an individual does not attend this hearing, his or her driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 60 days.

The Importance of Obtaining Legal Counsel Early

DWI charges, if not adequately handled, have the significant potential to affect every aspect of a young individual’s life including the individual’s career, education, and social standing. Making sure that legal counsel is obtained early on in the case is important in underage DWI cases. A skilled Denton County DWI attorney will know how to analyze a case to increase an individual’s chances of case dismissal and whether pre-trial intervention, evidence suppression, or evidence exclusion can be obtained.

Obtain the Services of a Skilled DWI Attorney

If you are an underage driver charged with driving while intoxicated, consider contacting an experienced attorney at Wheeler Law Office today. Our firm has significant experience successfully helping other individuals who have been charged with such offenses in order to reach the best results possible.