Is there any difference in the DWI laws for juveniles?
Yes. Anyone under the age of 21 will be judged under a different standard than adults. The law states that a minor commits an offense if he operates a motor vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor's system. This is commonly referred to as a DUI offense. A first conviction for this offense is punishable by a fine up to $500.
A minor between the ages of 17 and 21 doesn't have to be prosecuted for DUI if the officer believes the minor is intoxicated as that term is defined by the penal code. If the minor has demonstrated a loss of normal mental or physical ability or has registered over .08 alcohol concentration, he will be facing the same punishment as an adult.
License suspension laws are different for minors as well. If a minor takes a breath test and any detectible amount of alcohol is present, DPS is authorized to suspend his driving privileges for not less than 60 days for a first alcohol related driving offense and not less than 120 days suspension for a minor with one previous alcohol related offense.
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