If you are a minor in Texas, you should be aware of the fact that there are strict laws against minors in possession of alcohol, minors who consume alcohol, and especially minors who drink and drive.
There are harsh penalties laid out against you if you receive a conviction on any DUI charges you face as a minor, and these convictions can have a bigger impact on your life than you may initially assume.
School and work
The severe impact of an underage DUI conviction doesn’t just stop at fines, fees and possible time in jail. It may impact all aspects of your life, including areas you may not necessarily think about. For example, if you are intending on attending college and are relying on scholarships, this may be revoked due to having a criminal record. You may also be denied application into certain colleges if you have a criminal record.
As far as work goes, employers may see that you have a DUI conviction on your record. They may then decide not to hire you strictly because of that alone, or it could be enough to push you behind another candidate for the position that you may have been a frontrunner for if not for the DUI. You may also face limitations in job hunting options, as it can be difficult or even impossible to get a commercial driver’s license.
Apartment hunting
When dealing with serious DUI charges, you should also keep your future living spaces in mind. If you face charges of a DUI and then a conviction, landlords also have access to this information when they do a record search. Though many apartment buildings allow for applicants who have a criminal history, it’s entirely possible your application may be denied on the basis of that alone. On the whole, all of these impacts combined can make living life much harder for you.