Can a minor drive a drunk person home?

There are some situations when an intoxicated person might need a ride home and might ask a minor to drive. Whether or not this is a legal situation depends on different factors, such as the age of the minor and whether they have a driver’s license.

In Texas, the legal drinking age is 21, and minors are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. If a minor is licensed and has not been drinking, they can lawfully drive a drunk adult home. However, the scenario changes if the minor has also been drinking or does not have a valid driver’s license.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense for individuals of any age. Anyone facing allegations should speak with a San Marcos, TX, DWI defense attorney.

Legal Drinking Age and Minors

In Texas, individuals under the age of 21 are considered minors, and they are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages. This includes both beer and hard liquor.

Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Any detectable amount of alcohol in the system of a minor can lead to legal consequences. Penalties for DWI offenses may include fines, license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs.

If a minor is caught driving under the influence, they can face charges of DWI, which can lead to legal consequences such as fines, community service, and license suspension. The penalties may be more severe if the minor has prior DWI convictions. Anyone facing DWI charges needs representation by an experienced defense attorney.

Driving Without a License

In Texas, driving without a valid license is a serious offense, especially for teenagers subject to specific rules and restrictions under the state’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) program. This can be true even if the purpose of a sober teen driving was to avoid an adult driving while intoxicated.

If an unlicensed teen is caught driving in Texas, they may face several penalties:

• Traffic Citations: Law enforcement can issue traffic citations to unlicensed teen drivers, resulting in fines and potential points on their driving records.
• Vehicle Impoundment: The vehicle driven by an unlicensed teen may be impounded, and the owner might incur additional costs for retrieving it.
• Court Appearance: The unlicensed teen may be required to appear in court to address the charges, potentially leading to legal consequences.
• Delay in License Eligibility: Driving without a license can delay the teen’s eligibility to obtain a driver’s license, as such infractions are considered during the licensing process.
• Community Service: Some courts may impose community service requirements as part of the penalty for unlicensed driving.
• Driver Education Courses: The court may mandate the completion of driver education courses as a condition for resolving the case.
• Increased Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums may increase for the vehicle owner, as driving without a license can be seen as a risk factor by insurance companies.

Consult a San Marcos, TX, DWI Defense Lawyer

While the intention behind allowing a minor to drive a drunk person home may be to prevent harm, it can inadvertently lead to legal complications. The best course of action is to avoid situations where minors are driving under the influence or without a license. Legal advice from a qualified San Marcos DWI defense attorney is recommended for anyone facing legal consequences related to these matters.

Contact Mendoza Law as soon as possible regarding any DWI concerns.