DUI can have serious penalties, especially if people’s actions result in serious injuries or deaths of others. Certain conditions can make a DUI charge even more serious, for example, if people have a child passenger in their vehicle.
Knowing the repercussions of impaired driving when a child is present can help people anticipate their next steps. Fortunately, with compliance, people may eventually regain their driving privileges.
INCREASED FINES AND PENALTIES
Monetary consequences often accompany DUI charges. How much the courts require offenders to pay will vary depending on whether or not it is their first offense. According to the State of Texas, Department of Transportation, fines could reach as high as $10,000 if people get pulled over for DUI with underaged passengers.
Another common repercussion of impaired driving is a suspended license and removal of driving privileges. A DUI with children in the car may lengthen the time of that suspension. This can complicate parents’ abilities to get their children places such as school or extracurriculars.
POSSIBLE JAIL TIME AND OTHER CHARGES
Because of the seriousness of endangering other people, offenders may also need to spend some time behind bars. The State of Texas, Department of Transportation reports that a staggering 963 people died from DUI-related accidents in Texas during 2020. Given the seriousness of the offense, people may also face charges of child endangerment. This outcome may impact their custody and parenting rights.
People can prevent repeat circumstances from happening when they commit to responsible driving habits. With the help of a good attorney, they may find strategies to minimize their consequences or at least navigate through the legalities of their situation with confidence and hope for the future.
