Drunk driving is a serious problem in Texas generally and Houston specifically. Indeed, statistics show that roughly 2% of people<\/a> self-report that they drive after drinking too much. Harris County alone saw 3,544 DUI crashes<\/a> in 2020, resulting in 235 serious injuries.<\/p>\n

Texas law clearly holds intoxicated drivers criminally liable when they choose to get behind the wheel and drive. But Texas law also extends criminal responsibility to people and entities who supplied a drunk driver with alcohol. And this is true when the drunk driver was a minor.<\/p>\n

If you have been arrested, please contact Attorney Tad A. Nelson<\/a> today to schedule a consultation. Our Houston DWI attorney can carefully review the charges against you and determine the best defense.<\/p>\n

Texas Laws on Providing Alcohol to Minors<\/h2>\n

<\/a>The legal age to purchase alcohol in Texas is 21. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code \u00a7 106.06<\/a> makes it illegal to purchase, give, or furnish alcoholic beverages to minors negligently. The law does not require that you do so with intent. Instead, being negligent\u2014i.e., failing to use care\u2014is sufficient.<\/p>\n

But there are exceptions to the law. In particular, it is not a crime if the adult supplying the alcohol is the minor\u2019s parent, guardian, or spouse, so long as the adult is present when the alcohol is consumed. For example, you can let your child drink in your presence but you can\u2019t send her on her way with a beer to go visit a friend. Another exception exists when the alcohol is provided for work.<\/p>\n

When it comes to selling alcohol, Section 106.03<\/a> also makes it illegal if done negligently. But the defendant is not guilty if the minor presents an identification card that looks valid. This type of falsified identification could be a false driver\u2019s license or passport.<\/p>\n

Penalties You Face for a Conviction<\/h2>\n

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