Austin Alcohol Charge Lawyer

In Austin, Texas, alcohol is the most common denominator in the arrests of young people, whether they are minors or college students. While the law is clear on the legal drinking age, it is less so with other details relating to alcohol and its use. No matter your age, you may very well end up with alcohol charges you don't really deserve. An Austin alcohol charge lawyer at Hines & Holub can help you determine the best way to move forward.

Types of Alcohol-Related Charges

Some of the most common alcohol-related charges in Texas are driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, alcohol charges can also stem from circumstances other than these. According to the Austin Parks and Recreation "Alcohol Sales and Consumption Policy," there are guidelines regarding the sale and public consumption of alcohol that could lead to alcohol charges if not followed. Additionally, there are charges that involve alcohol even when it isn't the primary focus. Regardless, any future charges that involve alcohol could then lead to habitual offender charges. Types of alcohol-related charges include, but are not limited to, the following:

• • Public intoxication

• • Open container

• • Drinking in public

• • Minor in possession of alcohol

• • Being with a minor who is consuming alcohol

Common Alcohol Issues in Austin

There have been cases where minors were arrested just for holding an empty beer bottle while simply cleaning things up. In every alcohol charge, the circumstances and details matter. Since criminal records can impact your entire life-your reputation, college acceptance, scholarships, even your career-it's crucial that you have the experienced lawyers of Hines & Holub to make sure every detail of your case is thoroughly examined.

Austin Alcohol Charge Details

Even if you were drinking, it is possible that you were not over the limit. Like all states, Texas has legal limits and laws regulating the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, the tests that measure these limits are not always accurate or can be swayed by environmental factors. Things like medications, health issues, and the calibration of equipment such as breathalyzers can all have a negative effect on your results. If the results are potentially inaccurate, the charges may have to be dropped.

Risks of Managing Without a Lawyer

At first, you might think you have no other choice but to accept the charges and enter a guilty plea. However, this is not always the case. In many situations, it is possible to get the charges reduced or even dropped. This is especially true if you have no previous record involving alcohol or drugs and a perfect example of why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer at your side. Without one, you could easily end up facing jail time, heavy fines, driving limitations, or other penalties that you don't deserve.

Alcohol use and drunk driving are getting more attention all the time. An experienced Austin alcohol charge lawyer can help you navigate these charges to minimize the impact they have on your life.