Experienced Defense Attorney in Juvenile DWI Charges
A DWI arrest involving a teenager creates two immediate concerns for parents: what happens in court and what this could mean for their child’s future. Texas also treats alcohol-related driving differently depending on the driver’s age and the circumstances. For families, understanding exactly which offense is being alleged is an important place to start.
At Odefey, Witte, Wall, & Villafranca, LLP, attorney Jordan G. Fries represents juveniles and young people facing DWI and other criminal allegations throughout Victoria, Port Lavaca, and surrounding South Texas communities. He gives parents straightforward answers while keeping the focus on the decisions that may affect their child long after the case ends.
Texas has a zero-tolerance approach to drivers under 21, but an underage alcohol-related driving case is not automatically the same as a DWI.
Depending on the circumstances, allegations may involve:
That distinction matters. A teenager can face an alcohol-related driving allegation without prosecutors proving the same level of intoxication required in a standard DWI case. Jordan first determines precisely what law applies rather than treating every underage driving case as interchangeable.
Depending on the driver’s age, the specific charge, and the facts involved, an alcohol-related driving case may result in:
For parents, the concern is often not limited to the immediate punishment. Driving privileges, school, employment, and future opportunities can all make the resolution of the case particularly important.
Jordan looks closely at why the vehicle was stopped, what the officer observed, and what happened before any breath or blood testing occurred. Body camera and dash camera footage can be especially valuable because they allow him to compare an officer’s written description with what was actually recorded.
When chemical testing is involved, Jordan also examines the timing and circumstances surrounding the test. For a young driver, identifying whether the State is pursuing a zero-tolerance alcohol allegation or a DWI charge helps determine which facts actually matter.
A juvenile DWI case requires clear communication with both the young person and the parents who are trying to help them through it.
Jordan Fries brings his experience as a former felony prosecutor to that process while providing practical advice about the case, the immediate concerns, and the available options.
