It’s not uncommon for San Antonio high school students to attend after-school get-togethers, birthday parties, football tailgates, or weekend hangouts. But what starts as a fun time with friends can quickly take a dangerous and life-changing turn—especially when alcohol is involved.
If you’re a teenager—or the parent of one—here’s what you need to know about underage drinking and driving in San Antonio, what the legal consequences are, and how you can protect your rights and your future.
Teen Drinking Is a Big Deal in Texas
Texas has a zero-tolerance law when it comes to underage drinking and driving. That means if you're under 21 and caught with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while operating a vehicle—even just one drink—you can be arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI by a Minor) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
And yes, it happens in San Antonio more than you think. Especially in areas near UTSA, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, La Cantera, Helotes, or during large school events like homecoming or prom season.
What Happens If You’re Caught?
A teen caught drinking and driving in San Antonio can face serious, life-altering consequences such as:
- Arrest and detention in juvenile or adult jail
- License suspension (up to 1 year)
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
- Fines up to $500 (or more for DWI)
- Community service requirements
- A permanent criminal record
- Increased insurance rates or canceled policies
- Impact on college admissions, scholarships, and jobs
These consequences don’t just affect the teen—they can impact the entire family, financially and emotionally.
What It Means for Parents
Many parents are unaware that they can also face civil or even criminal liability if they provide alcohol to minors, or if a minor drinks on their property and causes harm.
Even if you didn’t know your teen was drinking, the emotional and financial cost of defending a DWI or DUI charge, dealing with insurance claims, and managing the aftermath can be overwhelming.
If You've Been Caught – Don’t Talk Without a Lawyer
Police might seem friendly or ask you to “just be honest,” but anything you say can and will be used against you. Whether you’re the teen or the parent, your first step should be to contact a trusted San Antonio criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts and juvenile justice system.
Protect Your Future with a Strong Legal Defense
At the Law Office of Roberto Ambrosino, PLLC, we’ve helped many teens and families in San Antonio reduce or dismiss underage DWI charges. We work to:
- Fight for dismissals or deferred adjudication
- Protect your driver’s license and clean record
- Prevent collateral consequences, like effects on college admission or employment opportunities
- Offer compassionate guidance through every step of the process
We understand that teens make mistakes. Our job is to make sure those mistakes don’t ruin their future.
Caught Drinking and Driving in San Antonio? Call Us Today.
If you or your child has been charged with underage DUI or DWI, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more options we may have to protect your future.
Contact the Law Office of Roberto Ambrosino, PLLC today at www.criminaldefensesa.com
Or call now: (210) 201-7622
Serving all of San Antonio and surrounding areas, including:
Alamo Heights · Stone Oak · UTSA Area · Downtown · Leon Valley · Alamo Ranch · Helotes · Boerne