Juvenile DUI Attorney In Irving

Support For Families After A Juvenile Or Underage DUI Arrest

When a young person is arrested for drinking and driving, it can feel like everything is suddenly at risk. As a juvenile DUI attorney Irving parents turn to for help, I work with families who are trying to understand what this charge means for their child’s future and how to respond quickly and wisely. I focus my criminal defense practice on people facing charges like DWI and related offenses, including juvenile and underage DUI. When your child has court ahead in or around Irving, you need clear answers about what comes next, not legal jargon or guesswork.

At Kelley Legal, I intentionally maintain a lower caseload so that I can meet with you and your child one-on-one, answer your questions directly, and guide you through each step. If your family prefers to communicate in Spanish, we can do that without involving a translator. My goal is to help you protect your child’s record, driving privileges, and future opportunities as we work together to navigate the case.

Contact Kelley Legal today for a free consultation to discuss your defense options.

Personal, One-on-One Defense For Underage DUI Cases

When a teenager or college student is accused of drinking and driving, parents often worry that their case will be treated like one more file in a stack. I built my practice differently. I take on fewer criminal cases so I can spend time getting to know each young client, how the arrest happened, and what is at stake for their education and work.

From the first meeting, I sit down with both the parent and the young person whenever possible. I listen to your concerns about school, sports, jobs, licenses, and background checks. Then I explain how the law views the situation and what options may be available in plain language. My approach is to make sure everyone at the table understands what is happening and what choices we are making.

If your family speaks Spanish at home, I can meet with you in Spanish so nothing gets lost in translation. You do not have to rely on a friend or outside interpreter to understand critical legal information. This helps us build trust quickly and allows you to ask the questions that matter most to you. Because I handle a lower volume of cases, I can stay in close contact as your child’s case moves forward. I work to return calls and messages promptly, prepare you for court dates, and explain what each hearing means. For many families, simply knowing that they will speak directly with the same juvenile DUI lawyer Irving throughout the case brings a measure of calm to a stressful time.

What A Juvenile Or Underage DUI Charge Means For Your Child

Texas treats alcohol and driving very seriously, especially for people under 21. A young person can face charges even if their blood alcohol concentration is below the level that applies to adults. Depending on age and the facts of the case, the matter may be handled in juvenile court or in an adult court that hears cases from stops in and around Irving.

For minors, an alcohol-related driving charge is often described as DUI by a minor or underage drinking and driving. Penalties can include fines, community service, alcohol education classes, and probation. There is also a risk of driver’s license suspension or restrictions, which can create big problems for getting to school, work, and family responsibilities.

The legal penalties are only part of the picture. A conviction or certain types of dispositions can affect background checks, scholarship opportunities, housing, and some job applications. Colleges and training programs may ask about criminal or juvenile history. The real concern for many families is not just what happens this month, but how this case might follow the young person for years.

In some situations, there may be options for outcomes that are less harmful to a record, especially for first-time cases. What is possible depends on the specific charges, the evidence, and local practices. Part of my role is to explain how these factors work together so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

How I Help Protect Your Child’s Future After An Irving DUI Arrest

Because juvenile and underage DUI cases can shape a young person’s path, I look at much more than just the police report. When a family hires me after an arrest that occurred in Irving or nearby, I start by reviewing how the stop happened, what testing was done, and how the officers handled the investigation. I look for issues that may give us grounds to challenge parts of the case or seek more favorable outcomes.

I also spend time understanding your child’s life outside of court. I ask about school plans, work schedules, transportation needs, and any special concerns, such as professional licenses or military interests. This helps me tailor legal advice to your child’s goals instead of treating the case as one size fits all. When we talk about options, I explain how each choice might affect both the immediate case and future opportunities.

My office is in a building shared with two immigration attorneys. This setting allows me to recognize when immigration concerns may be present, such as when a young client or a family member is not a U.S. citizen. In those situations, I work to understand how certain plea options or dispositions could affect visas or future immigration applications before I advise you. While I cannot guarantee specific immigration results, I strive to avoid plea arrangements that create unnecessary risk when immigration issues are on the table.

Throughout the case, I keep parents informed while also building a professional relationship with the young client. I explain what the court expects from them, what deadlines we must meet, and how to handle school or work around court dates. When you work with an underage DUI attorney that Irving families can meet with directly, you gain not only legal representation but also a guide who is focused on your child’s long-term well-being.

What To Do Right Now After A Juvenile DUI Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest are often confusing. You may be juggling release from custody, work, school, and a flood of questions. Taking a few concrete steps can help protect your child’s rights and give us more options as the case moves forward.

Here are practical steps many families find helpful:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing about what happened. There will be time to gather facts and address behavior once you have a better sense of the legal situation.
• Collect and organize all paperwork from the arrest, including citations, bond information, and any temporary license documents or notices.
• Ask your child not to discuss the details of the incident with friends, coaches, or others, and to avoid posting about it on social media. Statements can sometimes be used as evidence.
• Pay attention to any deadlines listed on license-related paperwork. In some situations, there are strict time limits to request certain types of hearings that affect driving.
• Write down what you and your child remember while it is still fresh, including where they were coming from, who else was present, and how the stop unfolded.

Once you have gathered this information, contacting a lawyer promptly can make a significant difference. An experienced underage DUI lawyer in Irving can review the paperwork, explain immediate risks, and help you avoid missteps such as missing deadlines or making unnecessary admissions. When we speak, I will ask about your child’s age, school, and any prior legal issues so I can start mapping out the process ahead.

Juvenile & Underage DUI Cases In Local Courts

Where your child’s case is heard usually depends on their age, the exact charge, and where the stop occurred. Matters that begin in or near Irving often proceed in municipal courts for certain citations or in Dallas County courts that handle juvenile or criminal cases. Each court has its own procedures and scheduling practices, and understanding those local details can reduce surprises. In many situations, the first setting is a brief appearance where the court confirms the charges and addresses scheduling or bond issues. Later dates may involve negotiations, motion hearings, or plea discussions. For some young people, there may be opportunities for diversion, education programs, or probation-based resolutions that can limit the long-term impact, depending on eligibility and the facts of the case.

As your attorney, I prepare you and your child for what to expect before you walk into the building. We talk about what to wear, how to address the judge, and what role each person in the courtroom plays. I also explain how common it is for cases from this part of Dallas County to move through several settings before resolution, so you are not caught off guard by the number of court dates.

Because I regularly handle criminal matters that originate in this area, I am familiar with local court routines and what judges typically look for from a young person who is facing an alcohol-related driving charge. I use that knowledge to help you present your child in the best possible light, whether we are asking for a specific type of outcome or demonstrating their commitment to making changes.

Immigration Consequences Of Juvenile & Underage DUI

For families in which the young person or a parent is not a U.S. citizen, a juvenile or underage DUI charge raises extra concerns. Criminal and immigration systems operate separately, but they often interact in ways that are not obvious at first glance. A plea that seems minor in criminal court can, in some circumstances, create serious difficulties for immigration status or future applications.

Certain alcohol-related driving offenses may affect visa renewals, future entries to the United States, or applications for lawful status. The exact impact depends on the type of charge, the final disposition, prior history, and current immigration category. Because of these variables, it can be risky to accept any plea offer that seems convenient without considering immigration consequences first.

My office is located with two immigration attorneys, which means I have ready access to attorneys who work with these issues every day. When immigration concerns are present in a juvenile DUI case, I work to understand how proposed resolutions might be viewed by immigration authorities before making recommendations about next steps. My goal is to help you avoid plea options that cause avoidable harm, while still addressing the criminal case responsibly.

Although no lawyer can guarantee how immigration agencies will treat a particular record, taking the time to coordinate criminal and immigration strategy can make a meaningful difference. If you are worried about how your child’s case might affect status for them or for family members, we can discuss that in our initial meeting and factor it into our plan from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a juvenile DUI stay on my child’s record forever?

A juvenile DUI or underage drinking and driving case does not automatically stay on a young person’s record forever, but it can have long-lasting effects if it is not handled carefully. In Texas, there are different rules for juvenile records and adult criminal records, and some outcomes may qualify for certain types of relief under specific conditions. Whether that is possible in your child’s situation depends on factors such as age, prior history, and the final disposition of the case.

When we meet, I explain how records work for the types of charges your child is facing and what that may mean for college applications, jobs, and housing. I also discuss any options that might exist in your child’s case to limit the long-term impact. My goal is to help you understand what is realistic so we can make decisions with the future in mind.

Can my teenager lose their driver’s license after an underage DUI?

Yes, a teenager can face driver’s license consequences after an underage DUI or related offense. Texas law often allows for license suspension or restrictions when a young driver is accused of alcohol-related driving, even if the case is a first offense. The exact impact depends on the type of charge, test results, and whether there have been any prior alcohol or drug incidents.

In some situations, there are short deadlines to request a hearing that can affect the outcome for driving privileges. Missing those deadlines can limit available options. When you contact me soon after an arrest that occurred in or near Irving, I review any driver’s license notices with you and explain what steps we can take to address them.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time underage DUI in Irving?

It is very wise to talk with a lawyer even if this is your child’s first underage DUI or juvenile DUI case. A first offense can still create a record, affect insurance, and lead to license issues. Some parents assume that a first case will be treated as a warning, but that is not always how courts or prosecutors handle alcohol-related driving for young people.

As a juvenile DUI lawyer, Irving families can meet with me directly. I review the evidence, explain the range of possible outcomes, and help you evaluate options such as negotiated resolutions, diversion programs, or contested hearings. I also look for issues with the stop or testing that could affect the strength of the case. Having guidance early can help you avoid decisions that feel simple now but cause problems later.

How involved will I be as a parent in my child’s case?

Parents usually play a very important role in a juvenile or underage DUI case. Courts often expect parents or guardians to attend certain hearings, help ensure that conditions of bond or probation are followed, and support the young person in completing classes or community service. At the same time, it is important for the young client to understand that the case is their responsibility too. In my practice, I involve parents by keeping them updated, explaining what each stage means, and inviting their input about school, work, and family obligations. I also meet with the young client individually when appropriate, so they can ask questions and learn how to take ownership of the process. This balance helps everyone work together toward a result that supports both accountability and a better future.

Can a juvenile or underage DUI affect immigration status?

A juvenile or underage DUI can affect immigration status in some situations, especially if the young person or a family member is not a U.S. citizen. Immigration law looks at criminal records differently than criminal courts do, and certain alcohol-related offenses may create obstacles for visas, green cards, or future applications. The exact effect depends on the type of charge, how the case is resolved, and the person’s current immigration category.

Because my office includes immigration attorneys, I can seek input on how particular outcomes might be viewed by immigration authorities before you decide on a plea or disposition. While I cannot promise a specific immigration result, I work to avoid choices that create unnecessary risk when immigration concerns are present. If this is a worry for your family, we can address it directly at the start of the case.

What happens at the first court date for a juvenile DUI case?

The first court date is usually not a full trial. Instead, it often serves to confirm the charges, address scheduling, and handle issues such as bond or conditions that the young person must follow. The exact process varies depending on whether the case is in juvenile court or an adult court that serves Irving and on the policies of that specific court.

Before your first appearance, I explain who will be present, what questions the judge may ask, and how your child should respond. I also talk with you about any conditions the court may consider, such as restrictions on driving or alcohol use. When you know what to expect, it is easier to walk into court prepared and focused rather than overwhelmed.

Can you meet with us in Spanish to discuss the case?

Yes, I can meet with you in Spanish to discuss your child’s case. Many families feel more comfortable talking about legal issues in the language they use at home, especially when the situation involves their child’s future. By speaking directly in Spanish, you do not have to rely on a friend, relative, or outside interpreter to understand important details.

During Spanish-language meetings, I explain the charges, possible outcomes, and court process in clear terms, and I encourage you to ask any questions you have. This approach helps avoid misunderstandings and allows us to build a strong working relationship from the beginning.

Talk With An Attorney About Your Child’s Underage DUI

A juvenile or underage DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. With focused criminal defense work, a lower caseload, and bilingual communication available, I work with families to understand what happened, what the law allows, and what steps we can take to protect a young person’s future in and around Irving.

When you contact Kelley Legal, you speak with an attorney who will take time to learn your child’s story, explain the court process, and answer your questions in plain language. Whether you are most worried about a permanent record, driving, school, or immigration issues, we can address those concerns together and build a plan that fits your child’s needs.

To talk with an underage DUI attorney Irving families can trust with their child’s case, call (469) 564-3420.