The moment you hear your teen has been picked up for drinking, your mind races. You’re thinking about court, school, insurance, and what the neighbors will say. And let’s be honest—you’re also thinking: how did we get here?
Summer break doesn’t just bring sunburns and late nights. It ramps up unsupervised parties, lake days with coolers full of alcohol, and bored teens testing limits. Whether it’s in a park, a friend’s garage, or the back of a pickup, these are the months when underage drinking charges spike. And those charges come with court dates, fines, license suspensions, and the kind of baggage that sticks around.
The Charges: What Teens Can Be Arrested For
Texas isn’t subtle about alcohol and minors. If your teen is under 21 and caught drinking (Minor in Consumption) or even just holding a beer (Minor in Possession), that’s a Class C misdemeanor. First offense? Up to $500, mandatory alcohol-awareness class, 8 to 40 hours of community service, and a suspended driver’s license for up to 180 days.
Get caught again and the penalties scale fast. This could mean more service hours, longer license suspensions. By the third time (and if they’re 17 or older), they’re looking at possible jail time and fines up to $2,000.
Driving with any detectable alcohol? Texas has zero tolerance. A single drink triggers a DUI for anyone under 21. First-time DUI can mean community service, fines, alcohol classes, and a suspended license. Repeat that mistake and jail becomes a real possibility.
What Happens in Court—and After
Even a Class C misdemeanor means going to court. Teens will usually need a parent there, and the court may offer deferred disposition. This essentially means complete every requirement on time, and the charge might be sealed. But miss a deadline, and the deal disappears.
These charges don’t just haunt criminal records. They show up on job background checks, affect scholarships, and raise insurance rates. One night at a party shouldn’t sabotage your kid’s future, but without quick, strategic action, it can.
What It Means for Parents
If a teen’s been arrested, it affects the whole family. Driving them to court, finding legal help, coordinating classes and community service—it all takes time and planning.
Worse, if the alcohol came from you (or your fridge), you could be in legal trouble too. Texas law allows parents to give alcohol to their own child, but you must be physically present. Not “down the hall.” Not “aware it’s happening.” Actually present.
Host a party where other kids drink? That can lead to a Class A misdemeanor: up to a year in jail and $4,000 in fines. If anything bad happens (an accident or a fight), you could be held liable in civil court.
What to Do If Your Teen Is Arrested
Stay calm. Read every citation and know the court dates. Don’t delay getting legal help—especially if this isn’t their first offense. Courts aren’t lenient with no-shows or missed deadlines. And parents often misread what a citation actually means.
Deferred options can prevent a conviction, but only if all requirements are met on time. Public intoxication? Some counties offer treatment programs instead of jail—ask early. Above all, stay involved. Your teen might be embarrassed, angry, or withdrawn. That’s normal. They still need you in their corner.
Call Charles A. Banker III Today
When your teen is arrested, you’re not just dealing with a legal process—you’re dealing with their future. If your family needs help, call The Law Offices of Charles A. Banker, III. We’ve spent decades treating young people and their families with dignity when the system won’t. Reach us in Houston at 713-227-4100 or in McAllen at 956-687-9133.
The Law Offices of Charles A. Banker, III
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