DWI Child Endangerment

The Texas Penal Code assumes that adults have a certain level of responsibility to care for a child, such as providing for his or her basic needs as well as keeping the child safe. If you fail in these duties, you can be charged with child endangerment. One form of this crime is called DWI child endangerment, and it occurs when you choose to drink and drive with a child passenger.

Texas law is serious about pursing both alcohol-related crimes and child endangerment infractions, which means that drunk driving with a child passenger can come with severe legal consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI child endangerment, contact an experienced Houston drunk driving attorney from Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., today at 713-222-0400.

What Counts as DWI Child Endangerment?

According to Texas law, a child is defined as a person under the age of 15. Additionally, endangering a child includes exposing the child to unreasonable harm, such as physical or mental impairment, injuries, or even death. Due to the number of accidents resulting from intoxicated driving, drunk driving with a child passenger counts as putting a child at risk of serious and even deadly injuries.

Consequences of Drunk Driving with a Child Passenger

If you are caught driving while inebriated with a person under the age of 15 in your vehicle, you can face repercussions such as:

• 180 days to 2 years in prison
• A fine of up to $10,000
• Felony charges

These are in addition to other consequences you may receive for driving while intoxicated, such as license suspension and community service.

Contact Us

Despite the severity of this crime, you are still innocent until proven guilty. For help defending your rights in the face of alcohol-related charges, contact a tenacious Houston DWI lawyer from Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C, at 713-222-0400 today.