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Hi Mr. Laviage! You helped a friend of mine out with a legal case and I got your information from him. I’m 16 and was at a party this past weekend when the cops showed up. I don’t do this very often, but I was drinking that night and was kind of drunk. None of my friend’s parents were home and they ended up taking me and a few others to the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center over off Congress in downtown Houston. Maybe you know the place? My parents were able to pick me up fairly quickly so I didn’t have to stay long. They were not happy with me.

Anyway, I just got my license 6 months ago and I heard that it could be suspended after a minor in consumption charge. Is that true? What else can happen to me legally after getting caught drinking at 16? Thanks!

16 year old in Houston, TX

Hi Mr. Laviage - I found your website while searching for a public intoxication lawyer. Last weekend I went to jail on a public intoxication charge. I was pretty drunk, but not drunk enough to not remember the arrest - though I really don’t remember what I admitted to during the arrest or in jail. My court date is next month and I’ve already paid the ticket. Do I need a lawyer for this? I’m new to Texas and don’t have any prior arrests. Thanks!

John in League City, Texas

Hi Mr. Laviage, I have a question I’m hoping you can help me out with. I was arrested for public intoxication one year in college while floating the Guadalupe river. I was put on deferred adjudication for this charge in 2006. Then, a few years later in 2010, same thing, different place - this time in Austin outside of a restaurant. Now I’m thinking about getting out of my typical office job and applying for a job as a police officer. But, I just got another public intoxication charge about a month ago in Houston and am worried that they won’t accept me due to these infractions.

Is there anything I can do to get these public intoxication charges cleared from my record? How fast can this be done? And can all three be done at the same time to save money?

Thanks!

Jesse in Houston, TX

My college-aged son just received his second minor in consumption charge within the past two years. I’m terrified he might have to go to jail and will be expelled from his university. Will this affect him getting hired for certain jobs, and what can I do to minimize the damage?

Sarah in Katy, TX

My daughter was caught trying to buy alcohol with a fake ID and was charged with a minor in possession. She’s a straight-A student and has never been in trouble before this. I want to make sure her future is not ruined by a mistake made in her adolescence. How can I keep this off her permanent record?

Deborah in League City, TX