In recent years the Texas Legislature has taken a hard-line stance against the use and abuse of alcohol by juveniles and other minors, enacting strict legislation in an effort to curb the number of arrests involving young adults and alcohol. The goal, as the Legislature has often stated, is to create an atmosphere of "zero tolerance" for alcohol abuse and minors.

The result of zero tolerance legislation is that in Texas, minors can be cited for violating Texas law if they are caught purchasing, attempting to purchase, possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Further, minors who consume any amount of alcohol and then drive a motor vehicle can be arrested or ticketed for illegal activity even where the minor is driving without being intoxicated.

One of the main distinctions between alcohol offenses involving minors and those involving adults is that the focus of legislation geared towards minors emphasizes education and rehabilitative measures upon conviction as opposed to criminal punishment and punitive sanctions.

CHAPTER 106 - PROVISIONS RELATING TO AGE- click here.