Georgetown DUI Attorney
Defending Against Underage DUI Throughout the Greater Austin Area
Texas takes drunk and impaired driving seriously, with laws that impose strict penalties for drivers of any age. A DUI charge can lead to license suspension, fines, higher insurance rates, and even jail time. For drivers under 21, the state’s “Zero Tolerance” policy means a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as low as 0.01% can lead to an underage DUI charge.
We represent clients across Georgetown and the Greater Austin area, guiding them through every stage of the DUI process. Law enforcement in Williamson County actively patrols for impaired driving, and local courts move these cases quickly. Understanding how the Georgetown courts and prosecutors handle DUI cases helps our team act fast to protect your child's license, record, and future.
DUI convictions can have lasting effects on work, education, and travel opportunities. Acting quickly is essential. The Law Office of Todd Nickle has defended clients throughout Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and surrounding areas since 2008.
A DUI charge can change your life. Get immediate legal help from a board-certified Georgetown DUI lawyer with decades of courtroom experience. Call (737) 215-3408 for a free consult.
Get a Board-Certified Attorney Defending You Against DUI Charges
Before opening his Georgetown practice, Attorney Todd Nickle spent years in the District Attorney’s Office handling cases that ranged from serious felonies to capital murder. That experience taught him how prosecutors think, how they build evidence, and where they make mistakes. Today, he uses that knowledge to stay one step ahead, spotting weaknesses early and shaping strategies that protect clients from overreach and unfair tactics.
As a Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a distinction earned by few attorneys statewide, Attorney Todd combines advanced legal training with real courtroom experience. He has tried more than 100 jury cases and brings that same focus to every client he represents. Whether negotiating a reduced charge or taking a case to trial, he approaches each DUI and criminal defense matter with skill, preparation, and the insight that comes only from time spent on both sides of the courtroom.
How Our DUI Defense Attorney Can Help You
A DUI charge in Texas can threaten your license and future opportunities. Attorney Todd Nickle takes a hands-on approach to evaluating each case, from the moment of the traffic stop to the final court appearance.
Our Georgetown DUI lawyer helps by:
- Guiding families through underage DUI cases. For younger drivers, we emphasize rehabilitation and options that keep a clean record while addressing legal and educational concerns.
- Advising students on college-related consequences. We guide students through potential school disciplinary actions and help protect their academic standing.
- Reviewing every detail of the arrest. We examine police reports, body-cam footage, and officer conduct to determine whether proper procedures were followed under Texas law.
- Challenging questionable evidence. Our team investigates the accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results, ensuring all testing devices and methods meet legal and technical standards.
- Assessing the validity of the traffic stop. If the initial stop lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, we work to have related evidence excluded from the case.
- Exploring alternatives to conviction. For eligible clients, we seek probation, deferred adjudication, or alcohol education programs that may reduce penalties or preserve driving privileges.
- Protecting your record & reputation. We focus on minimizing long-term consequences that can affect employment, education, and future opportunities.
Call (737) 215-3408 or contact us online today. Your first consultation with our Georgetown DUI lawyer is free.
Real Defense Starts With Real Experience
Get Courtroom Confidence With A Personal touch
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Personalized, Strategic DefenseEvery case is different. We build customized defense strategies and works directly with clients, offering responsive, one-on-one representation.
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Former Prosecutor InsightAfter years of experience at the DA’s office handling everything from felonies to capital murder, Todd Nickle knows how prosecutors think—and how to counter them.
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Board Certified in Criminal Law
As a Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Todd Nickle holds a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of attorneys statewide.
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Proven Trial ExperienceWith over 100 jury trials under his belt, Todd Nickle thrives in the courtroom. He’s not afraid to go to trial—and he knows how to win.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Georgetown
Georgetown’s location within the Austin metro places it near several colleges and commuter campuses, creating a steady flow of student drivers and active law enforcement. Police and Williamson County deputies maintain regular patrols around nightlife areas, major intersections, and routes connecting nearby college towns. This close attention to impaired driving contributes to a higher number of DUI stops, particularly on weekends and during campus events.
Once an arrest occurs, the process moves quickly through the local court system. Most cases are handled at the Williamson County Justice Center, where initial hearings and scheduling decisions are made soon after booking. Defendants and their families must often address bond conditions, license suspension issues, and court-imposed deadlines within days. Missing a filing or appearance in Georgetown courts can affect both driving privileges and the strength of a defense, making prompt and organized action essential.
Procedures in Williamson County can differ from those in other Texas jurisdictions. Local familiarity helps ensure that responses meet court expectations and that no step is overlooked. Our experience with Georgetown’s legal process allows us to guide clients through each stage with clarity, preparation, and steady communication.
Penalties for Underage DUI in Texas
- Fines: A first-time offense can result in fines up to $500. Repeat offenses can bring higher penalties.
- License suspension: The court can suspend the driver’s license for up to 180 days following a first offense, with longer suspensions for repeat violations.
- Mandatory education: The court may require an alcohol awareness or substance abuse education course for both the underage defendant and parent(s).
- Community service: A first-time offender may need to complete 20 to 40 hours of community service, with more hours for repeat offenses.
Many DUI cases are heard at the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown. Judges there enforce all Texas requirements before returning driving privileges. For repeat offenses, the court can order participation in programs unique to this region or require longer license suspensions.
While jail time does not commonly result from underage DUI cases, repeat convictions can carry that risk.
Beyond these legal consequences, underage DUI convictions can affect college prospects, reduce scholarship opportunities, and lead to higher auto insurance rates or trouble finding certain jobs due to a permanent criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a DUI charge be dismissed in Texas?
Whether a DUI charge can be dismissed depends on the facts of the case. Texas courts review the evidence and circumstances according to established legal standards when deciding about dismissal.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Texas?
A DUI conviction usually stays on your criminal record unless you qualify for sealing or expunction. Texas law makes it challenging to remove these charges, so prompt legal action is critical.
Do I need to attend court for a DUI in Williamson County?
Most DUI cases require you to appear in court at the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown, though some hearings may allow attorney representation without the client present.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 737-215-3408 today!
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Can an underage DUI be expunged from a record in Texas?
Yes, under certain conditions, an underage DUI can be expunged from a record in Texas. Expungement is possible if the charge is dismissed, the individual is acquitted at trial, or they successfully complete a diversion or deferred adjudication program. However, eligibility depends on the specifics of the case and the person’s criminal history. Expungement is vital to prevent a DUI from negatively impacting future opportunities like college admissions or employment.
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How does an underage DUI differ from an adult DUI?
The BAC threshold is one important difference. Another distinction is the penalties. The goal in underage DUI cases is typically to educate and rehabilitate young offenders through mandatory alcohol awareness classes and community service. Adult DUIs often carry harsher penalties, including steeper fines and longer license suspensions, especially for repeat offenses.
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Can an underage driver refuse to take a breathalyzer test?
Under Texas law, refusing a breathalyzer test is an option but comes with serious consequences. Refusal automatically triggers an Administrative License Revocation (ALR), leading to a license suspension of 180 days for a first refusal and up to two years for repeat refusals.
Communication, Responsiveness, & Experience
Todd Nickle has practiced law in the criminal justice system for decades, spending 10 years as a prosecutor before opening our office. Having a lawyer who understands both sides of the system and has a long record of trial success gives defendants a real advantage.
Our team gives each case close attention, as legal matters in Georgetown move quickly. Local courts often set swift deadlines for hearings. We guide clients through every step, answer questions about area court procedures, and share updates as new developments occur.
Todd Nickle remains available to his clients 24/7 and takes time to develop a strategy tailored to each client's case. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially when a young person’s future is on the line.
Common DUI Defense Strategies
Our work begins with a detailed review of the facts, the traffic stop, and any test results. We often look at whether police followed protocol during the stop, how field sobriety tests were given, and whether officers properly maintained all devices. When errors or improper procedures turn up, those failures can have a real impact as the case moves forward in Williamson County courts.
A strong defense plan often means:
- Reviewing arrest procedures. Verifying the stop and all actions met Texas legal requirements.
- Challenging chemical test results. Identifying mistakes in breathalyzer or laboratory procedures.
- Highlighting constitutional rights. Ensuring officers respected legal rights during and after the arrest.
- Finding alternate explanations. Considering medical or situational reasons for BAC results unrelated to alcohol consumption.
With decades of courtroom practice in the Georgetown area, we adapt our defense strategies to each set of facts, using our understanding of local court procedures and proven legal approaches to find the best path forward.
When your child is charged with a DUI, call our Georgetown office right away at (737) 215-3408.
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“Todd was a great lawyer. I hired him for a case first time 3 years ago and he provided me with a good outcome. Since then, I have personally had to use him 2 more times, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.”- Kazim M.
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“Todd fought hard and won a dismissal of my case. We knew it would be an uphill battle but he never quit.”- Former Client
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“I definitely feel like I got fair representation and would recommend him to anyone.”- Dylan A.
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“He was always very responsive to me while following up proactively with all parties to bring the case to a close. Highly recommend Todd!”- Peter T.
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“Dealing with a federal charge as a court appointment attorney, his advice was sound and in my best interest overall. Though he wasn’t a lawyer I hired, he still treated me with respect and walked me through the whole process flawlessly.”- Teryn S.
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“He worked really hard and ultimately got all the cases dismissed. Our kid is doing great now and we are so thrilled to have this behind us.”- K.E.