DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) PENALTIES IN TEXAS

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in most states, and Texas is no different.

If you have been arrested for a DWI in Texas, you are at risk of losing your license, being hit with costly fines, and in some circumstances, losing your freedom.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A DWI IN TEXAS?

Driving While Intoxicated is never good, and you can expect severe consequences if you have been arrested for a DWI.

However, certain types of DWI penalties are worse than others.

HERE IS A LIST OF THE SPECIFIC PENALTIES FOR DWI IN TEXAS:

• First offense. If your alcohol level is under .15 BAC, it is considered a Class B Misdemeanor. Your driver’s license can be suspended for 90 to 365 days, fines range up to $2,000, and you face potential jail time of 3 to 180 days. If your BAC exceeds .15, the fine can be doubled and you could face up to 1 year in prison.
• Open container. To add insult to injury, having an open container will increase your minimum jail sentence to six days.
• Intoxication Manslaughter. In the worst-case scenario that someone has been killed, you can case face up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Intoxication Assault. If you caused an accident that led to serious bodily harm of an individual, the penalties are even more severe. You can receive between 2 and 10 years in prison, and even if probation is granted you will have to serve a 30-day minimum jail sentence and fines of up to $10,000.
• DWI with a child in the car. If you get a DWI with a child under 15 years old in your car, you can be punished with a jail sentence of 180 days to 2 years and fines up to $10,000.
• Third Offense. A suspension of your driver’s license ranging from 180 days to 2 years, fines up to $10,000, and the possibility of a jail sentence between 2 and 10 years.
• Second Offense. Driver’s license suspension that ranges from 180 days to 2 years. Fines up to $4,000, and the possibility of a jail sentence between 180 days and two years.

If you’ve already been arrested for DWI in Texas than you should consult with an experienced DWI attorney in Kingwood to learn your rights and discuss the best options going forward.

CONTACT A SKILLED TEXAS DWI LAWYER

If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas, it is important to have a reliable DWI attorney on your side.

At the Law Office of Andrew Williams, we are experienced dealing with DWI cases and will fight on your behalf for the best possible outcome.

Contact our firm online or call 281-358-9111 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced DWI attorney.

Author: Andrew Williams

I am a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years experience defending people accused of wrongdoing. I am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only ten percent of attorneys in Texas are board certified in their respective field. I practice criminal law exclusively in both state and federal court including appeals of criminal cases.