PUNISHMENT FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DWIS

PUNISHMENT FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DWIS

In Texas, every offense for driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious matter. Even a first-time conviction may result in thousands of dollars in fines.A drunk driving arrest is not only expensive, it can be time-consuming and threaten the driver’s ability to work, go to school, provide for their family, and even cost their freedom if convicted.

PENALTIES FOR DWI

The penalties for driving while intoxicated in Texas vary based on the circumstances of the offense, such as prior convictions or resulting injuries. Potential consequences of a DWI include fines, court fees, and surcharges, as well as mandatory alcohol education courses and community service, license suspension or revocation, and jail time. Even a minor first-time offense is a misdemeanor, but if an intoxicated driver injures or kills someone, they face severe felony penalties including the possibility of decades of imprisonment.

EACH OFFENSE INCREASES PENALTIES

Each time a Texas driver is convicted of a DWI it increases the penalties. The consequences of a first, second, or additional drunk driving charges include:

FIRST OFFENSE

• Fines of up to $2,000
• License suspension of 90 days to 1 year
• Jail time of 3 to 180 days

SECOND OFFENSE

• Fines of up to $4,000
• License suspension of 180 days to 2 years
• Jail time of 30 days to 1 year

THIRD OFFENSE

• Fines of up to $10,000
• License suspension of 180 days to 2 years
• Imprisonment for 2 to 10 years

SERIOUS FACTORS THAT INCREASE PENALTIES

In addition to repeat offenses, there are many other circumstances that increase potential penalties for a DWI in Texas, including:

• DWI with a child passenger under 15 years old, which may result in fines up to $10,000, license suspension of up to 2 years, and jail time up to 2 years;
• Intoxication assault, or DWI injury, which may result in fines up to $10,000, license suspension of up to 2 years, and imprisonment up to 2 years;
• Intoxication manslaughter, or death due to DWI, which may result in fines up to $10,000, license suspension of up to 2 years, and imprisonment up to 20 years

Intoxication assault is drunk driving which causes serious bodily injury to someone, such as a passenger, another driver, a bicyclist, or pedestrian. Intoxication manslaughter results in the death of another person during a DWI. Both crimes are very serious felonies.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED DEFENSE LAWYER

Whether facing your first DWI arrest or a charge of DWI manslaughter in Texas, it is essential to obtain the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Andrew Williams Law in Kingwood, we have more than 15 years of experience defending clients in drunk driving cases in Texas. Contact our firm online today or call 281-358-9111 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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.