Texas DWI Penalties & Consequences
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An arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can have a lasting impact on your life. Many first-time misdemeanors can result in probation, but you could be facing more serious penalties if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was extremely high, there was a minor in your car, or your DWI also involved an accident with injuries. A person with a prior DWI criminal history will also be subjected to severe sentencing if they are convicted a second or third time.
The penalties for a conviction in a DWI case will vary depending on the situation, and can include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Restitution
- Vehicle impoundment
- Court-ordered alcohol or drug counseling
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Driver’s license suspension
- Increased insurance rates
A guilty verdict in a DWI case will result in a permanent criminal record that can limit your job, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also make you ineligible for certain professional licenses and security clearances. If you are a commercial driver, a DWI conviction could lead to the loss of your job and source of income. With so much on the line, a Houston DWI attorney should be contacted at once for experienced legal advice regarding your DWI arrest and how to proceed with your defense.
Felony DWI in Texas
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DWI: 3rd Offense in Texas
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DWI: 2nd Offense in Texas
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DWI: 1st Offense in Texas
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Sentencing in DWI Cases
When a person is arrested for DWI, they will be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense based on the facts of the case. If the DWI involved an auto accident with injuries, a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or a minor in the car, a conviction in the case could result in severe punishments. Persons with a prior DWI criminal record should also expect harsh penalties if they are found guilty.
A Houston DWI attorney should be contacted immediately if you have been charged with DWI to get an immediate start on your defense. A knowledgeable lawyer will thoroughly investigate the charges against you, and ensure your rights are protected.
Prior DWI Offenses in Houston
In our state, even first DWI offenses can be treated harshly, with steep penalties being levied at the convicted individual. These penalties can be increased substantially in the event that a person is convicted of DWI for a second or third (or more) charge. A second DWI may result in the defendant facing:
- Large monetary fines
- Community service
- Mandatory attendance at a Victim Impact Panel
- Mandatory installation of a Deep Lung Air Device (formerly known as an “ignition interlock device)
- Mandatory attendance at a DWI education class
- Up to 1 year in jail
The penalties for three (or more) DWI convictions may include:
- Monetary fines up to $10,000
- Community service
- Mandatory attendance at a Victim Impact Panel
- Mandatory installation of a Deep Lung Air Device
- Mandatory attendance at a DWI education class
- Felony charges
- License suspension for up to 2 years
- Banishment from any establishments serving alcohol
- Incarceration for up to 10 years
If you have been charged with a DWI offense and have a prior conviction, it is very important that you contact a Houston DWI attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will aggressively represent you in your defense and may be able to reach a resolution in which the court reduces your charges or eliminates them completely, and a full review of the evidence against you should take place immediately after your arrest.