Understand the Consequences Under Texas Law
Under Texas law, driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that can have extremely serious legal consequences.
Authorities are actively looking for people who violate the law, and many drivers are surprised to learn that they can be accused of DWI even after only one or two drinks.
Drivers may be arrested in some instances for DWI, even though their blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than the legal limit.
An experienced Houston DWI defense attorney can often help you reduce the potential consequences of being accused of drunk driving.
A skilled lawyer might be able to get the case against your dismissed. The charges could be reduced to a lesser crime or dropped by the state because there is no evidence or illegally obtained evidence. They can also push for the dismissal of the case against the state.
DUI Penalties for Minors
For the purposes of DWI and other laws involving alcohol, Texas law defines anyone under the age of 21 as a "minor." Minors are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems.
Minors caught driving under the influence will be charged with a first offense.
- Fines
- Probation
- Their right to drive is lost
- Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol education class
- Community service
- Ignition interlock device installation
The penalties for each subsequent offense are more severe and can often include jail time. Fortunately, an experienced Houston DUI defense lawyer can often minimize these and other long-term consequences that minor DUI offenders may face.
DWI Penalties for Adults
The penalties in Texas associated with DWI have grown increasingly harsher over the past few decades. While specific penalties imposed after a DWI depend on a variety of factors, the most relevant are the number of previous offenses as well as your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest.
Below is some information on the penalties that may be imposed after being accused of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
Texas DWI First Offense Penalty
You could be sentenced to a maximum of $2,000 for your first DWI offense in Texas and may spend anywhere from three to 180 days in jail. Additionally, your license may be suspended for up to two years and there may be an annual surcharge of as much as $2,000 to keep your license for three years.
Finally, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car and attend a DWI intervention or education program.
Second DWI Offense in Texas
After a first offense, the penalties associated with a second DWI in Texas increase significantly. A second DWI offense could result in fines of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of one month to one year.
A second DWI conviction can result in a license suspension of up to 2 years. There may also be an additional $3000 per year surcharge. In addition, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and attend a DWI intervention or education program.
Third DWI in Texas
The fine associated with a third or subsequent offense in Texas can be up to $10,000. Additionally, offenders can be sentenced to between 2 and 10 years in state jail and their license may be suspended for up to 2 years.
There may also be a surcharge of up to $2,000 assessed per year for three years. You may be required to place an ignition interlock device in the vehicle and take part in a DWI intervention program.
DWI Crimes and Injury to Others
Texas' legislature has established certain DWI crimes that can cause injury or risk to others.
These include:
- DWI with a child under 15 in the vehicle
- Intoxication assault
- Manslaughter by intoxication
- These offenses can be prosecuted under different codes than DWI law, and could result in much more severe consequences.
Other "enhanced offenses", as defined by law, include injuring a peace officer or firefighter or causing persistent vegetative states due to traumatic brain injuries.
Refusing chemical testing can result in severe penalties
The "implied consent rule" applies to anyone who drives a motor car in Texas. It states that by getting a driver's licence and driving a vehicle in Texas, you consent to a chemical test in the event that a law enforcement officer suspects you are under the influence.
Because of this rule, you can lose your license if you refuse such testing. This suspension is completely separate from the criminal part of a DWI case and can result in a license suspension of 90 days to two years.
After refusing a chemical testing, drivers will not lose their driver's license. After a refusal, you have 15 days to request an administrative hearing regarding your suspension. You should hire an attorney to request an ALR hearing, at which you can dispute your license suspension.
If you miss the 15-day window of opportunity to request this hearing, an automatic suspension begins 40 days after your refusal. You can request an administrative hearing online.
Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
In some cases, a judge will require that an offender install an ignition interlock device. The offender will also have a restriction on his or her driver's license that prohibits him/her from operating a vehicle without such an ignition interlock device. The device must be an approved device and be installed by an approved service provider.
Insurance & Proof of Financial Responsibility - SR-22
Texas DWI offenders must file an SR-22 certificate to show that they have insurance. This is done through your insurance company and provides the state with proof that you have car insurance that complies with state minimum standards.
The SR-22 Certificate must be kept on file by the state for at least two years following your conviction. If it lapses, you will lose your license and the state will cancel your vehicle registration.
In addition to the cost of an SR-22, your car insurance rates will increase if they view you as high risk after a DWI conviction. A conviction could result in your insurance premiums significantly increasing.
Commercial Drivers & DWI
Commercial vehicle drivers who get behind the wheel put us all at risk. Commercial vehicle drivers often drive trucks or cars that are specifically designed for their use.
They are therefore often larger and more difficult to maneuver than passenger cars. These characteristics can make them capable of causing serious injury if they are involved in accidents. Commercial drivers often have to transport hazardous materials and other people.
Because of the inherent risks associated with the operation of commercial vehicles, almost every aspect of the industry is regulated by the federal government, including the licensing of commercial drivers.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations state that a commercial driver's licence (CDL), is subject to a.04 blood-alcohol content limit (BAC) when operating a commercial vehicle. This is significantly less than the.08 BAC limit for non-commercial drivers.
In addition, CDL holders who are determined to have operated any type of vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol are disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year. Drivers who operate commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials can be disqualified for three-years.
You may also be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle if you are found guilty of the following:
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test
- Leave the accident scene
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or more
- Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances
CDL license holder DWI charges and related offenses have the potential to result in significant fines, the loss of your CDL license, jail time, and in the case of commercial drivers, the inability to make a living and potentially the end of your career.
Commercial drivers facing DWI charges should consult an experienced DWI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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