There is no escaping the fact the criminal and license penalties posed by driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions are severe. While your unique charge and the personal circumstances involved in your case will influence the precise penalties you may experience, all DUI or DWI convictions pose consequences that can greatly compromise virtually all aspects of your life. The Texas DWI penalties are as follows:
Under 21 DUI
Texas imposes a zero tolerance driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) law when it comes to drivers under the age of 21. This means that any measurable amount of alcohol can subject an underage driver to stiff penalties, including:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Court ordered fines
- Court ordered community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness class
First DWI Offense
Your first DWI is punishable by:
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- Community service
- DWI education class
- Driver’s license suspension up to 2 years
- Court ordered fines
- Probation
Second DWI Offense
A second DWI will enhance penalties to the following:
- Up to one year imprisonment
- Court ordered fines
- Driver’s license suspension up to 2 years
- Community service
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
- Court Ordered classes
- Probation
Third DWI Offense
A conviction of a third or subsequent DWI is a third degree felony offense punishable by:
- Court order fines up to $10,000
- Imprisonment for up to 10 years
- Driver’s license suspension
Felony DWI
A third or subequent DWI is a felony, but even if you haven’t had that many DWIs, you may be prosecuted for a felony DWI for:
- DWI with child passenger
- Intoxication assault (DWI resulting in injury)
- Intoxication manslaughter (DWI resulting in jury)
Felony DWI penalties are extremely severe and life-altering and include large fines and mandatory minimum prison sentences. If you or a loved one stands accused of a felony DWI, you need to retain legal representation immediately.
Protect Your Rights, Your Freedom & Your Future
Texas enforces some of the harshest DWI penalties in the United States. Not only can these penalties forever change your life, they often involve ongoing costs and repercussions that can plague you for years to come. Additionally, any DUI or DWI conviction will result in a criminal record, a consequence that can severely limit your personal and professional future. Future employers, landlords, schools and others who may conduct background checks will have access to this information.
In order to reduce your risk of suffering the maximum criminal penalties, you need to have an experienced and aggressive Austin DWI attorney by your side. At Austin Criminal Defense Attorney, you are sure to find the support and unwavering legal advocacy you need to protect your rights, your freedom and your future. With more than 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of those charged with a DWI, Attorney Jones is here to help.
Contact the firm to discuss your case and learn more about the ways in which the firm can fight for you.