DWI PUNISHMENTS
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses in Texas carry severe penalties and can have lasting consequences. In the state of Texas, a prosecutor only needs to prove one of the following elements to secure a conviction:
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The individual lacked the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the introduction of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
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The individual had a breath or blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
This means that a person can be convicted of DWI even if their BAC is below 0.08 or they refuse to provide a breath sample.
Hiring an experienced DWI Defense Team like Robin McCarty and Bria Larson is crucial in navigating the legal process and exploring the best defense strategies for DWI charges. A skilled attorney can help in potentially having charges dismissed, qualifying for pre-trial intervention, or receiving deferred adjudication.
DWI PUNISHMENTS
HERE ARE THE PENALTIES FOR VARIOUS DWI OFFENSES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS:
First DWI Penalties:
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Class B misdemeanor
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Up to $5,000 in fines
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Up to 180 days in county jail
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License suspension for up to a year
Second DWI Penalties:
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Class A misdemeanor
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Up to $8,500 in fines
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Up to 1 year in county jail
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License suspension for up to a year
Third DWI Penalties:
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3rd degree felony
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Up to $10,000 in fines
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Up to 10 years in Texas Department of Corrections
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License suspension for up to 2 years
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Driver’s license reinstatement surcharge of $2,000 per year for three years
Fourth DWI Penalties:
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Up to $20,000 in fines
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Up to 20 years of imprisonment in the federal penitentiary system
Intoxication Assault (DWI with Injury):
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3rd degree felony
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Up to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
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$10,000 in fines
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License suspension for 2 years
Intoxication Manslaughter (DWI with Death):
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Second degree felony
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Up to 20 years in prison
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$10,000 in fines
DWI with Child:
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State jail felony
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Confinement for up to 2 years
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Fine not exceeding $10,000
DWI with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):
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Class B misdemeanor
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Jail term of up to 180 days
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Fine up to $3,000
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CDL suspension for up to one year
DWI with CHL/LTC:
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Unlawfully carrying a weapon charge
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Class A misdemeanor
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Up to 1 year in county jail
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Fine of up to $4,000​