When an adult is charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, the penalties can seriously impact their freedom, their finances and their future. What might you experience after a drunk driving charge?
What are the penalties for a first drunk driving conviction?
Even a first drunk driving charge can lead to serious penalties. Drivers who operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than .08 even once could potentially face:
- Between 3 days and 6 months in jail
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Driver’s license suspension of up to one year
In addition to these penalties, drivers may also need to pay additional fines from the state.
What are the penalties for a DWI with prior convictions on your record?
If you have a prior conviction on your criminal record, the penalties for your second drunk driving charge become even steeper. Penalties for a second DWI include:
- Between one month and one year in jail
- Fines of up to $4,000
- Driver’s license suspension of up to two years
For a drunk driving charge with two prior convictions on your record, the penalties become even steeper. These include:
- Between two and ten years in jail
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Driver’s license suspension of up to two years
Drivers with multiple DWI charges on their record may also have to use an ignition interlock device when operating a vehicle.
Other factors may increase the impact of a charge.
While DWI charges involve serious penalties, other factors about the driver’s situation can make them even more severe. Driving while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 15, for example, involves additional charges, significant fines, longer jail time and additional time without a driver’s license. Other potential factors include driving with a BAC of .15 or more or refusing to take a sobriety test.
While these penalties are serious, it is possible for drivers to defend themselves against these charges and the impact they could have on their lives.