What Are the Consequences of Getting a DWI in Texas?

June 29, 2022

Every 20 minutes, there is an alcohol-related vehicle crash in Texas. Driving while intoxicated puts several lives at risk such as passengers, other motorists, and yourself.  That is why the Texas government takes driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol very seriously.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you are intoxicated as per Texas State Law. You break the law at any point when the substance use affects your ability to operate the vehicle. However, if your BAC is high, but you have not lost control of your physical and mental abilities, you are still breaking the law and can be issued a DWI. In such cases, you should immediately look for a DWI lawyer in Montgomery County, Texas to avoid the consequences.

Below, we will talk about the consequences of getting a DWI in Texas. Read on to know more. 

DWI consequences in Texas (Criminal punishment)

The severity of consequences depend on how many prior DWI convictions you have. With each DWI, the penalties get stricter. The first two convictions are considered misdemeanors, while any convictions after that are considered felonies. A DWI lawyer in the Woodlands, TX can help you understand these consequences better.

DWI 1st offense

Receiving your first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000, however, if the BAC was 0.15% or more it would become a Class A misdemeanor. You may be sentenced to up to a year in prison and receive a maximum fine of $4000.

DWI 2nd offense

It is a Class A misdemeanor for which you can receive a jail sentence of between one month to one year and a fine of up to $4000.

DWI 3rd offense

It becomes a felony for which you can end up in the state penitentiary system for up to ten years. You may even have to pay up to $10,000 in fines.

DWI 4th offense

You can be jailed for up to ten years and face a maximum fine of up to $20,000.

DWI consequences in Texas (Administrative punishment)

Getting a DWI also comes with the following administrative consequences:

DWI 1st offense

The state of Texas can suspend your license anywhere from 90 days to one year. You may also have to pay a license surcharge of $2000 a year for three years to retain your license.

DWI 2nd offense

It can lead to suspension of license for up to two years. You may also have to bear the retention fee—a maximum of $2,000—to keep your driver’s license.

DWI 3rd offense

It can result in license suspension for up to three years. You may also have to pay $2,000 every year for three consecutive years to retain your license.

Additionally, you might not be eligible to vote or possess a firearm.

DWI 4th offense

The state of Texas can suspend your license for up to two years. Moreover, you will have to bear an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 to retain your driver’s license.

Hiring the best lawyer in Montgomery County, TX, can help you lower your penalties against the specified limits for each degree of a DWI offense.

About Steve Dennis, Criminal Defense Attorney

At Steve Dennis, Attorney at Law in Montgomery County, TX, we make your case our priority and invest our time and effort in providing you with the best guidance. Our clients trust us because we possess the experience and skills to win their cases. For more information, contact us at (936) 539-1234, email us at stevedennislaw@yahoo.com, or fill out our contact form to hear back from us.