Texas DWI

Texas takes the crime of driving while intoxicated very seriously.  In fact, Texas has one of the highest state averages in accidents and deaths annually associated with driving under the influence.  There are many tragic deaths that could have been avoided had the intoxicated driver not been on the road.

  • Texas, like all states across the U.S. has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%.  For those motorists that are under age and drinking, the state has a zero-tolerance.  Teens and those under the age of 21 years are especially vulnerable to alcohol as they do not have the tolerance that the older adults do.  Under age accidents due to driving under the influence have had a great impact on the state and each young motorist must take the responsibility to turn the keys over to someone else if they are intoxicated.
Penalties

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DWI then you will be asked to take a breath or blood test.  These tests are administered to determine the alcohol content of your blood.  Should you refuse the test, then you will the officer will likely take your driver’s license on the spot and it will be suspended for a period of six months.   You may also be faced with additional suspensions should you be convicted of the DWI.

  • While there are basic penalties that you will be responsible for there are also penalties which are called conviction based surcharges.  These will be additional fines that you will be responsible for paying each year for the duration of three years.
Drivers 21 and Over

First offense:

  • For first time offenders they will face a fine of up to $2,000
  • They may also face a jail term of anywhere between 72 hours to 180 days
  • Their driver’s license will be suspended for a period between 90 days to one year
Second offense:

  • For second time offenders receiving a DWI they will face a fine of up to $4,000
  • They will also face a jail term of 30 to one year
  • Their driver’s license will be suspended for a term of 180 days to two years
Third offense:

  • For third time offenders they will face up to a fine of $10,000
  • They will also face a jail term between two to 10 years
  • Their driver’s license will be suspended for 180 days to two years
Drivers Under 21

Drivers that are under 21 years of age face much stiffer penalties.  In Texas there is a zero tolerance law and if you have just one beer and are pulled over, you will find yourself facing a DWI charge.

For any measurable amount of alcohol in your system you will:

  • Have your license suspended for 60 days
  • Face a fine of up to $500
  • Spend 20 to 40 hours performing community service
  • Must attend and complete an alcohol awareness class
BAC of 0.08% or higher

If you are pulled over on a suspension of a DWI and your BAC is 0.08% or higher and you are not of the legal age limit for drinking (which is 21 in the state of Texas) you will face the same penalties that adults receive for DWI charges, plus you will also face a conviction for underage drinking.

Driving with a Child

If you are driving with a child while intoxicate you will be charged with a felony and have your license suspended.