In the state of Texas, a person is considered legally intoxicated if their BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration) is at 0.08 percent or higher. Under certain circumstances, your BAC can be less than 0.08 percent; if the officer believes you were placing the public in danger because of your impairment, you might still be charged with a DWI in Texas. Women, younger people, and smaller people will typically become impaired with less alcohol than men, older people, and larger people, although this does not always hold true.
If you are driving while intoxicated and you have a child younger than the age of 15 in the vehicle with you, you can be charged with child endangerment in addition to DWI charges.
DWI with a child passenger is punishable by:
- A fine as large as $10,000;
- The loss of your driving privileges for 180 days, and
- As much as two years in state jail.
For a first offense DWI in the state of Texas, you will face:
- Fines as large as $2,000;
- The loss of your driver’s license for up to one year;
- Three days to 180 days in jail;
- Possibly an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle, and
- Possibly community service, DWI classes, and alcohol counseling.
For a second offense DWI in the state of Texas, you will face:
- Fines as large as $4,000;
- The loss of your driver’s license for up to two years;
- From one month to one year in jail;
- An Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle, and
- Possibly community service, DWI classes, and alcohol counseling.
For a third offense DWI in the state of Texas, you will face:
- Fines as large as $10,000;
- The loss of your driver’s license for up to two years;
- From two years to ten years in prison;
- An Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle, and
- Possibly community service, DWI classes, and alcohol counseling.
What to Do if You Have Been Charged with DWI in Texas – If you have been charged with DWI offenses in Texas, you will face serious penalties in Texas. It is extremely important that you contact an experienced Houston DWI lawyer from Sullo & Sullo. Our knowledgeable Houston DWI attorneys can answer all your questions, helping you determine your best course of action. We will attend your ALR hearing to fight for your driving privileges, then will speak to the District Attorney to determine whether a plea bargain is in your best interests, or whether you would likely have a better outcome by going to trial. We will thoroughly discuss your options and will be the advocate in your corner from the time you are charged with DWI in Texas. Because the penalties for a DWI in Texas can be extremely severe, it is always beneficial to have the experience of a seasoned Houston DWI lawyer. Do not delay—contact Sullo & Sullo today for exemplary legal representation following your DWI in Texas.
