Understand the Consequences Under Texas Law
Under Texas law, driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that can have extremely serious legal consequences.
Police are actively searching for violators of the law. Many drivers are shocked to discover that even one or two drinks can lead to a conviction for DWI.
In some cases, drivers may be arrested for a DWI even if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the limit that the law defines as "intoxicated."
An experienced Houston DWI defense attorney can often help you reduce the potential consequences of being accused of drunk driving.
In some cases, a highly skilled lawyer may even be able to have the case against you dismissed; the charges may be lessened to a lower class of crime; or they can push to have the case dropped by the state prosecution because of a lack of evidence, illegally obtained evidence, or improperly stored and maintained field sobriety tests.
DUI Penalties for Minors
For the purposes of DWI and other laws involving alcohol, Texas law defines anyone under the age of 21 as a "minor." Minors are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems.
For a first offense, minors who are caught driving under the influence face:
- Fines
- Probation
- Their right to drive is lost
- Enrollment in an alcohol education class is mandatory
- Community service
- Ignition interlock device installation
The penalties for each subsequent offense are more severe and can often include jail time. Fortunately, an experienced Houston DUI defense lawyer can often minimize these and other long-term consequences that minor DUI offenders may face.
DWI Penalties for Adults
Over the last few decades, Texas has seen DWI penalties get more severe. While specific penalties imposed after a DWI depend on a variety of factors, the most relevant are the number of previous offenses as well as your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest.
Below is some information on the penalties that may be imposed after being accused of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
Texas DWI First Offense Penalty
You could be sentenced to a maximum of $2,000 for your first DWI offense in Texas and may spend anywhere from three to 180 days in jail. Your license could be suspended for as long as two years, and you may have to pay an annual surcharge up to $2,000 in order to keep it for three years.
You may also be required to install an ignition lock device on your vehicle and participate in a DWI education or intervention program.
Second DWI Offense in Texas
The penalties for a second DWI offense in Texas are significantly higher after a first offense. A second DWI offense can result in fines up to $4,000 or a one-month to one-year sentence.
The license suspension associated with a second DWI charge can last up to two years, and there may be a three-year annual surcharge of up to $2,000. You may also be required to install an ignition lock device in your car and participate in a DWI intervention program.
Texas Third DUI
A Texas third offense or subsequent offense can result in a $10,000 fine. In addition, offenders may be sentenced to two to 10 years in state prison and have their license suspended for up to two years.
There may also be a surcharge of up to $2,000 assessed per year for three years. You may be required to place an ignition interlock device in the vehicle and take part in a DWI intervention program.
DWI Crimes & Injury to Others
The Texas legislature has defined certain crimes involving DWI that involve injury or the risk of injury to others.
These include:
- DWI in a vehicle with a minor under 15 years old
- Intoxication assault
- Manslaughter by intoxication
- These offenses are prosecuted under different code sections than DWI law and expose offenders to much more serious consequences.
Additionally, there are other "enhanced offenses" defined by the law, including injuring a firefighter, peace officer, or other emergency medical personnel, or causing a traumatic brain injury that results in a persistent vegetative state.
Penalties for Refusing Chemical Testing
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle in Texas is subject to the "implied consent" rule, which holds that by obtaining a driver's license and operating a motor vehicle in Texas, you have consented to a chemical test if a law enforcement officer suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Because of this rule, you can lose your license if you refuse such testing. This suspension is separate from the criminal component of a DWI case. It can lead to a license suspension of up to 90 days or two years.
Drivers will not lose their license immediately after refusing a chemical test. You have 15 days to request an administrative hearing about your suspension after a refusal. To request an ALR hearing and dispute your license suspension, you should consult an attorney.
If you miss the 15-day window of opportunity to request this hearing, an automatic suspension begins 40 days after your refusal. You can request an administrative hearing online.
Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
In some cases, a judge will require that an offender install an ignition interlock device. In addition, the offender's driver's license will have a restriction indicating that he or she may only operate a vehicle with such a device installed. The device must be an approved device and be installed by an approved service provider.
SR-22 - Insurance & Proof Of Financial Responsibility
People who are convicted of DWI in Texas are required to prove that they have car insurance by filing an SR-22 certificate. This can be done through your insurance company. It provides proof to the state that you have auto insurance that meets state minimum standards.
The SR-22 Certificate must be kept on file by the state for at least two years following your conviction. You will lose your driver's license and your registration will be cancelled by the state if it expires.
In addition to the cost of an SR-22, your car insurance rates will increase if they view you as high risk after a DWI conviction. As a result, a conviction may cause your insurance premiums to significantly increase.
Commercial Drivers & DWI
Commercial vehicle drivers who get behind the wheel put us all at risk. The individuals who drive commercial vehicles often are behind the wheel of cars or trucks that are designed for highly specialized purposes.
They are therefore often larger and more difficult to maneuver than passenger cars. These characteristics can make them capable of causing serious injury if they are involved in accidents. Furthermore, commercial drivers are often entrusted with the transportation of hazardous materials or even other people.
Because of the inherent risks associated with the operation of commercial vehicles, almost every aspect of the industry is regulated by the federal government, including the licensing of commercial drivers.
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, a person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL) is subject to a .04 blood alcohol content (BAC) limit when he or she is operating a commercial vehicle. This is significantly less than the.08 BAC limit for non-commercial drivers.
In addition, CDL holders who are determined to have operated any type of vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol are disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year. Drivers who operate commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials can be disqualified for three-years.
You may also be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle if you are found guilty of the following:
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test
- Leave the accident scene
- Commercial vehicles with a BAC greater than 0.04 must be operated
- Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances
CDL License Holders DWI and related offenses can result in severe fines, your CDL licence being revoked, jail time, or in the case for commercial drivers, inability to earn a living, and possibly the end of your career.
As a result, it is extremely important that commercial drivers who are facing allegations of DWI discuss their options with an experienced Dwi Defense attorney as soon as possible.
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