What Are the Penalties For a First Texas DWI Offense?

What Are the Penalties For a First Texas DWI Offense?

A first time TX DWI conviction is a Class-B misdemeanor and carries the following penalties:

Monetary Fines: Initial fine not to exceed $2,000. However, other administrative fees of $1,000/year for 3 years or $2,000 with blood alcohol levels of.16 or more may or may not be assessed.

Jail Time: 72 hours-6 months. If open container of alcohol was in the vehicle minimum jail time 6 days.

Community Service: 24-100 hours.

Probation: There is no mandatory probation period, but a common sentence would include 1-2 years of probation.

School: All 1st time offenders must complete a 12 hour DWI education program within 6 months (180 days). Failure to complete the course in the given time will result in license suspension. Offenders must also attend a victim impact panel.

Evaluation: Within 180 of being convicted you must also take a drug and alcohol addiction evaluation test. The test is multiple choice and if the answers given show high signs of alcohol or drug addiction further treatment may be required.

Ignition Interlock Device/Deep Lung Air Device: Rarely for a first time offense, but it is a possibility. Sometimes a judge will order it if the offender has bad driving record or had a BAC of.16 or greater.

License Suspension: 3 months-1 year.

Other: If an accident was caused by the offender prior to the arrest they may be held liable for any damages as a condition of their probation. Judges in Texas also have the option of ordering the offender drink no alcohol for the remainder of their probation.

With all of this said, anyone charged with DWI in Texas should immediately consult with an attorney. Oftentimes, with clever strategy and defense, these penalties can be lessened of completely avoided.