Texan society is fairly conservative, and those who endanger human lives when breaking the law tend to receive harsh penalties. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, driving under the influence causes accidents that result in injury or death every 20 minutes. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important that you understand the penalties following conviction.
Along with serving the court’s punishment, a DUI conviction may have other consequences that can affect your livelihood. Robert Gregg of the Law Offices of Robert Gregg can assess your case, explain your rights and create a defense strategy that represents your interests.
Mr. Gregg is the former president of the Texas Municipal Justice Bar Association. Call (214) 891-7536 for a case assessment from a qualified criminal attorney in Dallas, and read on for four consequences of a DUI offense:
- First Offense
While an arrest does not equal a conviction, if the court decides you are guilty, your sentence may include a maximum fine of $2,000, a license suspension of one year and a jail stay of anywhere from 72 hours to 180 days. These are the penalties for a first offense, but if your history includes previous drunk driving, you can expect a more severe punishment.
- Second Offense
Texan law states that a second DUI conviction within 10 years of the first offense could result in a one-year jail sentence. You will also pay a fine of up to $4,000 and have a suspended license for two years. Additionally, those who repeatedly violate the law have to install an ignition interlock device in their car, which prevents the vehicle from starting unless the driver passes a breath test.
- Third or Subsequent Offense
If your record already has two or more convictions for drunk driving, you should not expect much sympathy during subsequent sentencing. A third DUI conviction may result in a fine of $10,000, a two-year license suspension and a jail sentence ranging from 24 months to 10 years.
- Criminal Record
Court-imposed penalties begin immediately, but your offense may have a much more lasting impact than the court’s punishment. BACtrack states that a conviction is a permanent scar on your criminal history, and it can threaten your financial security.
Criminal records are available to the public, and prospective employers will learn of the conviction. This costs many offenders lucrative job opportunities later in life.
Additionally, your criminal record may result in ineligibility for housing and educational programs, affecting your ability to get a decent education and live a comfortable lifestyle. Unfortunately, that is not all; your auto insurance premiums will also likely double or triple, and for the following three years, you will have to pay $2,000 annually to have your license reinstated.
While a DUI conviction results in several penalties, it is possible to reduce the consequences or avoid them altogether. Many drivers challenge their arrests with a comprehensive legal strategy, and with the right DUI lawyer in Dallas, you may survive the process relatively unscathed. Call the Law Offices of Robert Gregg at (214) 891-7536 to find out how to fight your DUI charge.