Driving while intoxicated may be a common offense, but a conviction still comes with life-changing penalties. According to Texas Statutes, several factors can affect the potential consequences, including your DWI history and whether your intoxicated driving injured another person. However, all DWI charges are serious, and if you have been arrested, then one of your first calls should be to a criminal attorney.
Penalties for a DWI often include jail time, a license suspension and a steep fine. However, there may be a defense that convinces the courts to reduce the charges or the penalties, or to dismiss the case altogether.
If you would like to discuss your legal options with a Dallas DWI lawyer, then contact the Law Offices of Robert Gregg. Mr. Gregg can evaluate your arrest, scrutinize the sobriety tests and aggressively fight for a positive outcome to your case. Call (214) 891-7536 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn about the criminal and administrative penalties of a second DWI conviction in Texas:
Criminal Penalties
The consequences DWI convictions tend to be worse for repeat offenders. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a second DWI conviction in Texas may come with a fine of up to $4,000. You could also spend one month to one year in jail.
If your BAC level exceeded 0.15 percent, you had a minor in the vehicle at the time of your arrest, or there were other aggravating circumstances, then the penalties will be more severe. Extreme DWI charges are felonies in Texas. If you accidentally kill someone or injure others while driving intoxicated, then you will face intoxication manslaughter or assault charges.
Administrative Penalties
If you have already been convicted of one or more DWIs, then the judge will likely suspend your driver’s license for up to two years. You will also have to pay $2,000 to renew it for the next three years. In some situations, the state may impound your vehicle for a month and require that you pay additional fees to reclaim your vehicle.
Additionally, you may need to attend some type of DWI education or intervention program, such as a state-sponsored alcohol treatment course. The judge may also order you to install an ignition interlock device to prevent you from driving after drinking. You will have to pay all installation, calibration and maintenance costs for the IID. In addition to these penalties, your insurance premiums will likely increase, and your provider may impose liability coverage limitations.
In Texas, every DWI charge is serious; however, there are several defenses that may apply to your case. In certain situations, defendants had no choice but to drive. Other times, breathalyzers were incorrectly calibrated.
If Texas police have arrested you for driving while intoxicated, then contact the Law Offices of Robert Gregg. As a Dallas DWI lawyer, Mr. Gregg can evaluate your case and help you avoid mistakes that could compromise your interests. Call (214) 891-7536 to schedule a consultation.