Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is unlawful in Texas, and the penalty can actually make your life very difficult. If you have been arrested for DWI in Houston, you need to be aware of the legal penalty and how you can protect your rights. As an experienced Houston DWI lawyer, Tad A. Nelson can assist you with your case.
Legal Definitions and Limits
A person is legally intoxicated in Texas if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, drivers can also be arrested for DWI if they have a lower BAC but are seemingly driving under the influence. For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is reduced to 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any detectable level of alcohol will lead to charges.
Fines and Monetary Penalties
The law in Texas imposes severe financial penalties for DWI convictions. The penalties are according to the number of past convictions:
- First Offense: $2,000 maximum fine
- Second Offense: Maximum fine of $4,000
- Third Offense: Up to $10,000 fine
In addition to court-imposed fines, drivers can be charged on an annual basis to keep their driving license. These fees can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years after a conviction. If you are facing such penalties, it is essential to contact a seasoned Houston DWI lawyer like Tad A. Nelson immediately. For more information, you can also check our law practice page.
Jail Time for DWI Offenses
Jail time is a severe punishment for DWI convictions in Houston. The time served depends on the offense’s severity and prior history of DWIs:
- First Offense: 3 days to 180 days in jail
- Second Offense: 30 days to 1 year in jail
- Third Offense: 2 to 10 years imprisonment
Serious circumstances, such as carrying a child passenger under the age of 15 years or causing serious injury in a collision, result in stricter punishment.
Involved in such an incident? Try to get in touch with a Houston drunk driving attorney as soon as possible and start exploring your legal options.
License Suspension
A DWI in Texas will mean that your driver’s license will be suspended. The suspension duration varies with the offense:
- First Offense: 90 days to 1 year
- Second Offense: 180 days to 2 years
- Third Offense: 180 days to 2 years
Additionally, the driver may be required to fit an ignition interlock device to his/her vehicle on subsequent offenses. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
How a Houston DWI Attorney Can Assist
Dealing with a DWI charge can be intimidating, but a competent Houston DWI attorney can help get things back on track. As an established Houston drunk driving attorney, Tad A. Nelson provides comprehensive legal defense to help you fight the charges.
If you or a loved one is charged with DWI, call for help without delay. Contact Tad A. Nelson today at 281-502-2122 to schedule an appointment.
