The legal and financial costs of a DWI in Texas

The human toll of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is tragic, but the legal and financial costs an impaired driver faces are a nightmare to deal with.

Always choose a sober ride. It isn’t worth the risk.

A DWI Can Cost Up to $17,000 in Fines and Fees

The cost of a DWI in Texas ranges from place to place. See how the costs could add up:

1st DWI offence fine: $250 to $2,000
Bail: up to $1,000
Court costs: up to $500
Attorney’s fees: various, but the average is up to $9,400
Probation fees (12 months): up to $1,200
Alcohol Education Course: $70 to $200
Increased car insurance rates: about $1,000
Car impound and towing fee: about $200
Car storage fees (up to 5 days): $100
Ignition interlock device (12 months): $1,400
Restitution amounts: case-by-case

Grand Total: Up to $17,000

Other Consequences of a DWI

You can lose your job or have difficulty finding future employment due to background checks.
You can struggle to find housing. Many landlords and apartment complex management companies run background checks before agreeing to a lease.
If you are divorced and have children, your custody rights could be affected by a DWI conviction.
You can lose more than your driver license. Medical licenses, pilot licenses, and commercial driver licenses can all be revoked with a DWI.
For felony charges, you can lose the right to vote or own a gun.
A lot of paperwork and hassle.

The Law

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if mentally or physically impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

If someone convicted of intoxication manslaughter kills a parent with young children, they are required to pay child support until the children are 18 years old.

First DWI Offence (Under 21)

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, have or consume alcohol or THC in any way, shape, or form in Texas. That means it’s illegal to drive with any of it in your system. Here’s what happens the first time you’re pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI) if you’re under 21:

Up to a $500 fine if you’re under 17, or up to a $2,000 fine if you’re between the ages of 17 and 20
Loss of a driver license from 60 days up to one year
20 to 40 hours of community service
Mandatory alcohol or drug awareness classes

First DWI Offence (Over 21)

Penalties increase with each DWI conviction.

Up to six months behind bars
$250 to $2,000 fine
Loss of driver license up to two years
Potential criminal penalties