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, and there are also legal and financial costs for the driver that are a nightmare to deal with.
Always choose a sober ride. It isn’t worth the risk.
The Costs of a DWI Add Up
-
First Offense
- Fine for DWI Conviction
- $2000
- DMV license re-issue fee
- $100
- DWI Intervention Program
- $65
Plus various fees and fines.
-
Second Offense
- Fine for DWI Conviction
- $4000
- DMV license re-issue fee
- $200
- DWI Intervention Program
- $250
Plus various fees and fines.
-
Third Offense
- Fine for DWI Conviction
- $10000
- DMV license re-issue fee
- $200
- DWI Intervention Program
- $250
Plus various fees and fines.
Jail time can vary from 3 days to 20 years depending on the charges and conviction.
Additional potential fines and fees
- State fine
- Bail
- Court costs
- Attorney fees
- Probation fees
- Community service
Increased penalties of $10,000 per instance
- DWI with a child passenger under 15 years of age
- DWI in a school zone
- DWI resulting in death (intoxication manslaughter)
- DWI resulting in an injury or permanent disability to others (intoxication assault)
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.
Other Consequences of a DWI
-
Alcohol and Drug Monitoring
- Court ordered alcohol and drug testing
- Ignition interlock device (vehicle start breathalyzer)
- Continuous Transdermal Alcohol Monitor
-
Loss of Employment and Housing
- Loss or suspension of driver license
- Difficulty finding or keeping a job
- Difficulty finding or keeping housing
-
Loss of Rights
- Loss of right to vote
- Potential loss of child custody rights
- Loss of right to own a gun
-
Physical and Property Costs
- Injury or permanent disability to self, including medical costs
- Vehicle impound and towing fees
- Increased car insurance
- Bus fares during suspended license
- Vehicle damage and repair costs
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.
- Driving while intoxicated in a school zone is now a state felony with jail time of 180 days to three years and the loss of driver license.
First DWI Offense (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 Offense (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