DWI law is complicated and to mount an effective defense to a DWI charge you need an attorney who understands the scientific evidence, the police procedure and training, and one who has extensive experience trying DWI cases. 

     The consequences of a Driving While Intoxicated conviction are numerous and harsh.  Did you know that a first time DWI conviction may result in:

The imposition of a $1,000 annual surcharge for the first thirty six months after your conviction or your driver's license will be suspended?  That amount will be higher if a breath or blood test results show that your had a B.A.C. of more than .16.

Comunity Supervision (Probation).

Community Service

Fines

Community Supervision fees

Court costs

A requirement that you complete the DWI Education Class

A requirement that you submit to a substance abuse education class.

A potential for jail time.

A requirement that you install an Ignition Interlock device on your if your breath test was over .15, or you are under twenty one.

Driving While Intoxicated cases must be defended aggressively.   When you choose an attorney make sure that attorney has extensive experience trying DWI cases.  You need an attorney who knows the scientific evidence, and the police procedure and training.   If you have been arrested for DWI, contact us immediately.

   

Below is an outline of the classifications and punishment ranges for DWI convictions.

DWI — First Offense

This is a class B misdemeanor with a punishment range of 72 hours to one hundred eighty days in the county jail. Generally, people will be eligible for community supervision (probation) on a first conviction.

DWI — Second Offense

This is a class A misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in the county jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

DWI — Third Offense or Higher

This is a third degree felony punishable by not less than two nor more than ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

DWI with an open container of alcohol-first offense.

This is a Class A misdemeanor as well, the only difference in punishment between this charge and a DWI -first offense is that here the minimum is six days.

DWI ---   with an accident causing serious bodily injury caused  by the intoxication

This offense is known as Intoxication Assault and is a third degree felony punishable by not less than two nor more than ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

DWI ---with an accident causing death caused by the intoxication.

This offense is known as intoxication manslaughter and is a second degree felony with a punishment range of two to twenty years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. 

DWI with a child passenger. 

This offense is a state jail felony offense with a punishment range of one hundred eighty days to two years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine. 


Why Driving While Intoxicated convictions are becoming even more expensive.
 
    In 2003, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring people convicted of driving while intoxicated to pay an annual surcharge on their driver's license for the first thirty six months following their conviction.  The surcharge schedule is as follows:

 $1,000 dollars per year for a first driving while intoxicated conviction.

$1,500 dollars per year for a second or subsequent driving while intoxicated conviction within thirty six months of a previous conviction.

$2,000 dollars per year if it is shown at trial that the person's breath, blood or urine concentration was 0.16 or more at the time the analysis was performed.




If you have been arrested for DWI, call us today at 214-705-9762 or contact us online to schedule a free half-hour consultation.