Understanding DWI Penalties and Ranges in Texas

DWI Laws in Texas:

DWI laws are fairly stringent in Texas, and strictly enforced to ensure public safety on state roads and highways. Like every other state, Texas’ legal blood alcohol content concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08%. However, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI should any detectable amount of alcohol be found in their system.

Penalties for DWI in Texas:

The penalties for DWI in Texas vary based on several factors, including the level of intoxication and the number of prior offenses. Here is an overview of DWI penalties and ranges in Texas:

First DWI Offense:

• Fine up to $2,000
• Jail time ranging from 72 hours to 180 days
• Driver’s license suspension 
• DPS “superfine” of up to $3,500 for 3 years to retain driver’s license

Second DWI Offense:

• Fine of up to $4,000
• Jail time ranging from 30 days to 1 year
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years upon conviction
• DPS superfine of up to $6,000

Subsequent DWI Offenses:

• A third DWI offense is considered a third-degree felony
• Fine of up to $10,000
• Prison time ranging from 2 to 10 years
• If probation is granted, it will require at least 10 days in jail, and up to 10 years of supervision

Legal Defenses and Mitigation Strategies:

When facing DWI charges in Texas, individuals have the right to fair defense.. Common defenses vary greatly, but may include disputing the accuracy of breathalyzer results or field sobriety tests, challenging the legality of the traffic stop, and negotiating plea bargains with prosecutors.

Driving While Intoxicated is a serious offense in the state of Texas, and it can carry significant legal consequences for those convicted. Understanding the penalties and ranges associated with DWI charges before consulting an attorney and taking your case to trial can prove crucial in crafting the most effective legal defense. 

DWI Laws in Texas:

DWI laws are fairly stringent in Texas, and strictly enforced to ensure public safety on state roads and highways. Like every other state, Texas’ legal blood alcohol content concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08%. However, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI should any detectable amount of alcohol be found in their system.

Penalties for DWI in Texas:

The penalties for DWI in Texas vary based on several factors, including the level of intoxication and the number of prior offenses. Here is an overview of DWI penalties and ranges in Texas:

First DWI Offense:

• Fine up to $2,000
• Jail time ranging from 72 hours to 180 days
• Driver’s license suspension 
• DPS “superfine” of up to $3,500 for 3 years to retain driver’s license

Second DWI Offense:

• Fine of up to $4,000
• Jail time ranging from 30 days to 1 year
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years upon conviction
• DPS superfine of up to $6,000

Subsequent DWI Offenses:

• A third DWI offense is considered a third-degree felony
• Fine of up to $10,000
• Prison time ranging from 2 to 10 years
• If probation is granted, it will require at least 10 days in jail, and up to 10 years of supervision

Legal Defenses and Mitigation Strategies:

When facing DWI charges in Texas, individuals have the right to fair defense.. Common defenses vary greatly, but may include disputing the accuracy of breathalyzer results or field sobriety tests, challenging the legality of the traffic stop, and negotiating plea bargains with prosecutors.