Penalties for DWI

When asked to take a breath or blood test to find the alcohol content, it is in your best interest to take the test, or rise having your license taken away immediately and suspended for six months. If you are found to be intoxicated above the legal level of .08, there are consequences for different offenses. There are differences for people who are over 21 and under 21.

Offenders 21 years of age or older have three levels of offenses. First DWI offense entails a fine which can be up to $2,000, jail time of up to 6 months, license suspension for one year, and annual fees of $1,000 per year for three years just to keep the privilege of driving. Second offense can include fines up to $4,000, a year in jail, driver’s license suspension for two years and a yearly fee of $1,500 for three years to keep license privileges. Lastly, the third offense can have a $10,000 fine, two to ten years of jail, and license suspension for two years, and annual fees of $2,000 for three years to keep license.

Offenders who are under 21 years of age not only have to deal with driving under the influence laws but also underage drinking laws. The “zero tolerance” totally applies – so regardless of alcohol levels you will be at fault. Suspension occurs if any of the following is done by an underage person: buying or trying to buy alcohol, lying about age, having alcohol, drinking/consuming alcohol, and public intoxication. Offences are tiered in three levels: first offense 30 days, second offense 60 days, and 180 days for third offense.

If you are in need a good DWI lawyer who understands the DWI laws in Texas, contact the David Hunter Law firm today.