A DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor charge and if convicted it holds a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
Texas defines intoxication as "not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; OR (b) having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more."
First offense carries fines up to $2,000, 72 hours to 6 months of jail time, license suspension of 90 days up to 1 year.
Second offense carries fines up to $4,000, 30 days to 1 year of jail time, license suspension of 6 months up to 2 years.
Third offense carries fines up to $10,000, 2 years to 10 years of jail time, license suspension of 6 months to 2 years.
On top of these fee's you will need to hire an attorney who is an expert in DWI charges. Expect to pay $5,00 to $50,000 for an attorney who will fight for you and keep your record clean.
A few points to remember if you are pulled over or facing a DWI charge.
You have the right to refuse a Breathalyzer and blood test. However this could lead to a suspension of your driver's license for 180 days (if this is your first DWI).
If you accept a blood test or Breathalyzer test and fail or if you refuse, you have 15 days to request a hearing to save your driving privileges.
You do not have to answer any incrementing questions.
Contact a Lawyer immediately if you are charged with a DWI.
Yes DUI/DWI is a crime in Texas.
Any second DWI conviction is a felony in Texas. A first DWI is a felony if there is a person 15 years or younger in the car, otherwise the first DWI is a misdemeanor.
Having a DWI on your record can make it difficult to become a teacher in Texas. Background checks are required to teach in Texas and a DWI could cause a person to be disqualified for a teaching position.
there is no statue of limitations on a felony dwi or dui
Sure, it's Texas.
0.08%
You can bartend if you can find someone to hire you. There is no law against bar tending with a dwi.
The criminal charge of DWI can be expunged but the DMV record can NOT. DWI convictions are a permanent part of your lifelong driving history record.
Yes
DWI/DUI offenses become a permanent part of your driving record.
2 years
forever.