Penalties for DWI in Fort Worth, TX

DUI Charges

In Texas, you could be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) if it is discovered that you have been operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. For commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit has been significantly decreased to 0.04% and 0.02%, respectively. Since lawmakers in Texas are particularly harsh on offenders who have been accused of drinking and driving—or even driving while impaired by drugs, for that matter—you could expect to face some pretty steep penalties if you are convicted of DWI.

I encourage you to find out how The Law Office of Samuel R. Terry, P.C. can assist you in fighting your DWI charges if you have recently been arrested in Fort Worth, TX. You should not wait to call my firm. I am available 24/7 to discuss your case and help you receive the legal help you need!

Penalties for a First, Second & Third DWI

Drunk driving is penalized with the utmost severity, especially when a child was in the car. For this reason, you should not hesitate to enlist the help of a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you have been arrested. In doing so, you may be able to successfully avoid the following legal consequences of a first, second or third DWI offense:

First DWI Offense

Three days to 180 days in jail
One-year driver's license suspension
Annual fee of $1,000 to retain driver's license
Up to $2,000 in fines

Second DWI Offense

One month to one year in jail
Two-year driver's license suspension
Annual fee of $1,500 to retain driver's license
Up to $4,000 in fines

Third DWI Offense

Two years to ten years in jail
Two-year driver's license suspension
Annual fee of $2,000 to retain driver's license
Up to $10,000 in fines

If you have been convicted of two or more DWI offenses in a five-year period of time, you will also be asked to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This would require you to submit a breath sample that was under a specified BAC limit before you would be able to turn on the engine. Not only would it cost money to maintain this device, but it would also record evidence of a failed breath test.

Aggravated Circumstances that Can Heighten the Consequences

As if the penalties of a DWI offense aren't bad enough, you could also be charged with child endangerment if there were passengers under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of your arrest. In Texas, "DWI with a child passenger" is punishable by up to two years in jail, a $10,000 fine and the suspension of your driver's license for 180 days.

Additionally, you could be fined up to $500 if a law enforcement officer uncovers an open container of alcohol in your vehicle. For this reason, you should not hesitate to take action in the interest of your defense as soon as possible if you have been accused of endangering a child. When you come to me, a Fort Worth DWI attorney, for help, you can trust that I will work diligently to secure a favorable resolution.