Austin Drunk Driving Lawyers of Ian Inglis

Drunk Driving Penalties

Drunk driving is a serious issue in Texas, causing over 1,000 fatal car accidents per year. In response to this issue, the government imposes strict penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level over .08. The penalties may vary depending on the number of prior conviction, and mitigating circumstances such as open containers or the presence of a minor in the car.

First Time Offense

A first DUI/DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Potential penalties include:

• A minimum of 72 hours in jail (or 6 days if an open container was present at the time of arrest)
• A fine up to $2,000 (along with a surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years)
• Suspension of driver’s license for 1 year (may be waived if defendant completes DWI education)
• 12 hours of a DWI education program
• 24 – 100 hours of community service

Second Offense or More

A second DWI offense is a Class A misdemeanor, while a third or more offense is a third degree felony. The penalties can include:

• 72 hours – 1 year in jail for the second offense, 2 – 10 years for 3+ offenses
• A fine of up to $4,000 (along with a $1,500 surcharge per year for 3 years)
• Suspension of driver’s license for 180 days – 2 years
• 32 hours of a Repeat DWI education program
• 80 – 200 hours of community service

Aggravating Factors

The penalties can be much steeper if a person is convicted of drunk driving while:

• A person under age 15 was in the car
• Under the age of 21
• Driving a commercial vehicle

Contact an Austin Drunk Driving Lawyer

A drunk driving conviction can negatively affect your personal life, career, insurance rates, and reputation. For legal assistance, contact Austin drunk driving defense lawyer Ian Inglis at 512-472-1950.