First DWI in Texas

Penalties for a First-Time Drunk Driving Offense in Dallas

The sentence you can receive for driving while intoxicated are harsh, even if it is the first time that you have been arrested. State law takes a tough stance against drunk driving, and it imposes tough penalties both to deter drivers from committing a repeat offense and to prevent them from driving drunk in the first place.

The punishment for a first-time DWI can include:

• As much as $2,000 in fines, in addition to annual fees of up to $2,000 to retain your driver's license
• A mandatory minimum jail sentence of three days, with a maximum of 180 days imprisonment
• Driver's license suspension lasting up to 1 year

In the event that you were arrested with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or more, the charge can be increased to a Class A misdemeanor "Extreme DWI," which carries a maximum sentence of $4,000 in fines and up to a full year in jail. In addition, you will most likely be ordered to pay for the installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device (IID), a piece of equipment which requires that you provide a clean breath sample before you can start your vehicle.

Don't Let a DWI Arrest Ruin Your Future

The consequences of an arrest for drinking and driving extend beyond the scope of the sentence which you can receive. As soon as the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles reports the fact of your conviction to your insurance company, you can expect to see a dramatic spike in your insurance rates, and it will most likely take several years before they will come back down to a more affordable level. Further, you will have to face a future of living with the stigma of having a criminal record, a fact which can pose significant barriers in your search for employment or promotion. Don't take chances with the outcome of your DWI case.

If you or your loved one has recently been charged with a first-time DWI in Dallas or any of the surrounding communities in Texas, call (888) 867-5191 for a case evaluation with an experienced Dallas DWI attorney.