DWI Consequences

When you have been investigated or arrested for Driving While Intoxicated or any other Intoxication Offense you have an absolute right to be concerned. These are serious criminal charges that have far-reaching ramifications that could potentially affect you for the rest of your life.

The consequences of a Driving While Intoxicated or related Intoxication Offenses range from criminal penalties, such as fines or jail, to restrictions or loss of driver’s privileges, an increase in insurance costs, fines, court costs, a Driver’s License Surcharge of between $3,000.00 and $6,000.00, and even the loss of future job or educational opportunities. As you can see, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can be a very serious charge with equally serious consequences.

DWI and other Intoxication Offenses Criminal Consequences

DWI 1st Offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Modified)

  • 72 Hours - 180 days Jail, Up to $2000 fine
  • Up to 2 years probation
  • 24 - 100 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 30 days in jail as a condition of probation

DWI 2nd Offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Modified)

  • 30 days Jail - 1 year Jail, Up to $4000 fine
  • Up to 2 years probation
  • 80 - 200 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • 5 to 30 days in jail as a condition of probation

DWI 3rd Offense: 3rd Degree Felony

  • 2-10 years in a State Penitentiary, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 10 years probation
  • 160-600 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation

DWI w/Child in Car (Under 15): State Jail Felony

  • 180 days - 2 years in a State Jail Facility, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 5 years probation
  • 120 - 400 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation

DWI (Fel) + 1 prior Penn Trip: 2nd Degree Felony

  • 2 - 20 years in a State Penitentiary, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 10 years probation
  • 240 - 800 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation

DWI (Fel) + 2 prior Penn Trips: Hybrid (Habitual Offender)

  • 25 - 99 years, or Life in a State Penitentiary
  • No probation possibilities

DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Class C Misdemeanor

  • Up to $500 fine
  • Up to 180 days probation
  • 20 - 40 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation

Intoxication Assault: 3rd Degree Felony

  • 2-10 years in a State Penitentiary, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 10 years probation
  • 160-600 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation

Intoxication Manslaughter: 2nd Degree Felony

  • 2 - 20 years in a State Penitentiary, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 10 years probation
  • 240 - 800 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation

Murder "Felony Murder": (Possible charge if someone is killed during a person's 3rd DWI offense

  • 1st Degree Felony
  • 5 - 99years, or Life in a State Penitentiary, Up to $10,000 fine
  • Up to 10 years probation
  • 320 - 1000 hrs. Community Service
  • Multiple classes / terms of conditions of probation
  • Up to 180 days in jail as a condition of probation
Other DWI Consequences

Other DWI Consequences Include:

  • Loss of driving privileges;
  • Surcharges of between $1,000 to $2,000 per year for 3 years on your Driver’s License;
  • A life-long conviction. A DWI conviction can NEVER be removed from your record;
  • Potential loss of job opportunities. A DWI will prevent you from entering certain professions;
  • Potential loss of educational opportunities;
  • Denial of automotive insurance or a dramatic increase in insurance rates;
  • A breath machine on your vehicle as a requirement of probation;
  • Limitations on your ability to travel outside the state while on probation;
  • Etc.

For more information about DWI consequences, click the link to the article below written by Christopher Solomon entitled, "DWI: The $10,000 ride home."

Act Now to Protect Your Freedom, Driving Privileges and Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a DWI or DUI within Collin County, Texas and the surrounding cities of McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Richardson, Dallas, Denton, Wylie, Addison, Prosper, Celina and The Colony, Texas and you need the help of an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, call The Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson, P.L.L.C. today at (866) 439-2182 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Plano, Texas DWI defense trial attorney.