The short answer, yes. A DWI is an offense with serious consequences. Not only will a conviction for DWI result in a higher charge for a second DWI, but there are costs that are not only monetary that come with a DWI conviction and there is more to a DWI than just the criminal offense.
A first-time DWI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) under .15 is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. That comes with a possible punishment range of up to 180 days in jail and a $3,000 fine. A first-time DWI with a BAC of .15 or higher is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas with a possible punishment range of 1 year in jail and a fine of $4,000.
After a first conviction, a second arrest will be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor automatically, and a third arrest after a second conviction will be a third-degree felony, punishable up to 10 years in prison.
DWIs come with stigma and can result in losing your apartment, being denied an apartment in the future, it can affect the ability to get a professional license or cause you to lose one, you may denied a loan, it can negatively affect child custody, and you can be denied security clearances. Randomly, you will not be allowed entry into Canada.
People don’t realize that a DWI is not just the criminal offense but also an administrative one – affecting your ability to drive legally. Another component to any DWI arrest is an Administrative License Revocation Hearing to determine if your license will be suspended.
An experienced DWI lawyer knows how to navigate through the system and get their client the best possible outcome. If you have been charged with a DWI, call us today to discuss how we can help you navigate through the process.
From your first meeting in our firm, we know you will recognize this is more than what you expected out of a law firm. We pride ourselves on professionalism in and out of court, our accessibility (our clients know they can set up an appointment and speak with us when they would like and will often email us directly about any questions or concerns), and our passion for the law. Contact our criminal defense team today by calling (512) 494-4070 or requesting a free consultation online now.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a DWI in Texas?As a Partner at Brand & Resendez, Elizabeth brings a depth of practical knowledge and experience. She has handled cases all throughout the State of Texas, from misdemeanors to felonies. She is a tough negotiator and skilled trial lawyer. READ FULL BIO