DWI Charges
There are five possible DWI charges, they are:
1st DWI Arrest:
The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Texas is .08% for adults over 21 and .04% for adults driving commercial vehicles. There is zero tolerance for drivers under 21. A 1st DWI could result in $2,000 in fines, three days to 180 days of jail, up to two years of license suspension, DWI education classes, community service, and even an annual surcharge to be able to keep your license. If you have had your 1st DWI arrest, you need the best DWI attorney available in your area. If you are in the DFW Metroplex, Buck Johnson is the best DWI attorney in Dallas. Buck is a former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. You can view Buck Johnson’s profile as well as his results and testimonials. These all point to one thing, Buck Johnson is the best DWI lawyer to call in Dallas.
2nd DWI Arrest:
Getting a second DWI conviction could result in fines up to $4,000, one month to one year of jail time, up to two years of license suspension, a surcharge for keeping your license, DWI education, and the court may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) which forces you to test your BAC level before starting your car and periodically while driving.
Felony DWI:
A person could face felony level charges for the following:
• A third DWI
• DWI with a child passenger (under the age of 15)
• Intoxication assault (DWI accident resulting in injuries)
• Intoxication manslaughter
Penalties for a third DWI, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter may result in prison time. DWI with a child passenger is defined as a state jail felony, which can result in up to two years in a state jail facility. All of these sentences are subject to fines up to $10,000 and up to two years of license suspension.
Intoxication Assault:
Intoxication assault is defined by a DWI resulting in the injury of third party: another driver, a public bystander, or even a passenger in the accused’s own vehicle.
Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony carrying the following penalties:
• Up to 10 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Up to 600 hours of community service
Intoxication Manslaughter:
Under Texas law, a person commits intoxication manslaughter if he or she operates a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride in a public place while intoxicated, and by reason of that intoxication, causes the death of another by accident or mistake.
Possible Penalties:
- Imprisonment for a period of time between two and 20 years
- A maximum fine of $10,000
- License suspension and/or revocation
In both cases of intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter, prosecutors will likely also pursue all penalties attached to a DWI arrest, thus, compounding the final penalties if found guilty.
