By Jeff Kennedy
Texas DWI Laws
Being arrested for on a DWI charge is a scary thing. You may not realize this, but many people who are arrested for a DWI don’t believe they were intoxicated at the time of their arrest. They felt fine when they decided to drive and didn’t think they were driving drunk or breaking any laws.
The problem is that many people don’t know Texas DWI laws. They don’t realize that you can still be charged with a DWI even if you’re not over the legal limit. If an officer pulls you over and believes you to be “impaired,” he or she can charge you with a DWI.
Don’t lose hope just because you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated. There are ways to beat the charge. It may be helpful for you to take a look at the DWI laws in Texas, which we will describe below.
Punishments for DWIs in Texas
The following chart should give you an idea of the crimes and punishments that fall under Texas DWI laws:
| Offense | Punishment |
| First DWI Offense – Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 fine, three to 180 days in jail, license suspension up to one year, additional fees to retain license |
| Second DWI Offense – Misdemeanor | Up to $4,000 fine, one month to one year in jail, license suspension up to two years, additional fees to retain license |
| Third DWI Offense – State Jail Felony | Up to $10,000 fine, two to ten years in prison, license suspension up to two years, additional fees to retain license |
| DWI with a Child Passenger – State Jail Felony | Up to $10,000 fine, up to two years in state jail, license suspension for 180 days |
| Intoxication Assault – Third-Degree Felony | Serious prison time and fines |
| Intoxication Manslaughter – Second-Degree Felony | Serious prison time and fines |
Possible Defenses
Hiring an attorney can increase the chances of your drunk driving charges being dropped, dismissed, or reduced. Here are some example defenses your attorney could use on your behalf:
- You weren’t drinking at all.
- You weren’t impaired.
- The arresting officer violated your rights.
- The field sobriety or breath test was inaccurate.
- The lab made a mistake.
- You weren’t driving.
Need a Texas DWI Lawyer?
Call the Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy at 817-605-1010 to get a free case review. You can also fill out the form below, and we’ll reach out to you. Texas DWI laws are confusing, so it’s often helpful to speak with legal counsel before making any decisions about your case.
