DWI Penalties in Texas
Fort Worth DUI Defense Lawyer
In the state of Texas, you will face charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit.
The state imposes the following BAC limits:
- Drivers 21 years of age or older - .08%
- Commercial drivers - .04%
- Drivers under the age of 21 – any amount of detectable alcohol in the blood
If you were arrested for driving with your BAC over the limit, you should obtain the defense of a skilled criminal attorney in Fort Worth as soon as possible. Our team at The Alband Law Firm can defend you against the charges and help you fight the possible consequences.
Penalties for DUI in Texas are based upon whether the driver has previous drunk driving convictions, if they are a minor or commercial driver, and if there were any aggravating factors involved in the crime.
Conviction for DWI in Fort Worth typically leads to the following sentences:
First DWI Penalties
- Fine of up to $2,000
- Incarceration in county jail for 3 to 180 days
- License suspension for as long as 2 years
- Annual surcharge for 3 years of up to $2,000 to retain your license
- Mandatory completion of a DWI education or intervention program
- Possible mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
Second DWI Penalties
- Fine of up to $4,000
- Incarceration in county jail for 1 month to 1 year
- License suspension for as long as 2 years
- Annual surcharge for 3 years of up to $2,000 to retain your license
- Mandatory completion of a DWI education or intervention program
- Possible mandatory instillation of an ignition interlock device
Third DWI Penalties
- Fine of up to $10,000
- Incarceration in state prison for 2 years to 10 years
- License suspension for as long as 2 years
- Annual surcharge for 3 years of up to $2,000 to retain your license
- Mandatory completion of a DWI education or intervention program
- Possible mandatory instillation of an ignition interlock device
Commercial Driver DWI Penalties
- For BAC of .04% while driving a commercial vehicle: disqualified CDL for 1 year
- For BAC of .08% or higher while driving any vehicle: disqualified CDL for 1 year
- For BAC of .04% while driving a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials: disqualified CDL for 3 years
Under 21 DWI Penalties
- Fine of up to $500
- License suspension for as long as 2 years
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol education program of at least 12 hours
- Failure to complete the alcohol education program will result in an additional 180 day license suspension
- If the judge decides to give community service, you will have 90 days of license suspension and be required to install an ignition interlock device
Need a lawyer for a DUI arrest in Fort Worth, Texas?
Conviction for a DUI in Fort Worth will severely affect your freedom, finances, and future, so it's important to challenge your charges. With so much on the line, you should not attempt to fight the allegations on your own, or with a subpar defender. You need the defense of an experienced and proven DWI lawyer in Fort Worth, TX.
The Alband Law Firm is dedicated to providing clients with aggressive defense against all types of DWI charges. Our Fort Worth DWI attorney has handled countless drunk driving cases and can advocate for your rights and best interests before the court. Don't face this difficult situation alone; make sure you have strong legal counsel in your corner.
We encourage you to call our firm today or take advantage of our free case evaluation to learn how our team can defend you against drunk driving charges!
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