Consequences of DUI Charge in Texas

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 3-Apr-2014

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, someone in Texas is involved in an auto accident involving alcohol every 20 minutes. Even though alcohol impairment begins with someone’s first drink, his or her body weight, gender, and diet all affect how well he or she can handle alcohol. In Texas, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if he or she is found driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent.

First offense

If someone is pulled over for suspicion of DUI, he or she should be prepared to show proof of insurance, driver’s license, and vehicle registration. Refusing to take the blood or breath test will result in an automatic driver license suspension of 180 days. If this is the driver’s first offense, then he or she faces fines up to $2,000 and between three to 180 days in jail. In addition, the driver will need to pay annual fees of $1,000 or $2,000 for the next three years in order to keep his or her driver license.

Second offense

If someone receives two or more DWI convictions in Texas during the course of five years, he or she will need to install a special ignition switch in his or her vehicle. This switch prevents the driver from operating a car if he or she has been drinking. In Texas, a second DUI or DWI offense can result in fines up to $4,000 and between one month and one year in jail. In addition, the driver can lose his or her license for up to two years.

Third offense

A third DUI offense carries a $10,000 fine in Texas. In addition, drivers convicted of a third DUI offense face between two and 10 years in prison and loss of driver license up to two years.

If you’re accused of a DWI in Texas, the Law Offices Of Jeffrey C. Grass provides high-quality representation at a personal level. Mr. Grass is an experienced criminal defense lawyer with more than 20 years of experience reprsenting clients throughout Plano, Dallas, and Texas. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Texas criminal lawyer, call .