DWI Laws in texas

 

Drinking and driving charges in Texas are unique in that there are two, simultaneous proceedings that must take place in civil and criminal courts.  The punishments for each are independent of one another.

  1. CIVIL COURTS: For first-time offenders the Department of Public Safety will attempt to suspend your license for 90 days to a year.  Defendants with prior alcohol or drug related charges will face suspensions of one year or more. 
  2. CRIMINAL COURTS:  A DWI is considered a Class “B” misdemeanor. If convicted, you may face penalties including no less than three days in jail, a $2,000 fine, alcohol education courses, probation, community service and court costs.

In addition, the DPS is now required by recent Texas laws to collect a surcharge from convicted DWI/DUI parties.  The surcharge is $1,000 a year for three years for those individuals who either did not provide a sample or provided one of 0.15 BAC or less.  For those who provided a sample of 0.16 or higher the surcharge is $2,000 dollars a year for three years.