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What are the consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Texas?
Question:
What are the consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Texas?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Every day motorists are pulled over and arrested when their blood alcohol content (BAC) registers as .08 or higher. In the State of Texas, the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) have become harsher in recent years due to pressure from groups such as Mothers against Drunk Drives (MADD) and others. Texas leads the nation in the number of alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities averaging 1,300 deaths each year.
Drunk Driving Penalties in the Lonestar State
Individuals who are arrested for a Texas DUI may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. However, if they are repeat offenders, the District Attorney may choose to pursue felony charges, which can have long-lasting consequences. Outlined below are some of the penalties of a Texas DUI conviction:
DUI Offense
Jail Sentence Imposed
Amount of Fines
License Suspension
First Offense
72 hours to 180 days
Up to $2,000
90 days to 1 year
Second Offense
30 days to 1 year
Up to $4,000
180 days to 2 years
Third Offense-Felony
2 to 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000
180 day to 2 years
DUI Manslaughter
2 to 20 years in prison
Up to $10,000
180 day to 2 years
Additional penalties may be imposed if the driver had a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of their arrest. Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the judge may order the defendant to attend alcohol treatment counseling, install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, abstain from alcohol and perform community service.
Hiring a Texas Attorney to Defend You
The State of Texas has what is known as the implied consent law. Any person who obtains a driver’s license is required to submit to a chemical test if they are pulled over for drunk driving. If they refuse, their driver’s license will be confiscated on the spot. When you are facing criminal charges, the best thing you can do is to hire an experienced legal professional to defend you. If it’s your first offense, your lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced.
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