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What Are The Penalties For Drunk Driving?

A charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) is oftentimes a person’s first and only run-in with the law. The experience of being placed in handcuffs, being brought down to the police station and spending the night in jail – along with having the anxiety of possibly serving criminal consequences looming over your head – can be extremely frightening.

If you have been arrested on a first-time DWI charge, then it is urgent that you retain the services of a powerful legal team to protect your future and reputation. At Kyle Law Firm, our DWI attorneys have defended numerous clients against a variety of drunk driving charges and can provide the powerful defense you need during this difficult time.

First-Time Offenders

A first-offense DWI conviction can bring the following consequences:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Up to $2,000 in fines
  • Driver’s license suspension of up to 365 days
  • Increased car insurance rates

These penalties can increase in the event that an intoxicated driver causes an accident that results in injury or death to another person. Other aggravating factors include refusing a chemical test or being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with a minor under the age of 15 in the vehicle. Regardless of the circumstances, any first-time DWI is a serious offense and must be handled by an experienced attorney to win one’s chances of securing a favorable outcome for their situation.

Dealing With Two Or More DWI Convictions

Law enforcement and the criminal justice system make the erroneous assumption that steeper penalties will curb people’s behaviors. Instead, it only brings them undue hardship in their day-to-day lives. One of the reasons that our lawyers fight so hard for our clients is to keep the penalties as minimal as possible, knowing that the default sentencing is often in excess of the alleged crime.

If you are convicted of a second DWI offense, the penalties can include:

  • A $4,000 fine
  • Thirty days to one year of jail time
  • A two-year license suspension
  • A $2,000-a-year surcharge for three years

If you are convicted of a third DWI offense, the penalties could be:

  • A $10,000 fine
  • Two to 10 years in prison
  • Another two-year license suspension
  • An additional $2,000 yearly surcharge for three years

A DWI intervention course may also be necessary, requiring more fees and time taken out of your schedule. If an ignition interlock device (IID) is installed in your car, you will also be taxed monthly for it.

There Is A Viable Defense For Your Case

At Kyle Law Firm, our attorneys have learned throughout their extensive and impressive legal careers that every charge has a defense. It is just a matter of uncovering or creating it through hard work, a total understanding of Texas state law and an unwavering commitment to our clients. In situations where a conviction is guaranteed, you can always fight for lessened sentencing, allowing our professionals to step in and act on your behalf.

To get started on your defense, reach out to us today. You can call our office at 830-620-9402 or contact us online. Initial consultations are always free.