Texas DWI Penalties & Laws | 
The penalties in Texas for DWI vary depending on whether you have been convicted of DWI in the past. The penalties for a first DWI are significantly less than the penalties for a second, third or subsequent DWI.
Call the Law Offices of Billy Skinner today: (713) 600-7777.
Texas DWI Crimes, Penalties, Defenses, FAQs & More
Billy Skinner has extensive experience in prosecuting and defending a variety of DWI charges. He has compiled a drunk driving resource box for those who have been charged with or are looking for information regarding the various DWI crimes, laws, FAQs or consequences.
First DWI in Texas
A first DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor that may include the following penalties:
- 72 hours to 180 days in jail
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- Up to one year driver’s license suspension
- 24 to 100 hours of required community service
If you are convicted of a first DWI you may be entitled to probation instead of jail time, however, you must complete a required 12 hour DWI education course within 180 days of being placed on probation. Failure to complete the course within that amount of time may lead to your driver’s license being suspended for additional time. You may also have to pay $1,000 every year for the next three years in order to keep your license. DWI can be a costly mistake but the attorneys at the Law Offices of Billy Skinner can help.
Second DWI in Texas
A second DWI in Texas is a Class A misdemeanor that may include the following penalties:
- 30 days to one year in jail
- Up to a $4,000 fine
- Up to two years driver’s license suspension
The second time you are convicted of a DWI you may receive probation instead of jail time but the requirements of probation are difficult. If you are given probation after your second DWI, you will also be required to complete DWI classes and community service hours. Additionally, you will have to pay $1,500 each year for the next three years in order to keep your driver’s license in good standing.
Third or Subsequent DWI in Texas
A Third DWI is a third degree felony with the following penalties:
- Between two and 10 years in prison
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Up to two years driver’s license suspension
- 80 to 200 hours of community service
On your third or subsequent DWI you will have to pay $2,000 each year for the next three years in order to keep your license in good standing. You are eligible for probation instead of incarceration on your third DWI but on your fourth DWI probation is not an option. It is difficult to avoid incarceration on your third or subsequent DWI, which is why you should hire Houston DWI attorney Billy Skinner to represent you.
Call Billy Skinner today for a free consultation: (713) 600-7777.
Other Types of Felony DWI in Texas
In addition to DWI, other felonies may be charged in cases that involve car accidents, serious injuries or driving while intoxicated with minor children in the car. The penalties for these offenses are similar to a third or subsequent DWI.
Commercial Vehicle DWI in Texas
Commercial drivers with .04 or greater blood alcohol content are considered intoxicated under the law and are subject to the standard DWI penalties. Drivers with a CDL also face:
- CDL suspension for one year on a first DWI conviction
- Lifetime revocation of CDL upon a second DWI conviction
If you have been arrested for DWI, contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Billy Skinner for a free initial consultation and let us fight your Houston DWI case.
Contact The Law Offices of Billy Skinner today: (713) 600-7777.
