A drunk driving conviction can drastically change your life. A DWI in Houston means that you were operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and could face serious consequences as a result. If convicted, you might be sentenced to jail time, face financial penalties, and have your driver’s license revoked. The penalties for a DWI can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This article covers everything you need to know about a DWI in the state of Texas, including what happens during booking, possible penalties, and how to fight your conviction if it happens to you. Read on to learn more about what to expect if you’re arrested for DWI in the state of Texas.
What does a DWI in Texas mean?
A DWI in the state of Texas is a criminal charge for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Under Texas state law, impaired driving is either driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08g/dL or above or driving with a drug in your system that is likely to cause impairment. The legal process for a DWI in the state of Texas can vary depending on your situation. For example, if you’ve been arrested for a DWI and have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you’ll be transported to the nearest jail where you’ll be booked before being transported to the nearest magistrate. On the other hand, if you are under 21 or have a BAC level of .15 or above, you’ll be taken to a magistrate and charged with a Class C misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. Additionally, a DWI in Texas can have significant implications on your personal life. A DWI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
What happens during booking?
Booking is the process in which you are brought before a magistrate to be charged with a crime, either directly related to your DWI or an infraction such as speeding. Depending on the type of charge you face, the booking process can vary. If your DWI is the result of a crash, you may be taken to a hospital or urgent care center before being brought to booking. If you’re impaired and unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, a designated driver may be called to take you home. If you’re under 21, you may be diverted to a substance abuse treatment center. If you’re not impaired and are under the age of 25, a breathalyzer test may be administered to determine your BAC level. If you have a BAC level of .15 or above, you’ll be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, but you will not be released from jail.
What are the penalties for a DWI in Texas?
First, let’s take a look at the penalties for a first-time DWI in the state of Texas. If you’re under 21 and have a BAC level of .15 or above, you may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. If you have a BAC level of .15 or above, you cannot be charged with driving while intoxicated. If you have a BAC level of .15 or above and were operating a commercial motor vehicle, you will be charged with a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony conviction can have significant consequences on your life, including fines of up to $10,000 and a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. A first-time DWI, even if your BAC level is below .15, can have serious consequences. You may be fined up to $2,000, spend up to 30 days in jail, and face a period of probation. Additionally, a DWI conviction can result in a lifetime suspension of your driver’s license.
How to fight your conviction if it happens to you
If you are convicted of a DWI in the state of Texas, you can face significant penalties. If you receive a Class C misdemeanor sentence, you will be required to pay a fine of up to $2,000 and spend 30 days in jail. A Class B misdemeanor conviction will result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to six months in jail. A Class A misdemeanor conviction will result in a fine of up to $4,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a period of probation. If you receive a second-degree felony conviction, you will face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. If you receive a third-degree felony conviction, you will face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. In order to fight your conviction if it happens to you, you can hire a DWI lawyer who can provide you with insight on what evidence the prosecution used against you and what you can do to fight your conviction.
Bottom line
A DWI in the state of Texas is a serious criminal charge that can have significant consequences on your personal life. If you’re facing these charges, it’s important to understand the process of booking and what penalties you could face. Additionally, you can fight your conviction if it happens to you by hiring a DWI lawyer who can provide you with insight on what evidence the prosecution used against you and what you can do to fight your conviction.