Will I Go to Jail For My First DWI? 

 Posted on February 07, 2023 in DWI

Even having one beer too many can put you over Texas’ blood alcohol limit of .08 percent, leading to an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Texas takes DWI cases seriously, and you can face consequences that can have a significant impact on your career and reputation.  

Fortunately, the consequences for a first-time DWI are less serious than subsequent DWIs, but, as with all crimes, the potential penalties will depend on the circumstances of your case. If you have recently been arrested for a DWI, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for personalized advice regarding your situation. Prosecutors go after DWI cases aggressively and having an attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case and the penalties you receive. 

What Are the Consequences of a First-Time DWI in Texas? 

In general, first-time DWI offenders can expect to face penalties including: 

• Up to $2,000 in fines

• Three to 180 days in jail 

• Probation 

• Driver’s license suspension lasting 90 days to one year

However, other factors can make the penalties much steeper. For example, if you were driving with a child under age 15 in your car, you can be charged with impaired driving with a child passenger (even if you are only 18 yourself). This allows up to $10,000 in fines on top of the fines for your DWI, up to two years in jail, an extra 180 days without a driver’s license, child endangerment charges. 

Drinking and Driving Under Age 21

If you are not legally old enough to drive and you drink, you can face consequences specially tailored to your age group. This includes up to $500 in fines, up to 180 days without a driver’s license, up to 40 hours of community service, and the requirement to take (and pay for) alcohol abuse classes. These are the consequences just for drinking - not for drinking and driving. 

Having any amount of alcohol in your system at all while you are driving increases these penalties, and having more than .08 percent blood alcohol concentration brings much more serious penalties. 

Call a Weatherford, TX DWI Lawyer 

The prospect of facing the consequences of a first-time DWI can be very scary, especially if you have never gotten in trouble with the law before. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding harsh consequences by working with Soraya Joslin, P.C. Our Parker County DWI attorney will create a strategy to defend you that will take into account the circumstances of your case and our close knowledge of prosecutors and judges in the area. Call 817-599-7005 today. We offer free consultations. 

Source: 

https://www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/impaired-driving.html