Houston DWI Penalties: Fines, Jail, and License Loss

You’re Not Alone, But You’re In For A Ride

If you’re facing criminal charges for a drunk driving offense in Houston, it’s a common occurrence, and you’re not alone. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) convictions have severe consequences that can mean penalties at the misdemeanor and felony level.

If you’re in need of a criminal law counselor in Houston, don’t panic. Attorney Tad Nelson provides legal representation for people charged with DWI offenses and will assist you in assessing your situation. If you need to speak with a defense attorney about your DWI or other criminal charges, call us today at 281-280-0100.

First Offense DWI: A Financial Punch to the Gut

It is a well-known fact that being convicted of a DWI for even the first time can hurt your finances. Depending on the details of your case, the fines you may be required to pay could vary from $2,000 to $10,000. Furthermore, you’ll be required to pay court expenses, probation fees, for any damages you may have caused.

License Suspension: Kiss Your Freedom Goodbye

Most folks take driving for granted, but if they’re arrested on suspicion of DWI, they quickly soon realize how much they rely on the privilege. A first-time DWI conviction can lead to the suspension of your Texas Driver License for up to 2 years.

Ignition Interlock Device: The Scarlet Letter of Driving

If you’re lucky enough to get your license back, be prepared for a not-so-welcome addition to your vehicle—an ignition interlock device. The court might require you to blow into this breathalyzer before you can start your car.

Not exactly a badge of honor, but it’s better than not driving at all. If you blow a positive for intoxication, the court will be notified, and your probationary community supervision agreement may be revoked.

Second Offense DWI: Things Get Ugly

If you thought a first-time DWI conviction was bad, 2nd offense DWI conviction are worse.

Higher Fines and Lengthier License Suspensions

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) for the second time, you may have to bear a heavy financial burden as the fines can be as high as $10,000. Your driving license could also be suspended for a maximum of two years. Additionally, you will be required to pay an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for three years to keep your license, which can further increase your monetary burden.

Jail Time Becomes A Thing

Unlike a first-time DWI conviction, a second offense means you’re going to jail—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you’re convicted, you’ll face a minimum of 30 days and up to 1 year behind bars. That’s time away from your family, friends, and job, and it’s not something you want to experience. In most cases, we can get the court to defer jail time in exchange for a probationary agreement. However, each case is different and we recommend contact our law office to learn more about your options.

Third Offense DWI: The Three-Strike Rule

A third DWI conviction means serious trouble. This is a felony conviction. The consequences are dire, and you’ll wish that had never left home that day.

Fines That’ll Make Your Head Spin

With a third DWI conviction, you’ll be slapped with fines up to $20,000. And remember that annual surcharge to renew your Texas Driver License? It can now be as high as $2,500 annually for 3 years. Although first & second offense DWI cases are seemingly minor misdemeanor criminal offenses, this is why us DWI lawyers harp on fighting first & second offense charges hand, tooth, and nail, because it’s not hard for a future DWI arrest to result in felony charges.

License Suspension: An Extended Vacation from Driving

Another subtle penalty of a felony DWI conviction is that your Texas Driver License can be suspended for two years or even permanently. If you live in the Houston area, you know it’ll be nearly impossible to survive without personal transportation. If you do manage to get your license back, you’ll still have to deal with that pesky ignition interlock device. At least for a time.

Prison Time: The Ultimate Price to Pay

A third DWI conviction isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it could a one-way ticket to prison. If you’re convicted, you could be facing a minimum of 2 years and up to 10 years behind bars. That’s a significant chunk of your life spent in a cell. It may be impossible to recover from the impact on your family, career, and overall experience of being in prison for so long.

However, our law firm has had success in finding relief for people in this situation. Again, criminal penalties largely depend on the circumstances of your case and the nature of your previous charges. The courts understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to justice, so you should have options granted that you have the right lawyer on the case. However, some jail time will be required for the courts to enter into any community supervision agreement on a felony DWI charges.

Collateral Consequences: The Ripple Effect

Insurance Premiums: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Once you’re convicted of a DWI offense, and it starts to appear on your criminal background or driving record, your insurance premiums will skyrocket. Your insurance carrier may even decide to drop your policy altogether, forcing you to find coverage elsewhere. Auto insurance for responsible drivers is already high, so finding affordable rates with a DWI conviction on your record will be an uphill battle.

Employment: The Job Hunt Just Got Harder

A DWI conviction can limit your job opportunities, especially if your career involves driving. If you’re convicted, you could be fired from your current job. To add insult to injury, future employers might even think twice before hiring you. It’s a harsh reality but one you’ll need to face if you’re convicted of any drunk driving offense.

The Silver Lining: Attorney Tad Nelson at Your Side

Despite the grim outlook, there’s hope. You don’t have to navigate these treacherous waters alone. If the court wants to take your freedom, levy a fine, or take your driving privileges away, they need to prove their accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Attorney Tad Nelson is your lifeline, your ally in the battle against DWI charges. Tad Nelson is Board Certified® in Criminal Law, an ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientist, and knows how to spot a weak DWI case from a mile way.

With his expertise and experience on your side, you’ll have the best chance of minimizing the consequences you might face and help you regain control of your life. In fact, we may even get your case dismissed on the first court docket.

If you’re seeking help for your self or a close relative or friend, contact our law offices today. Houston DWI Lawyer Tad A. Nelson has law office locations in Downtown Houston, The Heights, Galveston Island, and League City, TX.

Feel welcome to stop and speak with our legal team today or call us at 281-280-0100.