# DWI Penalties | TadLaw

Texas Sentencing & Penalty Guidelines

## Criminal Penalties Following DWI & DUI Convictions

### Penal Consequences by Criminal Classification

#### DWI: First Offense

- **Criminal Classification:** Class B Misdemeanor
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $2,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 72 Hours to 180 Days county jail.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 90 to 365 days.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [Learn more about first offense DWI cases.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/first-offense-dwi/)

#### DWI: With BAC of 0.15 or More

- **Criminal Classification:** Class A Misdemeanor
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $4,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 30 to 180 days county jail.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [Learn more about “high BAC” DWI cases.](https://tadlaw.com/blog/penalty-for-texas-dwi-with-bac-of-015/)

#### DWI: With Open Container

- **Criminal Classification:** Class B Misdemeanor (First Offense)
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $2,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 6 to 180 days.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [Learn more about open container DWI cases.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/dwi-open-container-violations/)

#### DWI: With Child Passenger

- **Criminal Classification:** State Jail Felony
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $10,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 180 days to 2 years.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUI).

> [Learn more about DWI cases involving child passengers.](https://tadlaw.com/blog/dwi-with-a-child-passenger/)

#### DWI: Second Offense

- **Criminal Classification:** Class A Misdemeanor
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $4,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 30 to 180 Days county jail.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [Learn more about 2nd offense DWI charges.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/second-offense-dwi/)

#### DWI: Third Offense

- **Criminal Classification:** Third Degree Felony
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $10,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:** 2 to 10 years in prison.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 90 to 365 days.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [More on 3rd offense DWI cases.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/third-offense-dwi/)

#### Intoxication Assault

- **Criminal Classification:** Third Degree Felony
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $10,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:**
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [More on intoxication assault cases.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/intoxication-assault/)

#### Intoxication Manslaughter

- **Criminal Classification:** Second Degree Felony
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $10,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:**
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [More on intoxication manslaughter cases.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/dwi-intoxication-manslaughter/)

#### Habitual DWI Offenders (3rd or more.)

- **Criminal Classification:** Third Degree Felony and Up!
- **Maximum Fine:** Up To $10,000.00
- **Sentencing Guidelines:**Up to life in prison.
- **Texas Driver License:** Suspension for 180 days to 2 years.

**Special Note:** Applies to Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), Flying While Intoxicated (FWI), driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), and operating or assembling an amusement ride.

> [More on habitual DWI offenders.](https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/multiple-dwi-and-habitual-offenses/)

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Source: https://tadlaw.com/resources/texas-dwi-resources/dwi-penalties/