Protecting Your Rights & Future

Being arrested for DWI can be a terrifying experience. You may be worried about your future, your job, and your reputation. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand what you are going through and are here to help. 

Our Burnet County DWI defense lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can provide the strong representation you need. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with DWI, call (512) 991-0576 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

What Is the Legal Limit for DWI in Texas?

In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If you are under the age of 21, you can be charged with DWI if your BAC is 0.02% or higher. Commercial drivers can be charged with DWI if their BAC is 0.04% or higher.

It is important to note that you can be arrested for DWI even if you are not “drunk.” 

If a police officer believes that you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, you can be taken into custody. This means that you can be arrested for DWI even if your BAC is below the legal limit. In fact, you can be arrested for DWI if you are not under the influence of alcohol at all. If you are impaired by drugs, you can be charged with DWI.

Penalties for a First-Time DWI in Texas

First-time DWI offenses are typically charged as Class B misdemeanors in Texas. However, if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. 

The penalties for a first-time DWI conviction include:

• 72 hours to 180 days in jail
• Fines of up to $2,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for a Second DWI in Texas

Second DWI offenses are typically charged as Class A misdemeanors in Texas. However, if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you can be charged with a felony. 

The penalties for a second DWI conviction include:

• 30 days to 1 year in jail
• Fines of up to $4,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for a Third DWI in Texas

Third DWI offenses are typically charged as third-degree felonies in Texas. 

The penalties for a third DWI conviction include:

• 2 to 10 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for a Fourth DWI in Texas

Fourth DWI offenses are typically charged as second-degree felonies in Texas. 

The penalties for a fourth DWI conviction include:

• 2 to 20 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for a DWI with a Child Passenger

If you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger in Texas, you can be charged with a state jail felony. 

The penalties for a DWI with a child passenger conviction include:

• 180 days to 2 years in state jail
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 180 days
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for Intoxication Assault

If you are arrested for DWI and cause an accident that results in serious bodily injury to another person, you can be charged with intoxication assault. Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony in Texas. 

The penalties for an intoxication assault conviction include:

• 2 to 10 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

Penalties for Intoxication Manslaughter

If you are arrested for DWI and cause an accident that results in the death of another person, you can be charged with intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas. 

The penalties for an intoxication manslaughter conviction include:

• 2 to 20 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years
• Annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driver’s license

How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Texas?

In Texas, a DWI conviction will remain on your criminal record forever. This means that anyone who performs a background check on you will be able to see that you have been convicted of DWI. This can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and more. However, you may be able to have your DWI conviction expunged or sealed if you meet certain criteria.

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand the stakes, and we are prepared to fight for you. Call (512) 991-0576 to discuss your options with our DWI attorneys in Burnet County.