The penalties that you get for a Texas DWI conviction depend upon a number of factors such as:
1. The number of prior offenses
2. The presence of a child below the age of 15 in your car
3. Your blood alcohol concentration level (BAC)
If you have been arrested for DWI then you’re advised to consult an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible.
Following are the common penalties for a Texas DWI conviction:
Potential penalties for a first offense misdemeanor with a BAC below 0.15:
• A fine not to exceed $2000
• A maximum jail sentence of 180 days
• Drivers license suspension
• DPS surcharges
Potential penalties for a first offense misdemeanor with a BAC above 0.15:
• A fine not to exceed $4000
• A maximum jail sentence of 365 days
• Drivers license suspension
• Ignition Interlock Device required on your car
• DPS surcharges
Penalties for the Second offense:
• A fine not to exceed $4000
• A maximum jail sentence of 365 days
• Drivers license suspension
• Ignition Interlock Device required on your car
• DPS surcharges
Penalties for the Third offense:
• A fine not to exceed $10,000
• Prison sentence of 2-10 years
• Drivers license suspension
• Ignition Interlock Device required on your car
• DPS surcharges
If you have prior DWI offenses of BAC levels of 0.15 or above you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car. This device functions in a similar fashion like a breath analyzer. The driver will be required to breathe in the device, and if his BAC levels are above the programmed limit then the car will not start.