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After an arrest for DWI, many people feel embarrassed, ashamed, disappointed and don’t know where to begin. Please understand that being arrested for DWI is unfortunately not uncommon and it does not define you or your character as a person. It truly can happen to most people and officers are prone to mistakes in judgment just like anyone else. What is important is that you find the right legal representation. You will need someone who cares, works hard and has experience in representing individuals charged with DWI.

When it comes to DWI offenses, Texas takes these charges very seriously and these cases are prosecuted aggressively. My office has the experience, compassion, and dedication to assist our clients and wants to help you through this difficult time. You will always meet with your attorney personally to determine the best direction for your case. You will be made aware of all of your options and most importantly your attorney will always provide you with the personal attention you deserve. H. Dave Sanchez has had experience in the DWI field since 1999. He has been trained and certified to perform the same DWI detection techniques that law enforcement officers use and has the unique ability to thoroughly review your case and protect your rights. Dave has tried numerous DWI cases and will utilize his experience as both a former police officer and prosecutor to provide proven results to his clients. Contact us now. Call our law firm today for a Free Consultation.

The penalties and criminal fines for a DWI in Texas changed as of September 1, 2019:

1. First time DWI with less than a .15 BAC has the possibility of a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or a jail sentence from 3 days to 180 in County Jail. (A first time DWI with a BAC at .15 or higher increases the range of punishment to up to 1 year in county jail and up to a $4,000.00 fine)
2. A second DWI offense increases the maximum fine to not more than $4,000.00 and/or jail from 30 days to one year.
3. **** In addition to the fines prescribed for specific offenses above, a person who has been finally convicted of an offense relating to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated shall pay one of the below fines (As of September 1, 2019):
   - $3,000.00 for the first conviction within a 36 months period;
   - $4,500.00 for a second or subsequent conviction within a 36-month period;
   - $6,000.00 for a first or subsequent conviction if it is shown on the trial of the offense that an analysis of a specimen of the person’s blood, breath, or urine showed an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more at the time of the analysis.

Second DWI Offense (Class A Misdemeanor):

• a fine of up to $4000.00
• A jail sentence of anywhere between 30 days to 1 year
• A suspension of your driver’s license for 180 days to 2 years

DWI 3rd or More (3rd Degree Felony):

• A fine of up to $10,000.00
• A jail sentence of anywhere between 2-10 years in state prison
• A suspension of driver’s license for a period of 180 days to 2 years

**Probation is a possibility in many DWI cases however if you are placed on probation for any of these offenses that means that you have been found guilty of the offense and that conviction will be permanently placed on your criminal record. As you might expect there is a higher probability of getting probation on your fist DWI offense however even if granted probation on a second offense the code of criminal procedure requires a minimum 5 days’ jail as a condition of probation and 10 days’ minimum for a 3rd offense.

**An open container allegation also increases the minimum jail penalty to six days.

DWI with Child Passenger (State Jail Felony)

A person who is DWI and is carrying a person in the vehicle who is under 15 years of age. The punishment is confinement in a state jail facility for not more than 2 years or less than 180 days and a fine not to exceed $10,000.00.

Intoxication Assault (3rd Degree Felony)

Where an accident occurred with serious bodily injury that resulted as a proximate cause of the intoxication. You can be sentenced to a minimum of 2 years and up to a maximum of 10 years in prison. If probated, there is a 30-day minimum jail sentence. You may also receive up to a $10,000.00 fine. If they allege you drove the vehicle in such a manner to consider it a “deadly weapon” then there is an additional penalty under the law that prohibits good time credit in prison and you would not be eligible for early release until half of your sentence has been served.

Intoxication Manslaughter (2nd Degree Felony)

A DWI where death occurs in an accident and where intoxication was the proximate cause of the person’s death. If convicted a person can be sentenced to up to a $10,000.00 fine and/or be give between 2-20 years in prison. If probation is granted, there is a mandatory 120-day jail sentence and again if the allegation is that the vehicle was used as a “deadly weapon,” there is no early termination of a prison sentence until after half of the sentence has been satisfied.

For a detailed explanation regarding an intoxication offense or any criminal matter, contact The H. D. Sanchez Law Firm today to schedule a Free Consultation.