There are some states throughout the country that have imposed more serious punishments for drunk driving charges involving aggravating factors and Texas is one of them. For a first-time offender in Texas, a DWI charge is considered a Class B misdemeanor and can lead to up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. Other factors and circumstances can raise the punishment to a Class A misdemeanor or even up to a felony and a DWI lawyer in Houston can help explain whether the following factors could increase your punishment:
*A blood alcohol concentration level that is 0.15 or greater
*BAC of 0.08 or more with a minor child under 15 years old in the vehicle
*Prior DWI convictions
*Driving a school bus intoxicated
*Serious injury/death
*Causing serious bodily injury to a peace officer, emergency medical personnel, firefighter or judge
If someone is stopped for drunk driving, they could end up facing additional charges if any of the following applies:
*They have no valid driver’s license
*Does not have an insurance policy
*Another individual was seriously/fatally injured or property damage occurred
Some of the most basic penalties associated with a felony DWI charge include the following:
*Incarceration
*Community service
*Extensive probation term
*Higher fines
*Revocation of driver’s license for longer periods
*Ignition interlock device installation
*Holding vehicle in impound as evidence
Thank you for visiting the blog of Collin Evans, a DWI lawyer in Houston. We write to inform people about law changes, current news and events.