What is DWI?
A DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge in Texas can have many long lasting consequences, and can greatly effect the outcome of ones future if convicted. A conviction can effect current and future employment, and even ones personal freedom.
One is convicted of DWI in Texas when their blood alcohol level is .08 percent or higher and they are operating a motor vehicle in a public place. One does not however, always have to be operating a motor vehicle to get convicted of DWI. It is also illegal to be riding water skis, or a helicopter or a boat while intoxicated.
The minimum amount of Jail time for driving while impaired is 72 hours in most cases. If one is caught with an open container however, jail time can be up to six days. Consuming any amount of alcohol while driving in the state of Texas is illegal.
A person who is convicted of DWI in the State of Texas for the first time, will receive an automatic suspension of his/her license for 90 days to a full year, even if there is no conviction. It may also be required the offender take an alcohol education course in order to keep his/her license. A second DWI offense will result in the suspension of the offenders license for 18 months and a fine.
If a person refuses to submit to an alcohol test, and is under suspicion for DWI, then their license will automatically be suspended for 90 days if the person is over 21, and for a year if they are under 21.
Defense for a DWI can be long and hard, and even with the best defense, one can still get convicted. Insurance rates could dramatically increase with a DWI conviction, and there is even a chance the offender will not be able to drive at all. It will be hard to get back and forth to work, and could even result in the loss of a job and eliminate future possibilities for jobs altogether. DWI in Texas can surely change lives if convicted.