The Law Offices of Matt Horak
It's difficult to undergo DWI court proceedings in Texas without a proper Texas DWI lawyer. After a person has been charged with DWI in Texas and has been convicted, he/she will face a variety of devastating legal consequences. In some cases, people may be sentenced with a small fine or probation. In many others, the sentences may be more severe and life-altering.
In any event, it's best to avail of the services of Texas DWI Lawyers, especially a committed, knowledgeable Houston DWI lawyer from the Law Offices of Matt Horak.
Detailed below are the standard sentences for 1st, 3nd and 3rd time DWI convictions:
1st DWI Conviction
- Jail time: minimum 72 hours or 6 days if vehicle has open container.
- Fines: up to $2,000, Texas also imposes a surcharge on top of court issued fines, which is $1,000 per year for three years or $2,000 a year for three years if the person’s BAC was over .16%.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Not for first time offenders
- DWI School: 12 hour DWI Education Program
- Community Service: 24 hours to 100 hours
2nd DWI Conviction
- Jail time: minimum 72 hours up to one year.
- Fines: up to $4,000, Texas also imposes a surcharge on top of court issued fines, which is $1,500 per year for three years or $2,000 a year for three years if the person’s BAC was over .16%.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Not for second time offenders
- DWI School: 32 hour Repeat DWI Offender Education Program
- Community Service: 80 hours to 200 hours
3rd DWI Conviction
- Jail time: 2 years to 10 years.
- Fines: up to $10,000
- Driver’s License Suspension: 6 months to 2 years
- Criminal Classification: Automatic Felony