The penalties for a DWI depend on a host of factors including the number of prior DWI convictions. The criminal charge can also be enhanced or subject to more serious penalties based on the surrounding circumstances of a conviction. Factors like an open container being found in the vehicle during a DWI investigation, an individual’s BAC being at .15 or higher, or having a child passenger in the vehicle can all enhance a DWI penalty. The charges are also more serious when the DWI results in a crash causing property damage, personal injury, or death.
In addition to the penalties announced by the court, a DWI also has hidden or collateral consequences that last long after the case is resolved including increased insurance premiums, a notation on your driving record, and a conviction on your criminal history.
After an arrest for DWI in Fort Worth, TX, or the surrounding areas of Tarrant County, TX, call an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. Call to find out more about ways to avoid the typical penalties after an arrest for DWI.
Our DWI defense attorneys represent clients throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding areas in Tarrant County, TX. Call (817) 422-5350 today.
A first DWI conviction in Tarrant County, TX, comes with three (3) to one-hundred eight (180) days in the Tarrant County jail. The court can also sentence you to community supervision or probation and require you to complete special conditions of that probation including the payment of steep fines and court costs.
The court can also enter a suspension of your driving privileges in Texas that can last for three (3) months to twelve (12) months. The court will require you to complete DWI school, including an alcohol/drug evaluation, education classes, the Victim Impact Panel, and community service hours.
If you submitted to a breath or blood test and the result showed your alcohol concentration was .15 or higher then the court must require you to obtain an ignition interlock device as a condition of probation.
If an open container was found in your vehicle at the time of the DWI arrest, then the court must sentence you to a minimum of six (6) days in jail with a maximum jail sentence of one-hundred eighty (180) days. Other more serious charges or enhanced penalties can result depending on the circumstances.
After an arrest for DWI when you have a previous DWI on your record, you can face between thirty (30) days to twelve (12) months in the Tarrant County jail. under Section 49.09(a), a DWI with a prior conviction can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
For a second DUI conviction in Tarrant County, TX, the court can also impose fines, court costs, and the suspension of your driving privileges in the State of Texas for at least one-hundred eighty (180) days and up to two (2) years. If your second DWI occurred within five (5) years of the prior DWI conviction, then the court will suspend your Texas driver’s license for one to two years.
In addition to the standard penalties for a first DWI, a second DWI conviction will result in the court sentencing you to at least three (3) to five (5) days in jail, a program for repeat DWI offenders, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
After an arrest for a DWI with two prior convictions, you are facing the penalties for a third DWI conviction charged as a third-degree felony under Section 49.09(b). If you are convicted of the third DWI, the crime is a felony charged as a third-degree felony. The court can sentence you to anything between two (2) years to ten (10) years in Texas State Prison.
In addition, the court will impose fines not to exceed $10,000, court costs, and a suspension of your driver’s license for one-hundred eighty (180) days to two (2) years. The statutory penalty for a third DWI is confinement in Texas State Prison for two (2) to ten (10) years.
The court can sentence you to anything between two (2) years to ten (10) years in Texas State Prison. In addition, the court will impose fines not to exceed $10,000, court costs, and a suspension of your driver’s license for one-hundred eighty (180) days to two (2) years. The statutory penalty for a third DWI is confinement in Texas State Prison for two (2) to ten (10) years.
If your third DWI was committed within five (5) years of a prior DWI conviction, then your driver’s license will be suspended for a period of one (1) year to two (2) years. If the court in Tarrant County sentences you to probation (community supervision) for a Felony DWI as a third or subsequent offense, then you must complete all of the standard conditions for a second DWI conviction plus a minimum of 10 days in jail.
The criminal offense of intoxication assault is charged as a felony of the third degree in Tarrant County, TX. The penalties for intoxication assault include:
The criminal offense of intoxication manslaughter is charged as a Felony of the Second Degree. The penalties for intoxication manslaughter include:
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today for a consultation about your DWI charges throughout Tarrant County in Texas. Richard McConathy is an experienced Dallas DUI defense lawyer who will make every effort to help you avoid the harshest punishments and consequences of your alleged DWI offense.
Call (817) 422-5350 for a consultation about your alleged DWI. One of the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will walk you through the process so you know what to expect. They will also make sure you understand the potential DWI penalties you face if convicted. But the goal is to dismiss or reduce your charges whenever possible.
The firm represents clients throughout Tarrant County, Southlake, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, TX area. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy as soon as you possibly can.