DWI Penalties
The Cochran Firm
Once people have been charged with driving while intoxicated in Texas, they will face tough legal penalties if they are convicted. The standard DWI penalties for 1st, 2nd and 3rd convictions are detailed below:
1st DWI Conviction
- monetary fine up to $2,000
- jail time 72 hours up to 6 months (if there was an open container in the offender’s car, he/she will have to serve 6 days in jail)
- 24 hours to 100 hours of community service
- must complete DWI school within 180 days following the conviction
- probation
2nd DWI Conviction
- monetary fine up to $4,000
- jail time 72 hours up to 1 year (if there was an open container in the offender’s car, he/she will have to serve at least 6 days in jail)
- 80 hours to 200 hours of community service
- driver’s license suspension for 180 days up to 2 years
- vehicle interlock device for duration of probation period
3rd DWI Conviction
- monetary fine up to $10,000
- jail time 2 years up to 10 years
- 160 hours to 600 hours of community service
- driver’s license suspension for 180 days up to 2 years
- vehicle interlock device (usually mandatory after 3 convictions)
As you can see, the penalties for DWI are quite severe, regardless if it is your 1st conviction or if you have multiple convictions. For this reason, people must do everything they can to fight their DWI charges and avoid conviction. The best way people can challenge their charges and avert DWI penalties is by obtaining representation from a talented DWI defense lawyer.
Dallas DWI Defense Lawyers
The Cochran Firm has immense experience helping those who have been charged with DWI in Texas. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated, contact our Dallas DWI defense lawyers today!
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