Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is dangerous, highly discouraged, and illegal throughout the United States. Not only does driving while intoxicated pose a threat to you as a driver, but it also endangers all other drivers and passengers on the road, including pedestrians. Getting charged with a DWI is a serious criminal offense, and the repercussions of the charge can have life lasting implications. From fines and jail time to license suspension or revocation, a DWI charge will affect you for the rest of your life.
What Constitutes a DWI Charge?
According to Texas Penal Code 49.04, it is considered a DWI charge if a person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. This offense is considered a Class B misdemeanor in which you will serve a minimum of 72 hours in jail. You are considered to be intoxicated if your blood alcohol content (BAC) reads 0.08 or higher, and if your BAC is 0.15 or higher, a more severe penalty will result.
DWI vs. DUI in Texas
A DWI charge is commonly confused with a DUI charge, and the meanings of both differ depending on what state you are in. In Texas, for example, DWI means “driving while intoxicated” whereas DUI means “driving under the influence.” While these terms are seemingly interchangeable, the charges do differ from one another. DWI is considered the legal definition of the crime in Texas, whereas a DUI is only used when a person under the age of 21 has been charged with driving with any amount of alcohol in their system.
Offense Penalties
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the penalties for a DWI differ depending on the number of offenses you have committed. For example, a first offense DWI charge will result in up to 180 days in jail, the loss of your driver’s license for up to a year, and up to a $2,000 fine. These penalties increase in price, severity, and time for second and third offenses. There is also an additional Texas state fine that is imposed upon sentencing, and alternative penalties if you drive while impaired with a child passenger as well.
Increased Car Insurance Rates
A DWI charge can have many collateral ramifications, one of which is increased car insurance rates. When you receive a DWI charge, insurance companies are able to see this information on your record, which makes them nervous about the potential for high payout claims. This causes them to increase your rates. In Texas, it is reported that car insurance rates increase about 54% on average. It truly pays to have a clean driving record.
A Criminal Record
When you are charged with a DWI, it will be included on your criminal record. Unless you get your charge expunged, this record will follow you for the rest of your life. Having a criminal record can affect many aspects of your life including:
- Employment opportunities
- Voting rights
- Professional licensing
- Housing and leasing
- Obtaining loans
- Child custody
How a Lawyer Can Help
As we have uncovered, a DWI charge can have immense and life-altering consequences on an individual’s life. However, there are several ways in which an experienced Houston DWI lawyer can help. From detecting faulty field sobriety tests to assisting you in getting your DWI charge expunged, a lawyer can make the world of a difference in helping you escape the grave consequences of a DWI. Next time you get behind the wheel while intoxicated, think twice before doing so.
