Usually, the first time offenders or common people do not realize that they would be convicted for breaking the law when they drive while intoxicated. This is the reason that most people are shocked when they find themselves arrested and treated as criminals on road. Sometimes they don’t even have idea about what they should do when caught by the law enforcement officers. Should they do everything that they have been told by the cop? Is there any relief in the law and its provisions?

Remember, the lack of knowledge can put them in a real awkward situation that can further lead in a very unpleasant experience for them as well as their family. So we need to have sufficient knowledge about the Texas DWI laws, otherwise we are bound to face difficulties.

According to the Texas DWI Law, a first-time DWI in Texas is defined as a Class B Misdemeanor. This means that a person can face a criminal penalty of up to six months. He or she may also have to pay a fine of up to $2,000. If a person is caught for the second time under DWI Texas, it is a Class A Misdemeanor and this may result in him or her paying a fine of up to a $4,000 and a year term in County Jail. A third DWI is referred to as a third degree felony. It carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison. He or she also requires paying a fine of up to $10,000. The convictions mentioned above also result in an automatic and compulsory driver’s license suspension for twelve months.

Administrative License Revocation or ALR is another law under Texas DWI introduced in the year 1995. According to this law, if a person is arrested under DWI, he or she will get a Notice of suspension or Temporary Driving Permit and thereafter his driving license would be taken away.

Remember, starting from the date of arrest under DWI, the convicted person has only fifteen days to make a plea for hearing. If he or she fails to do so, it will result in an automatic and compulsory driver’s license suspension. Hence, it is very important to get a hearing requested within the fifteen days of arrest.

There are several other flipsides of a DWI conviction. For example, if a person’s insurance company discovers a DWI conviction, it will drop him or her and consider providing‘high risk’ insurance at a higher premium.

Most of the time it is beyond the capacity and capabilities of a common man to understand all these technicalities involved. So, it is always better to consult and hire an experienced attorney who specializes in DWI laws in the state.

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