Texas DWI Law
Tylden Shaeffer, San Antonio DWI Attorney
The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, drivers can be stopped and cited for impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs regardless of their BAC. Texas also has a zero tolerance law: for anyone under the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system.
When you are stopped by a police officer, you have the right to refuse when asked to give either a breath or blood sample to measure the amount of alcohol in your system. If you refuse, however, you are subject to an 180-day suspension of your driver’s license. If you give a sample and fail, your license could be suspended for 90 days. Generally, the actual punishment for a Texas DWI varies depending on how many times you have been convicted.
1st Offense:
- up to $2,000 fine
- 72 hours to 180 days in jail
- drivers license suspension 90 days up to 1 year
2nd Offense:
- up to $4,000 fine
- 30 days to 1 year in jail
- drivers license suspension 180 days to 2 years
3rd Offense:
- up to $10,000 fine
- 2-10 years in penitentiary
- drivers license suspension 180 days to 2 years
If you are under the age of 21 and caught driving in Texas with any amount of beer, alcohol or wine in your system you will have your driver’s license suspended and you will face fines, community service, and alcohol awareness classes.
Texas DWI laws are strictly enforced by law enforcement. If you have been charged with a DWI, San Antonio DWI attorney Tylden Shaeffer may be able to help. After all, a skilled lawyer is likely your only chance for having your case dismissed or charges dropped.
Charged with a DWI? Contact us today!