What Happens to First Time Offenders in Texas?

If your blood alcohol content or BAC is .08, then you are said to be intoxicated and under the influence so chances are you can be arrested. However, if you are intoxicated and impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless if it has been proven with the BAC test, you would also automatically be charged with DUI. A fine of up to $500 for having an alcohol in your system or by simply having an open bottle in your car can already merit this.

What Happens if You’re Stopped

Once you are stopped by an attending officer, you just have to be prepared to show your driver’s license or your proof of insurance and the vehicle registration form. Once you refuse to take such action, you would then be charged. If you refuse on the other hand to take a blood alcohol content test or a blood and breath test, then the attending officer for your case can suspend your driver’s license for at least a hundred and eighty days.

Punishment for DWI varies depending on the number of convictions:

First Offense

• You may be fined with up to $2,000
• Three days to 180 days in jail
• Loss of driver license up to a year
• Annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Second Offense

• A fine of up to $4,000
• One month to a year in jail
• Loss of driver license up to two years
• Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Get DUI Help in Texas

In January 1, 1995, the Automatic License Revocation or ALR law took effect. This is a civil, administrative process not related to any criminal court proceedings.

How does ALR Work?

• An attending officer primarily determines that there is a suspicious act for a driver to be stopped for BAC testing.
• If there is any proof that the driver who was stopped is impaired, some tests would then be administered. If the result is poor, the driver is automatically arrested for DWI.
• When the driver is already at the police station, a chemical test would then be required for the driver to take. If the alcohol content or BAC level is measured and it registers to be positive, other measures will be taken into account.
• A notice will be served to the offender and his driver’s license is suspended this is when he refuses to take any of the necessary tests to determine whether or not he is actually intoxicated.
• In some cases, even if the driver’s license has already been confiscated, some are still allowed to be issued a temporary driving permit.
• A hearing can be requested by the driver for a number of fifteen days from the time they are convicted. If there wouldn’t be any request for a hearing, the suspension will just push through. And will take effect on the fortieth day after notice was served.
• The offender would then be required to pay $125 to reinstate the license after the period of the forty day suspension.
• This law also applies for individuals who are found guilty of DUI and driving boats and
• refused to take the same necessary tests.

Hire an Experienced Texas DUI Attorney Today!

The very moment you are convicted with a drinking under the influence or DUI charge in the state of Texas, you can opt to do any of these things:

One is to take your case very seriously because a DUI conviction in this state just like in any other would have great and several consequences on your end. You will find it potentially difficult to apply for jobs, or gain your personal freedom and of course these things would greatly affect your future as a whole.

Another thing that you can do is to seek the help of an experienced Texas DUI lawyer or attorney who has a lot of experience when it comes to the laws and regulations that apply to the state of Texas. Once you are able to do this, you will find that you will no longer have to struggle in knowing things about Texas DUI laws and courtroom proceedings and you would also be faced with improved results for your case.

Also, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything else anymore because then a qualified DUI lawyer and attorney in the state of Texas can very well take good care of your case. All you have to do is call them and then you will be provided with as much information as you possibly can. An initial interview will also be offered to you for free.