Texas courts do not take DWI cases lightly, especially not if it is your second DWI charge. If convicted, driving while intoxicated can come with a jail sentence, a criminal conviction, court costs, fines, and more. Read below to learn more about what happens after a DWI second offense.
Criminal Penalties for a Second DWI in Texas
A second DWI in Texas is a class A misdemeanor. Criminal penalties are those that are imposed by the court following a conviction.
What’s Considered a 2nd DWI in Texas
There is no “lookback period” which means that any prior DWI or BWI (boating while intoxicated) conviction, no matter how old, will count as a prior conviction. In other words, a DWI is considered a second offense if you have ever been convicted of a DWI in the past.
Jail Time and Fines for a 2nd Texas DWI
A second DWI conviction generally carries:
- 30 days to one year in jail, and
- up to $4,000 in fines ($4,500 if within 36 months of a prior or $6,000 if BAC at least .15%).
However, a variety of fees and “penalty assessments” will significantly increase the amount you actually pay.
Probation, Treatment, Community Service, and Victim Impact Panels
Convicted motorists also face up to two years of probation and having to complete a DWI education class, a substance abuse evaluation and/or rehabilitation program, 80 to 200 hours of community service, and possibly having to attend a DWI Impact Panel.
License Suspension for 2nd DWI Conviction
A second DWI conviction will result in a license suspension of 180 days to two years.
Ignition Interlock Requirements
You will be required to put an IID on your vehicle while your charges are pending and will not be allowed to drive any vehicle without an IID for one year following the reinstatement of your license.
Our Goal is Dismissal
Each DWI case attorney Fuller takes on comes with the shared goal of getting your charges dismissed in court. Our legal team will exhaust all efforts to get your charge reduced or entirely dismissed. We understand law enforcement can be quick to make arrests and sometimes infringe on your rights in the process. Reach out to our law office today to learn more about how we can help you avoid being convicted of a second DWI.
Free Consultation With DWI Lawyer in Houston Area
Attorney Lanease Fuller has over 30 years of experience helping individuals that have been charged with crimes throughout Harris County. She cares about each of her clients and works hard to preserve their freedom. If she believes in your case she is not afraid to take it to trial. Contact our law office today to learn more about scheduling a no obligation consultation with top criminal defense attorney in Houston, Lanease Fuller. You will be glad you did.
Experienced DUI Attorney in Houston, Texas
Attorney Fuller is a seasoned attorney with nearly three decades of experience representing a wide range of clients. This includes individuals who have suffered an injury due to another’s actions, individuals facing criminal charges, those who have been arrested for DWI, individuals who have found themselves in a civil litigation dispute, and those looking for legal guidance in business.
After filling out a client intake form, Attorney Lanease D. Fuller will take appropriate action in your case to help you get the results you are looking for. This includes but not limited to gathering evidence, going to trial, and earning a settlement that is appropriate for your specific situation. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards settling your case.
LANEASE D. FULLER LAW
4615 S. Frwy St. 820
Houston, TX 77051
713-439-7400
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