The State of Texas and the United States take drug offenses seriously, as reflected in the phrase "the War on Drugs." For more details: http://houstoncriminalattorney.com/drug-crimes.html

1. Classification of Punishments for DWI Cases
In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) means drunk driving, and the state uses your blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) to calculate whether you're too intoxicated to operate a motor
vehicle.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
 21 years old or older: 0.08%
 Commercial drivers: 0.04%
 Younger than 21 years old: Any detectable amount.
DWI Penalties
TX DWI penalties are based on factors like age, license type, and other conditions.
Common DWI penalties:
 Fines and surcharges (also tack on court costs and lawyer fees).
 License suspension or revocation.
 Community service.
 Imprisonment (even for a first offense).
 DWI education and intervention programs.
 More expensive car insurance, depending on your provider.
DWI Penalties for Minors
Driving on Texas roads implies you give law enforcement consent to check your breath or blood
for the presence of alcohol or other drugs. The TX DMV will suspend your license if you refuse
a breath or blood test.
First offense
 License suspension not to exceed 2 years.
 Fine amount maximum $2,000.
 An Alcohol Education Program at least 12 hours long.
 An additional 180 days of license suspension if you don’t complete the Alcohol
Education program.
 90 days of license suspension if your judge gives you community service.
 Pay an annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 over a three-year period to retain your driver's
license.

2. Second offenses
 Fine amount maximum $4,000.
 The annual fee to retain your driver's license for the next three years could cost$1,000,
$1,500, or $2,000.
 License suspension for 120 days.
Third offenses
 Third offense gets you 180 days.
 Expect to also pay fines, court costs, and legal fees.
Texas has a Zero Tolerance Law for minors and alcohol; this means drivers younger than 21
years old can’t operate any motor vehicles with quantity of alcohol or drugs.
DWI Penalties: Adults
Just like it does for minors, Texas assigns DWI penalties for drivers 21 years old or older
according to the offense below
First Offense
 Fine amount maximum $2,000
 Jail timings are 3 days to 180 days.
 License suspension for up to 2 years.
 Annual surcharge up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license.
 DWI intervention or education program.
 Possible ignition interlock device.
Second Offense
 Fine amount maximum $4,000
 Jail timings are 1 month to 1 year.
 License suspension up to 2 years.
 Annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license.
 DWI intervention or education program.
 Possible ignition interlock device.
Third Offense
 Fine amount maximum $10,000
 State prison time between 2 years to 10 years.
 License suspension up to 2 years.
 Annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for 3 years to keep your license.
 DWI intervention or education program.
 Possible ignition interlock device.

3. DWI Penalties: Child
If you’re drunk driving with a child younger than 15 years old in your vehicle, you face:
 Fine amount maximum $10,000
 Jail timings are 2 years.
 License suspension for 180 days.
For more details visit: Drug crimes in Houston