Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, which can affect your driving skills and performance, can be extremely dangerous. Drunk drivers usually participate in unsafe means, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, reckless behavior on the road, etc. If you are caught speeding and DUI, you could face hefty fines, go to jail, and your license may be suspended.
If a negligent, drunk driver injured you, you deserve compensation. The other driver may try to convince you not to inform the police and resolve the matter privately but do not fall into this trap. They could easily pretend later that they did not cause the accident. click here to hire a personal injury lawyer.
What are the consequences of drunk driving?
-
For minors.
Like many states, Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for minors driving under the influence of alcohol. It is important to note that Texas considers anyone under 21 a minor. The legal penalties for the first offense include the following:
- Your license could be suspended for up to a year.
- You may be required to take an Alcohol Education Program 12 hours long.
- A fine of $500.
- Your license will be suspended for 180 days if you do not complete the Alcohol Education Program.
- If the judge gives you community service, you will face 90 days license suspension.
For adults.
Like minors, Texas does not tolerate DUI/DWI offenses by adults, and the penalties vary from situation to situation.
Here are the penalties for the first offense:
- A fine of $2000.
- License suspension for up to two years.
- Jail for 3 to 180 days, depending on the severity of the case.
- DWI education program.
- An annual fine of $2000 for three years to keep your license.
- Possible ignition interlock device.
Here are the penalties for the second time offense.
- A fine of $4000.
- License suspension for up to two years.
- Jail for a month to a year, depending on the severity of the case.
- DWI education program.
- An annual fine of $2000 for three years to keep your license.
- Possible ignition interlock device.
Penalties for the third offense are as follows:
- A fine of $10,000.
- License suspension for up to two years.
- State prison for two to ten years, depending on the severity of the case.
- DWI education program.
- An annual fine of $2000 for three years to keep your license.
- Possible ignition interlock device.
You cannot refuse to take the chemical test when caught driving under the influence. If you do, you face Administrative License Revocation (ALR), meaning your license will be suspended for not adhering to the law.
