What Could Happen After
My First Charge For DWI?
Many people in Texas enjoy having a few beers at the sports bar or having a glass of wine at dinner. Unfortunately, if you drive home after having a few drinks and you get pulled over, your likely going to be charged with a DWI.
The first thing to expect is that you are going to be arrested. If there is not a sober driver to take control of your vehicle, it will be impounded. So not only do you need to bond yourself out of jail, your going to pay to get your vehicle back.
In most cases, your drivers license will be confiscated and you will be given a temporary driving permit. The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension starts forty days after the arrest unless the person requests a hearing for an occupational license within 15 days of the arrest.
As long as your blood or breath alcohol concentration is below .15, you are over 21 years of age, there were no children in your vehicle at the time and you were not involved in an accident, you will likely be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
The Class B misdemeanor may include probation for up to two years, monthly probation fees, court costs and a fine up to $2,000.00. The court will likely order you to take classes and counseling along with community service hours at a place determined by the probation office. Additionally, the court may also require you pay to have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle and to pay a monthly charge to maintain it.
This does not include how your vehicle insurance will be affected, or what will happen with your employment. If you’ve had a few drinks, call a friend to come get you, call a taxi or Uber. If you don’t one of your next calls needs to be to an attorney. Drive safe.