Texas - Legal DUI Consequences
There are serious consequences if you do drink and drive.
The Texas Department of Transportation’s website clearly and concisely outlines the laws and the consequences related to “Driving While Intoxicated"
Administrative Penalties
The most immediate consequence of a DUI in the state of Texas is an administrative penalty from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Upon arrest, the individual’s driver’s license will be confiscated and they will be issued a temporary license that is valid for 40 days. During this period, the individual will have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing with the Texas DPS. If they do not request a hearing within the 15-day period, their license will be automatically revoked.
The individual will also be subject to an administrative fee of up to $2,000, depending on the severity of the offense. If the individual is found to have a BAC of .15 or higher, they may also be subject to additional penalties, such as an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle or community service.
Criminal Penalties
In addition to administrative penalties, a DUI in the state of Texas is also considered a criminal offense and carries a range of potential criminal penalties. A first-time offender may face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days. Subsequent offenses may result in a fine of up to $4,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to one year. Additionally, the individual may be subject to additional penalties, such as license suspension, probation, and community service.
Conclusion
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants is a serious offense in the state of Texas that carries a range of both administrative and criminal penalties. These penalties can range from fines and jail sentences to license suspension and community service. It is important for individuals to understand the legal consequences of a DUI in order to make responsible decisions.
