| Driving while intoxicated, or DWI, is a serious offense. | | | | intoxicated, there are penalties imposed for simply |
| Texas DWI laws are some of the strictest in the | | | | refusing to take a breath or blood test. Refusing to |
| country and carry some of the harshest penalties. | | | | take an alcohol test when stopped will automatically |
| Drinking and driving in Texas can have a major and | | | | cause a driver's license to be suspended for six |
| permanent effect on the lives of violators. | | | | months. |
| In Texas, driving under the influence is an offense that | | | | A first offense in Texas means facing a fine of as |
| can be supported by subjective evidence to make a | | | | much as $2,000 and spending three days to three |
| conviction. This means that evidence used against an | | | | months in jail. The driver's license is normally |
| individual can be primarily based on just the personal | | | | suspended for as long as a year. The judge will |
| belief of the officer making the arrest. Furthermore, | | | | generally add annual fees of between $1,000 and |
| DWI is not just restricted to people who have failed a | | | | $2,000 for as long as three years in order to maintain |
| breath or blood alcohol test. | | | | a new driver's license. A second offense comes with |
| It is possible for a driver to be arrested for suspicion of | | | | fines and penalties that are double those of a first |
| driving while intoxicated. This is entirely dependent upon | | | | offense. |
| the judgment of the officer who observes the driver | | | | A third offense is considered a third degree felony |
| and the way they are driving. The officer makes the | | | | with a penalty of up to ten years in prison and can |
| sole determination regarding the driver's impairment. | | | | carry a fine of up to $10,000. |
| An officer may or may not conduct field sobriety | | | | DWI is not just about paying fines. It can cost a |
| tests, such as walking a straight line or performing | | | | person's job, their credit and otherwise effect them for |
| other tasks. If the officer simply smells the odor of | | | | the rest of their life. A Texas DWI conviction never |
| alcohol on a driver or finds any form of alcohol in the | | | | goes off your record. You have probably already |
| vehicle, that is also deemed to be cause enough for | | | | heard the best information about these laws. Do not |
| the suspicion of driving while under the influence. | | | | drink and drive. |
| Not only are there stiff penalties for those driving while | | | | |