DWI in Texas First Offense Cost. While a majority of states across the country categorize someone’s first DUI offense as a misdemeanor, it’s important to never underestimate just how serious the consequences can be for being arrested and/or convicted for your first DUI. After you are charged with your first DUI, you will need to come to terms with all of the punishments and sentences that are associated with it, as well as the nature of the charge itself and all of the long-term consequences of being convicted.
Whenever someone ends up getting their first DUI, their immediate assumption is that since it’s their first offense, they will be given probation. While this is often the case with most first-time offenders, there is the chance that the court will still end up ordering you to serve jail time as a condition of our probation. Jail time can also be a potential requirement for some misdemeanor offenses; however, this depends solely on the laws in your state of residence. Additionally, nearly every state will end up suspending your license for a specific period of time, even if your DUI offense is your first one.
You may be able to apply for an occupational driver’s license or a hardship license that will enable you to travel to and from work and school; however, this will depend on your history. Some of the most common conditions of probation for a DUI charge include the following:
*Substantial fine
*Court costs
*Probation fees
*Urinalysis fees
*Attending and completing drug and alcohol counseling
*Community service
Typically, your first DUI charge will be considered as a misdemeanor offense, meaning that you can end up facing punishments such as community service, license suspension, fines, and probation. There are also additional factors that can affect the nature of your charge and result in enhanced penalties or sentences. For instance, if an open container is found in your vehicle, you could still be charged with a misdemeanor but, at the same time, your mandatory jail sentence or fine could be increased. Additionally, if there was a child present while you were driving, your charge could be elevated to a felony in some states even if you have no prior drunk driving convictions.
Furthermore, some states can also take the step of suspending your license automatically in the event that you refuse to take a breathalyzer test.
In order to quickly be able to regain your license after it’s been suspended due to a DUI, there are two types of judges that you will typically need to deal with: an administrative law judge and a criminal law judge. You also will not be permitted to drive while your license is suspended because if you are caught doing this, you will end up getting hit with additional charges and fines. Furthermore, some states will also require you to pay for and install an ignition interlock device while your case is pending, which can cost up to $200 per month.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a first DUI case is the long-term consequences involved with it, such as your probated sentence remaining on your record and being used against you later on even if you are placed on probation and don’t receive a final conviction due to your sentence getting either probated or deferred. In the event that you receive a second DUI charge, then your first charge can cause the penalties and sentences of your second charge to increase.
In the event that you have multiple DUI arrests on your record, a conviction can end up getting elevated to a felony; however, this typically varies by state.
DWI in Texas First Offense Cost. It’s also important to note that a first DUI offense can also have a negative effect on your auto insurance policy and your employment. Employers will often run criminal histories, meaning that they will be able to find out about your conviction, and some employers will choose not to hire those who have a DUI on their record due to viewing them as more of a safety risk and/or their insurance rates potentially increasing. Additionally, in terms of your auto insurance rates, these will also likely increase as well, especially if your DUI resulted in a wreck. If your offense is elevated to a felony because of this, your insurance company will likely not cover the costs of the accident, and many policies will also exclude coverage for any damages that come from committing a felony, which include drunk driving offenses.