If you are facing DWI charges for the first time, there is a lot you may not be sure about. While you may have many questions about getting a DWI in Texas, you might also be wondering what kind of legal consequences you would face for a first-time conviction. Non-legal consequences like increased insurance premiums and possible job loss are already bad enough, but the legal ones can be more severe than you expected.
What a conviction can mean for you
Depending on the severity of your charges, your first DWI offense can have different consequences. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over .15, your charges can result in up to $4,000 in fines and up to a year in county jail as a Class “A” misdemeanor.
There are even ways to increase these consequences. If, for example, you were driving with a person under the age of 15 in your car, or if you seriously hurt someone while driving, the consequences can escalate up to $10,000 in fines and two years in jail. The fines for manslaughter are just as expensive, and can also result in up to 20 years in state prison for the offense should someone lose their lives in a crash you caused.
Do not take chances in your defense
Many people are under the assumption that a first offense means getting a slap on the wrist from a judge and moving on with their lives. The truth is that your first offense can cost you thousands of dollars and years of your life, and any future offenses will come with even worse consequences. If you are facing your first drunk driving offense, arm yourself with a skilled attorney to defend your rights.
