DUI consequences are very serious. Punishment can range from hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, and jail time. Here are some likely punishments without any type of car accident, or injury involved.

Texas DUI/DWI Consequences for First Offense:

Criminal Class: Class B Misdemeanor

Jail time: 72 hour minimum to up to 180 days in jail.

Financial Info: Fine up to $2,000. Texas imposes an additional “surcharge” for a DUI. The surcharge is $1,000 each year for three years for a first offense. The surcharge is $2,000 if the person’s BAC was double the legal limit.

License: You should be aware that if a law enforcement officer asks you to submit to a breath or blood test and if you refuse, your license can be taken from you on the spot and suspended for six months in addition to any suspension you might get if you're convicted of DUI. License suspension of 90 days up to one year. Texas driver's license suspensions and revocations will appear on your driving record and affect your insurance premiums especially if you're need SR-22 insurance. SR-22 is also known as high risk insurance. Attending DWI Education class may help minimize this stuff. Conditional license may be granted depending on circumstances.

Conditional License: A conditional, or occupational license, may be issued based on "essential need" and usually only when the court orders an offender into alcohol assessment/rehabilitation. Offenders who have been granted conditional licenses within the last 10 years are ineligible. Transportation Code Section 521.241 defines that as: 1) "Essential need" means a need of a person for the operation of a motor vehicle: (A) in the performance of an occupation or trade or for transportation to and from the place at which the person practices the person's occupation or trade; (B) for transportation to and from an educational facility in which the person is enrolled; or (C) in the performance of essential household duties.

Vehicle: Surprisingly your vehicle will not be impounded but likely will be towed.

DUI School: Mandatory for first time offenders complete a 12 hour DWI Education Program.

Probation: Probation decided by judge or jury.

Community Service: 24 hour minimum with 100 hour maximum.

Auto Insurance: SR-22 insurance may be required. A SR-22 is a document required as proof of financial responsibility by the court or under state law for persons convicted of certain traffic violations.

Second and Thrid Texas DUI/DWI Offenses:

Criminal Class: A second offense is unfortunately a Class A Misdemeanor. A 3rd DUI is a 3rd degree felony.

Jail time: A second offense is 72 hours to one year in jail. A 3rd DUI can mean 2-10 years in the penitentiary.

Financial Info: Fines up to $4,000 maximum. Again Texas imposes a “surcharge” for a DWI on addition to regular fines. The surcharge is $1,500 each year for three years for a second DWI offense and $2,000 a year if the person’s BAC was equal to or higher than .16.

License Suspension: Yes, 180 days to 2 years. Occupational license may be granted based upon need.

Vehicle Impound: None, which is disheartening for a 2nd and 3rd time offender. This just keeps allowing them back on the road.

DWI School: Repeat offenders must complete a 32 hour DWI Repeat Offender Program.

Probation: Probation decided by judge or jury.

Community Service: Minimum 80 hours and maximum of 200 hours.

Other IMPORTANT DUI/DWI Information:

Driving Under the Influence with a Minor: It is a felony to drive while intoxicated with a someone under 15 years of age in the vehicle.

Commercial Vehicles: Greater than .04 BAC level may suspend a commercial driver’s license for one year and up to 3 years if the driver was hauling hazardous materials.

Texas Open Container Laws: Yes, driver and passenger. This is a Class C Misdemeanor.

How long does a DWI stay on your record?
A DWI conviction in Texas stays on your driving record forever.

Ignition Interlock Device Program: Required in order to be released from jail on bond. Required for all second-offenders during probation.