img img

Texas DUI/DWI Lawyers Dallas

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) charge can wreck more than just your car. A DWI charge in Dallas with Texas’ strict laws can drain your bank account, strip you of your driving privileges, or send you to jail or prison. Texas has relatively harsh DWI laws compared to the rest of the United States, particularly on minimum jail sentences and associated fines/fees.

Texas Definition of Intoxicated 

Why is that? According to the CDC, Texas’ rate of death by crashes involving a drunk driver per 100,000 people is about 1.5 times the national average. Likewise, a local news report ranked Texas’ drunk driving death rate as the fourth highest in the nation. The severity of the problem is a major impetus for law enforcement to crack down on impaired drivers. If you find yourself ensnared in the web of a DWI charge, a Dallas DUI/DWI lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice process.

If you are charged with driving while intoxicated in Dallas, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute you under the Texas Penal Code. The definition of “intoxicated” according to Texas Penal Code 49.01(2) is:

  • “Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body;  or
  •  Having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more.”

Note that the first definition includes drugs/controlled substances, meaning you don’t have to be drunk to be charged with DWI. You can also be high or under the influence of a substance other than alcohol if you have lost the “normal use” of your mental or physical faculties.

Types of Dallas DWI Charges

There are over a dozen DWI-related charges you can be prosecuted for under the Texas Penal Code. Three such charges will depend on whether you’ve ever had a DWI before. For example, if you’ve never had a DWI, you would be charged with DWI first offense, which is a Class B misdemeanor. A DWI second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, while a third offense DWI is a third-degree felony. We’ll explore penalties later, but for now, here’s a snapshot of the driving while intoxicated crimes you can be charged with in Dallas, Texas:

  • DWI, first through third offense. In Texas, priors for DWI never go away. In other words, Texas’ “lookback” period for what counts for enhancement purposes is infinite. Even deferred adjudications count as priors in Texas. 
  • Intoxication manslaughter. When operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you cause the death of another by accident or mistake. 
  • Felony DWI. Certain enhancements to misdemeanor DWIs can raise them to felonies, such as causing injury in a motor vehicle accident. 
  • Boating while intoxicated (BWI). Operating a watercraft under the same definition of intoxication shown above. 
  • Flying while intoxicated. Operating an aircraft while intoxicated. 
  • BAC of 0.15 or more. Also known as “extreme DWI,” this charge applies if your blood, breath, or urine shows an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more. 
  • DWI with a child passenger. You commit a state jail felony if you are intoxicated while operating a vehicle with a passenger who is younger than 15. 
  • DWI with open container. If you have an open container of alcohol in your immediate possession at the time you are driving while intoxicated, it raises the penalties for DWI significantly. 
  • Intoxication assault. Applies if you are intoxicated operating a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement park ride and by accident or mistake, cause serious bodily injury to another. 
DUI/DWI Accident Lawyers | Godsey & Martin P.C.

Can You Get a DUI Charge in Dallas?

Texas is unique in that it has both DUI and DWI charges. However, depending on your age, you can only get one or the other. Texas has what’s known as zero-tolerance under-21 DUI laws, meaning if you are not old enough to drink legally, you cannot have any amount of alcohol in your system while driving. If you are under 21 and operate a vehicle, boat, or airplane with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). 

Note that under-21 drivers get charged with DUI in Texas, while 21-and-over drivers get charged with DWI. If you have no priors, a DUI offense in Dallas is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, community service of 20-40 hours relating to the misuse and prevention of alcohol abuse, and a 60-day license suspension. While you will not face jail time for your first DUI offense, if you have priors you can face jail time of up to 180 days for subsequent offenses.

Penalties for Common DWI Offenses 

The penalties for DWI offenses in Dallas vary widely depending on several factors, such as what your BAC was, whether you caused an accident with injuries or death, and even whether you had an open container of alcohol with you at the time. 

DWI First Offense Dallas

For a first offense DWI, you will likely serve somewhere between three to180 days in jail unless you’re granted probation. You’ll face fines of up to $3,000 and a license suspension of 90-365 days. You do not typically need to install an ignition interlock device (IID). If you had an open container within your possession at the time, the minimum jail time jumps to six days. 

DWI Second and Third Offense Dallas

A second offense DWI in Texas will get you a mandatory three days in jail, with up to 12 months possible. The maximum fine for a second offense is $6,000. A third offense will get you a mandatory ten days in jail (and up to ten years) and up to $10,000 in fines. For a second or third offense DWI, you will also have to install an ignition interlock device and face license suspensions. 

Extreme DWI Dallas: BAC 0.15 or Higher

Our Dallas DUI/DWI primer can help you get your bearings as you move forward with your drunk driving charge. But it is no substitute for an experienced, knowledgeable attorney. Get in touch with us for advice specific to your case so your DUI or DWI doesn’t end up having more consequences than necessary.

What Our Clients Say

“Today I spoke with Amanda Collins and she was just wonderful. She was very attentive and understanding. She was patient and kind, she answered all of our questions clearly and respectfully. Thank you so much Amanda! Making a difficult situation seem so easy.”

Shelby Collins
Read More

“Amanda Bell has been great. She’s been very diligent with checking in and keeping me up to date with what’s going on with my case. I never have to worry myself with calling her to get info because she’s on top of it and always informs me promptly.”

Lavina Randle
Read More

“I want to take the time out to have Mr. Garza and Ms. Mendoza recognized for their extensive professionalism and also for their continued dedication to see me through my case! I was being given the run around and they fixed that quickly! Thanks for being a listening ear Mr. Garza and for always leaving a line open for me to reach you with my concerns!”

Sadie Harris
Read More

“I called Godsey Martin right after my daughter and I were hit by a drunk driver on the highway. They were very helpful in getting us set up with the medical care we needed and getting us a fair settlement through the drivers insurance. Priscilla Nowlin was my point of contact and kept me up to date with every step of the process. She responded quickly and was very professional. I am very grateful for her and for the Godsey Martin team!”

Alyssa Blank
Read More

“Priscilla Nowlin was a great help and very responsive. The process was painless and my settlement exceeded my expectations. Priscilla was very professional and when I notified her of a death in my family she very understanding, she let me know they would continue to work on my behalf and to just focus on my family. Thank you Godsey Martin for having such a great staff who just don’t see you as a client but a human being which is often lost with some law firms.”

WB Wagner
Read More

Our Team of Attorneys are Available 24/7

Our legal team, located in Dallas and Houston, understands the steps that need to be taken to help accident victims get their life back on track. We will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, fighting the insurance companies and the negligent driver responsible in order to provide you the money and justice you deserve. Click or call us today to begin your case.

$0FREE CONSULTATION
img $1,000,000,000+Recovered for our clients
img NO FEEUntil we win
img QUICK RESPONSEGet a response in less than 10 minutes
GET YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW