Impaired Driving Lawyer Houston, TX
Impaired Driving Lawyer Houston, TX
People who drive under the influence are often charged with DWIs—or driving while intoxicated. This can risk your life and the lives of others, and you can go to jail for this offense. It’s a good idea to query about who is the best auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX?
In our opinion, our law firm, John K. Zaid & Associates, is the most qualified auto accident lawyer in Texas. Let us help you with your case.
When Are You Legally Intoxicated?
In Texas, you are considered to be intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration is .08%. But you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your ability to drive—this includes the ability to fly or to boat.
A DWI may not sound serious, but there are severe penalties that just get higher the more DWIs you accrue.
Penalties for DWIs
A first offense may cause you to receive a $2,000 fine, as well as 180 days in jail, with at least 3 days mandatory. You may also lose your driver’s license for a year. A second offense has a fine of up to $4,000, 1 month to 1 year in jail upon conviction, and you may lose your drivers license for 2 years. By the third offense, you may face a $10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years in prison, and you can lose your drivers license for 2 years.
These fines are not including the state fine. State fines are $3,000, $4,500 and $6,000 respectively.
What If There’s A Child in the Car?
If there is a child in the car, DWI charges are adjusted accordingly. You will receive a child endangerment charge if you’re driving drunk with a child under fifteen in the car. You may receive a second fine on top of the first, and it may amount to $10,000. You may also receive another 2 years to your jail sentence, and may lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
If you receive extended charges, you should reach out to John K. Zaid & Associates, as they may have the experience needed to lessen your charges.
What is the Difference Between DUI and DWI?
While both DUI and DWIs involve driving while under the influence, the Texas DWI law says that intoxication while operating a vehicle means “not having the mental faculties due to alcohol, a drug, or a combination of both into the body”. Individuals must be 21 years or older to receive a DWI, which is a Class B misdemeanor.
The main difference between the two is age. DUI is only given to minors, under 21 years old. The state does not have to prove intoxication in minors, just that they had any amount of alcohol, and this is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500. It can be elevated in serious circumstances, however. Prior DUI convictions can cause a recent charge to be elevated to a more serious charge.
If you are in need of an impaired driving lawyer in Houston, TX, reach out to John K. Zaid & Associates.
