In the state of Texas, DWI consequences can vary from person to person. While there are objective penalties based on the circumstances in a case, it is possible for a driver to get a plea deal. Those who are charged with their first DWI could face a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
These penalties may be in addition to a license suspension of up to one year plus fees to get it reinstated. For a second DWI offense, the fine and the length of the license suspension are double. A jail sentence of up to one year is also possible. It is important to note that these are the penalties for a misdemeanor conviction with no aggravating factors involved.
However, it is possible to get a plea deal even in cases where individuals are killed in drunk driving accidents. In one case, a Texas teenager killed four people, but was given a plea deal that avoided a lengthy stint in jail. Legal observers say that he likely got that deal because of his age and his ability to afford a good attorney. It is also believed that societal views on drinking and driving may also contribute to inconsistent sentences for impaired drivers.
Drivers who are charged with a DWI may face serious legal consequences including jail time and a license suspension. It may be worthwhile to talk with an attorney who might come up with defenses to the charge. For instance, it could be possible to argue that a driver was not over the legal limit at the time of a traffic stop or that a medical condition caused slurred speech or bloodshot eyes during a traffic stop.
