A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction has serious consequences in Texas. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At the law firm of Joseph M. Black, we have more than three decades of combined experience handling all types of DUI cases. We know what it takes to get results and will fight for you every step of the way. Let us explain what you need to know about DUI charges in Texas.

What is a DUI in Texas?

In the state of Texas, a DUI is when an individual operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Under the Texas Penal Code, a person is intoxicated if they have consumed any amount of alcohol and their ability to drive is impaired. For this reason, DUI charges are often referred to as “driving while intoxicated” or “DWI.” The specific legal term for a DUI in the state of Texas is “driving while intoxicated.” If a person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, they have committed a DUI.DUI charges can be broken down into two categories: general DUI and enhanced DUI.A general DUI occurs when an individual has consumed alcohol and their BAC is above the legal limit. Enhanced DUI charges are reserved for cases where a driver has a BAC of 0.15 or higher. The penalties for a general DUI and an enhanced DUI are the same.

Penalties for a DUI in Texas

If convicted of a DUI, a driver will face a wide range of penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a driver could receive a fine of up to $2,000 and a sentence of up to two years in jail. A DUI conviction will also result in the loss of a driver’s license, probation, and a mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment program. A DUI conviction also has serious consequences for future employment, travel, and housing opportunities.A first DUI conviction will often result in the most severe penalty. A second conviction will typically result in a more lenient sentence. A third conviction will usually result in a mandatory minimum sentence. A fourth conviction will often result in a sentence of probation.

DUI and Public Transportation

The state of Texas has adopted a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to DUI and public transportation. This means that any person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating public transportation is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties for a DUI while operating public transportation are the same as a DUI in a private vehicle.A person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating public transportation is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. A first conviction will result in a fine of up to $500. A second conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. A third conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of up to one year. A fourth or subsequent conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to a year and a half.

DUI and Workplace Policies

The state of Texas also has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to DUI and workplace policies. This means that any person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job is guilty of a Class C Misdemeanor. The penalties for a DUI while on the job are the same as a DUI in a private vehicle.A person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job is guilty of a Class C Misdemeanor. A first conviction will result in a fine of up to $500. A second conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. A third conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of up to one year. A fourth or subsequent conviction within five years will result in a fine of up to $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to a year and a half.

Fight for Your Rights!

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At the law firm of Joseph M. Black, we have more than three decades of combined experience handling all types of DUI cases. We know what it takes to get results and will fight for you every step of the way. Let us explain what you need to know about DUI charges in Texas.

Frequently Asked Question

In Texas, DWI is an extra significant criminal activity. DUIs are just charged to minors under the Texas Website Traffic Code. Due to the fact that a DUI is charged when any type of quantity of alcohol is discovered in their system, it is a lot easier to be discovered guilty, however. Drunk drivings are charged under the Texas Penal Code, that makes it a major crime.