What are the laws governing DWI in my state?

In Texas, the laws regarding Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are taken very seriously. DWI is defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above .08 if you are 21 or older. The BAC is lower for drivers who are under 21 and for bus drivers with a commercial driver’s license. The legal consequences for a DWI violation can range from a fine to time in jail, and the severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances of the offense. In most cases, the first DWI offense is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or up to a $2,000 fine, as well as 90 to 365 days of license suspension. If the driver’s BAC is higher than .15 at the time of the offense, they can face stiffer penalties, including a fine of up to $4,000 and/or jail time of up to 1 year. Second, third, and subsequent DWI offenses are treated even more severely in Texas. For a second offense, the driver can face up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000 as well as their license being suspended for 180 days to 2 years. The penalties for a third offense are even more severe, and can include up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. There are also additional administrative penalties for DWI offenses, such as the installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle. In Texas, a DWI conviction can have serious lifetime consequences, so it is important to be aware of the laws governing DWI and to make sure to always drive responsibly.

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What are the laws governing DWI in my state?

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