San Antonio First-Time DUI Lawyer
This is most likely the first time you were ever placed in handcuffs, the first time you have been seated in the back of a police car, and the first time you were booked at a jail. Now, you are probably concerned about what the future may hold, and you may not know what to expect next.
At Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski, we understand the stakes and know what you’re going through. While it may seem sensible to take a plea bargain for your first time DUI, there are a few things to consider before going down that route. If you’re facing a DUI charge, call today to talk about your options and what makes sense for your circumstances: 210-879-6503.
Penalties for a First-Time DWI Offense in Texas
The sentence you can receive for a first-time drunk driving offense is harsh. It is intended to be tough enough not only to punish the offender but also to deter the driver from committing a repeat offense. Your sentence may include a fine of up to $2,000 and a 1-year driver’s license suspension, as well as jail time lasting between 3 and 180 days.
In the event that you were arrested with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 percent or more, the court may additionally order you to pay for the installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device, which is essentially a breathalyzer that is hardwired into the ignition system in order to prevent the vehicle from starting unless the driver has provided a clean breath sample.
Administrative Penalties for a First DWI
In addition to the criminal penalties you can face for a first DWI, you can also face administrative penalties. Upon conviction, the DMV can impose license revocation penalties. After your arrest, you have 15 days to request to contest your license suspension.
You may be able to receive an occupational license to allow you to drive to necessary locations while your license is suspended. Necessary locations can include:
- School
- Work
- Essential places you need to go to finish household duties
What if I am under the age of 21?
Texas law takes a tough stance against underage drinking and driving. Drivers younger than the age of 21 years can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they are found with any detectable amount of alcohol in their blood or breath. The penalties for DUI include a $500 fine, a 60-day driver’s license suspension, and court-ordered community service for between 20 and 40 hours, in addition to attendance at a mandatory alcohol-awareness class. In the event that an underage driver is arrested with a BAC of 0.08 or more, he or she can be charged with DWI as described above, provided that the driver is at least 17 years old.