In Texas, driving while under the influence presents a full spectrum of risks. Initially, it indicates the possibility of personal injuries and property damage. This action also increases the odds of a fatality. For this reason, the state enforces criminal penalties for these actions. A criminal attorney in Rockwall, TX helps drivers who have been charged with this infraction.
The First Offense
The first offense is classified as a class B misdemeanor. The fines for these charges have a maximum of $2,000. Those convicted will spend between seventy-two hours and one hundred eighty days in the county jail. The license suspension period starts at ninety days and ranges up to one year.
The Second Offense
For the second offense, the classification is increased to a class A misdemeanor. The fines expand up to $4,000. The jail sentence is between one month and one year. The license suspension period is up to two years.
The Third Conviction
The third conviction is a third-degree felony. The fine ranges up to $10,000, and the prison sentence for the conviction is between two and ten years. The license suspension ranges between one-hundred eight days up to two years.
Intoxication Assault and Manslaughter
Under Texas state law, the severity of a victim’s injuries and their outcome could add extra criminal charges. If the injuries classify as an assault based on intoxication, the defendant is charged with intoxication assault. This is a third-degree felony and the fine ranges up to $10,000. The defendant spends between two and ten years in prison with a license suspension of up to two years.
If the victim dies, the driver is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The fines range up to $10,000 for this second-degree felony. The driver spends up to ten years in prison with a license suspension of no more than two years.
In Texas, drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated are charged with applicable infractions. These criminal charges are punishable with fines, driver’s license suspensions, and jail or prison sentences. A defendant that needs to hire a criminal attorney in Rockwall, TX should contact the law offices of Tim Hartley or visit the website for more details now.
