Is A DWI In Texas A Felony Or Misdemeanor?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

In general, Texas DWI Texas would be charged as a



when you have committed a third DWI offense or beyond that. But under some conditions, even your first or second offense could result in a felony charge.

How long does a DWI stay on your record in Texas?

A

DWI stays on your record permanently in Texas unless you are able to get it expunged or sealed

. With a DWI on your record, anyone who runs a criminal background check on you will be able to see it, including employers, landlords, homeowners' associations, and potential business partners.

Is first DUI in Texas a felony?

Can a first-time DWI also be a felony in Texas?

Usually not

. While a first-time DWI itself is charged as a misdemeanor, there are three circumstances in which your first-time drunken driving arrest could lead to felony charges. … Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony under Texas law.

What kind of charge is a DWI in Texas?

Normally a DWI is a

Class B misdemeanor

. However, when a driver's BAC is 0.15 or higher, a DWI becomes a Class A misdemeanor. This fact enhances the penalties that a driver charged with DWI will face upon conviction.

What happens if you get a DWI in Texas?

What are the penalties for a DWI?

Up to a $2,000 fine

. Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days. Loss of driver license up to a year.

Can a DWI be expunged in Texas?

The law regarding DWI expungements is complicated in Texas.

If you were convicted of a DWI/DUI then no, you cannot get it expunged

. The conviction will remain on your record. However, if you were arrested for a DUI or DWI, there may be some conditions that allow you to get it expunged.

Can I buy a gun if I have a DWI in Texas?

You can have a DWI in Texas and still purchase a gun if:

Your DWI was not a felony and you do not have any other felony charges

. You are not currently being charged with a Class B or A misdemeanor (the most common charges for 1st-time DWI offenders) or any charge that may land you in jail for more than one year.

What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI in Texas?

In Texas, DWI is a more serious crime.

DUIs are only charged to minors under the Texas Traffic Code

. Because a DUI is charged when any amount of alcohol is found in their system, it is much easier to be found guilty, however. DWIs are charged under the Texas Penal Code, which makes it a serious offense.

How long is probation for DWI in Texas?

The state of Texas defines probation as “community supervision,” which means the probationer remains in the “community” and is “supervised” by a probation officer. The length of probation can be

from as little as six months to as long as two years

for a first-offense DWI conviction.

What happens on first DWI in Texas?

A first-time DWI charge in Texas is a

Class B Misdemeanor

. The maximum fine is $3,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 6 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent and results in a driver's license suspension.

How much does a DWI cost in Texas?

Generally speaking: First-time offenders face

a $1,000 yearly fee

(for a total of $3,000) Second-time offenders are levied a $1,500 annual fee (for a total of $4,500) Anyone convicted of DWI with a BAC of more than 0.15 will have to pay a $2,000 yearly fee (for a total of $6,000).

Can you drive after a DWI in Texas?

Fortunately, people in Texas who are convicted of DWI can regain their right to

drive almost immediately by applying for a restricted interlock license

. The license would allow you to drive a vehicle for the duration of your suspension as long as it has an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on it.

Can you go to jail for a DWI in Texas?

In general, most people who receive a driving while intoxicated

(DWI) conviction do not go to prison

. A misdemeanor conviction may include county jail time, but you will not go to state prison unless the court convicts you of a felony offense. …

Can you drink on DWI probation Texas?

Attending Meetings: Between community service and educational classes, there are a handful of meetings you'll be required to attend during DWI probation in Texas. Routine Testing: During probation,

you are expected to avoid alcohol and drugs

. Your probation officer will conduct routine testing to ensure this.

How long does a DWI affect your insurance in Texas?

A DUI in Texas can affect insurance for

up to 10 years

, depending on how far back the insurance company looks in a driver's motor vehicle record. Most insurers look back at the past 3-5 years of a driver's motor vehicle record when calculating premiums, but some look even further for major violations like DUI.

How do I get rid of a DWI in Texas?


You cannot

expunge a DWI conviction from your criminal record in Texas. Even if you were convicted of a lesser charge, you cannot remove the DWI arrest from your record.

Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Texas?

The bad and serious news: if you accumulate two or more DWIs within 3 years, then the consequences that follow are irreversible. This is to say that, a second or a third DWI

conviction may disqualify you from ever being eligible for a

CDL – it does not matter the type of vehicle used when the incident occurred.

Can I get a gun while on probation in Texas?


There is no statutory prohibition

on you purchasing a gun while on probation for a fraud charge, but the court can place whatever conditions of probation as the Judge deems fit.

What disqualifies you from getting a CHL in Texas?

A number of factors may make you ineligible to obtain a license, such as:

felony convictions and some misdemeanor convictions

, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication; pending criminal charges; chemical or alcohol dependency; certain types of psychological diagnoses protective or …

What charges prevent you from buying a gun in Texas?

Under federal law, people are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms if they have been convicted of

a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors

, or if they are subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

What's worse DUI or DWI?

Since a DWI carries more serious penalties, it is

typically worse than a DUI

. The penalties for a DUI or a DWI depend on the circumstances of the case such as a resulting injury/fatality, blood alcohol level (BAC), number of offenses, and the status of the defendant's driver's license.

Are a DUI and DWI the same thing?

DUIs and DWIs have slightly different meanings:

A DUI refers to driving under the influence

, while a DWI means driving while intoxicated or impaired. With a DUI, the charge could mean that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's important to note that the drugs do not need to be illicit.

What happens if you get 3 DWI in Texas?

A third DWI is considered to be a third-degree felony under Texas law. … A conviction for a third DWI will result in

a prison sentence of no less than two years and no more than ten years

. The minimum of two years can be misleading, as it is possible for the court to probate the majority of that sentence.

Can you get off probation early in Texas for DWI?

So,

no, you cannot be released early from probation on a DWI conviction

. However, in some counties you can go onto “non-reporting” status if you have successfully completed all of your probation terms, and you may also be able to have the interlock device removed.

Can you get deferred adjudication for DWI in Texas?

The Texas DWI deferred adjudication program is a great

option for people facing DWI charges

. This particular legal option gives a person the opportunity to avoid criminal penalties such as jail time and massive fines. It also provides a person with a path towards dismissal and an order of non-disclosure.

What happens if you deny a breathalyzer in Texas?

While you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Texas, you will

face a license suspension

. … For a first refusal, you could lose your driver's license for 180 days. If you have a prior DWI or refusal, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) could suspend your license for 2 years.

How much is a bail bond for DWI in Texas?

In first-time DWI cases, bail will usually be

between $200 and $1,000

. Bail will usually be higher for a second DWI or any additional drunk driving arrests. In felony DWI cases that involve an accident that caused serious injuries or death, bail could be $5,000-$10,000.

What happens when you get 2 DWI in Texas?

In Texas, a DWI second offense is a Class A Misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $6,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 12 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent, requires a 3-day jail sentence (even if probation is granted), and

results in a driver's license suspension

.

How do I get my license reinstated after a DWI in Texas?

  1. Attend an Alcohol Education Program. …
  2. Serve a Driver license suspension for a period not to exceed two years and pay a $100 Reinstatement fee, in addition to paying any other outstanding fees;

What is the penalty for your first DWI in Texas?

Generally, a first DWI conviction in Texas is a class B misdemeanor. However, if the driver had a BAC of . 15% or more, a first offense is a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, you're looking at maximum

fines from $2,000 to $4,000 plus administrative fees

.

How long do I need sr22 in Texas for DWI?

Under Texas law, you must maintain special proof of auto liability insurance for at least

two years

following a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction and pay additional fees to the Texas Department of Public Safety for three years.

What happens when you fail a drug test for probation in Texas?

What Happens if You Fail a Drug Test on Probation? A failed drug test while on probation

can result in a warrant for your arrest, jail time, additional probation time, additional terms and conditions, more money, and a conviction

.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.