What Is The Difference Between DUI And DWI In Texas?
Do you know what separates a DWI from a DUI in the eyes of the law of Texas? You are already likely familiar with the terms DWI and DUI, which respectively stand for ‘driving while intoxicated’ and ‘driving under the influence. However, do you truly comprehend the similarities and differences between these terms? In the state of Texas, a DWI or DUI might be a reference to an individual who is operating any vehicle while intoxicated, which is a state of not possessing or using normal physical and mental faculties because a drug or alcohol was introduced. Are you facing either one of these charges in the Lone Star State? Do you know what impact this can have on your life? Texas does make certain distinctions between these two charges, and as a consequence, there are different defense strategies for each situation. At our law firm, we’ve spent decades safeguarding the rights of our clients facing charges of drunk driving. As a result of our experience, we have a robust understanding of the state laws which cover instances of drunk driving, and our Houston DUI attorneys strive to contain the possible impact on the lives of our clients.
DWI Offenses In Houston, Texas
If you’re facing a DWI offense, you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated. You need to understand just how serious this charge is. You should look for a Houston attorney who specifically handles only DWI offenses. If you get found guilty, then the repercussions can be quite severe. Such potential consequences include fall out with your family, incarceration, getting terminated from your employment, and seeing your driver’s license suspended or revoked. If you are facing a DWI, email or call us right away. We have attorneys specializing in DWI cases with decades of experience. Your DWI arrest is just the start of a longer process. Getting charged with a specific crime doesn’t actually determine what your final income is. Such a legal matter winds up involving many technical issues, covering loss of license, incarceration, fines, and conviction, and none of these steps or developments ever prove automatic. If you want the greatest possibility of a good resolution, then it’s crucial that you have a veteran Houston DUI attorney on your side so you can navigate the legal process in a way that properly protects your interests and rights.
Driver’s Age Matters When Comparing A DUI & A DWI
A primary difference between a DWI and a DUI is the driver’s age. In the realm of Texas law, any person 21 or older operating a vehicle while legally intoxicated can face a DWI charge. Legal intoxication here is defined as a breath or blood alcohol concentration of .08 or impairment by drugs. Alternatively, someone pulled over with any level of alcohol in their system under the age of 21 will face a charge of DUI. It won’t legally be relevant whether or not this minor had enough alcohol in their system to be impaired. Texas drivers under the age of 21 are not legally allowed to drive with any levels of detectable alcohol in their system. The state of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy in regards to this. Crucially, anyone under 21 years of age can still face a DWI charge, provided their breath or blood alcohol concentration is in excess of .08 BAC.
Different Penalties Can Be Imposed
DUI and DWI offenses also have different potential penalties that can be imposed. Someone with a first-ever DWI offense might see a fine as much as $2,000, loss of their driver’s license for 12 months, annual fees up to $2,000 to retain their license for three years, and jail sentences ranging from 3 days to half a year. Alternatively, if a minor gets stopped for drinking and driving, they might be fined up to $500, face a two-month driver’s license suspension, required alcohol-awareness education, and between 20 and 40 hours of community service. Subsequent offenses might see an increase in the severity of the penalties for either DUI or DWI. Finding the right Houston DUI attorney to answer your questions is crucial if you have any concerns regarding underage DWI or DUI cases in the state of Texas.
For related content check out our Houston DUI attorney blog. If you have any questions make sure to contact us by calling (713) 236-8744.