Driving while under the influence in Texas can have serious consequences. If you survive the ordeal without killing someone else, you will still face serious penalties from the state after an arrest and conviction. There will also be other severe consequences regarding employment prospects and other matters. Keep these in mind before you ever have a drink without a designated driver.
The criminal penalties for DUI in Texas
Like most states, Texas takes drunk driving offenses very seriously. If you are convicted of DUI/DWI/OUI in the state of Texas, you may receive the following penalties.
For the first offense:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver’s license for one year
For the second offense:
- A fine of up to $4,000
- 1 year in jail
- Loss of driver’s license for two years
For the third offense:
- A fine of up to $10,000
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Loss of driver’s license for two years
The consequences of drunk driving for employment in Texas
Unfortunately, the penalties levied against you by the state will not be the end of your worries in regards to a DUI/DWI conviction. For one, you may end up being fired right away. The standard of at-will employment certainly gives your employer the leverage to do so. A conviction will also come up on your criminal background check. It may be difficult for you to find a decent job.
Other consequences of a drunk driving conviction
Even after you get your driver’s license back, driving may be much more difficult for you financially since your car insurance rates are likely to skyrocket. This can impact your finances as, if you plan to keep driving, you will have less disposable income.
Overall, if you have been convicted of this crime, the best thing you can do is to treat the underlying addiction so you never drive while intoxicated again. Doing so will save you from the more severe penalties associated with multiple convictions and the possibility that someone could die, including yourself, as a result.