What You Should Know About DWI Cases and Jail Time
It's important to get the legal help that you need when it's needed most following any kind of criminal charges. A skilled criminal defense attorney will provide you with smart counsel regarding your case, helping you receive a fair shake from the law and ensure that our system works as it was intended. This is especially true with drunk driving charges, which always need to be taken seriously.
Right now we'd like to consider the jail time that is associated with drunk driving arrests since so many clients ask about the penalties that are associated with these legal matters.
Will I be sent to jail following a DUI/DWI arrest?
Yes. Jail time is one of the mandatory penalties for a DUI/DWI arrest. The amount of time spent in jail will depend on the circumstances of your arrest as well as the number of prior DUI/DWI offenses you have.
There Is No “Lookback” Period for DUI/DWI in Texas
One important thing to consider about DUI/DWI charges is that there is no specified “lookback” period for drunk driving arrests in Texas. By contrast, some states can only look back into your driving record for a specified number of years to find a prior conviction.
In other words, if you are arrested in Texas for drunk driving 30 years after a previous drunk driving arrest, that counts as a second offense DUI/DWI.
Jail Time for First Offense DUI/DWI
For first offense DUI/DWI arrests, offenders can expect to spend 3 days to 180 days in jail.
Jail Time for Second Offense DUI/DWI
For second offense DUI/DWI arrests, offenders can expect to spend 30 days to 1 year in jail.
Jail Time for Third Offense DUI/DWI
For third offense DUI/DWI arrests, offenders can expect to spend 2 years in jail.
Additional Punishments Associated with DUI/DWI
In addition to jail time following a drunk driving arrest, there are also fines that must be paid and mandatory suspension of your driver's license. For multiple offenses, installation of an ignition interlock device will be required.
Keep In Mind: The Penalties Are More Severe for Extreme DUI Charges
It should be noted that drunk driving penalties are much more severe when a person is charged with an extreme DUI. This refers to a BAC of 0.15 or higher. First offense extreme DUI arrests can result in up to 360 days in jail.
How Our Legal Team Can Help You
If you have been charged with drunk driving, do not go it alone. Our DUI/DWI defense lawyers will help you make smart choices following a drunk driving arrest. We will examine the circumstances of the traffic stop and determine if it was carried out properly, and we will also look into BAC testing to check for potential flaws. Each step of the way, we will be sure to provide you with information on all of your legal options.
Learn More About Your Legal Options In Drunk Driving Cases
If you or someone that you care about has been arrested for driving drunk and you would like to learn more about your legal options, be sure to contact our Austin, TX DUI defense lawyers today. The entire team at the Law Offices of Jason Trumpler looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible outcomes following DUI/DWI arrest.
