In 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation estimated that the total costs for a first-time DWI/DUI offense could range between $5,000 to $24,000. Driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence is considered a serious crime in Texas.
If you or a loved one is arrested for such an offense, the financial repercussions can be severe, even if it is just your first offense. Here is what you should know about the various short-term and long-term costs associated with a first-time DWI/DUI charge for Texas residents.
Factors that influence short and long-term drunk driving costs
Multiple mitigating factors go into the short-term and long-term costs of being charged with a DWI/DUI. Such factors include:
- Was it a first-time offense or a repeated offense?
- How much over the legal limit was the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC)?
- Was the driver over or under 21 years of age?
- Was a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle when the driver was arrested?
- Was the driver CDL-licensed, driving a commercial vehicle and tested a BAC higher than 0.04 percent?
Expected short-term costs of a DWI/DUI
From the moment you are arrested, the meter starts running on the expenses you will incur. The short-term costs you can expect to be responsible for include:
- The cost to tow your vehicle after it has been impounded
- Storage fees and other costs to release your car from being impounded
- Costs for bail or obtaining a bail bond
Once your trial reaches the court, you can expect a new round of charges:
- You could be fined up to $2,000 by the judge.
- If you are over 21 years old, you could be jailed between 3 and 180 days, during which time you will be unable to work.
- If you are stopped for DWI/DUI with a child under 15 years old in your vehicle, the judge can fine you up to $10,000 and put you in jail for up to 2 years.
- You will be required to cover the cost of installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and pay a monthly fee of $85.
- You will be responsible for any costs related to DWI intervention or educational programs.
Long-term costs to expect with a DWI/DUI
The long-term costs and consequences of a first time DWI/DUI can be extremely expensive, too. Your license could be suspended for up to 2 years. Transportation costs to and from work could become costly. You will need to pay to have your license restored once your suspension is up. Your costs to insure your vehicle will go up significantly, and you may find it difficult to obtain insurance.
- If you are under the age of 21, you can expect to pay a yearly fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for the next 3 years to keep your driver’s license.
- If you are over the age of 21, you will be charged an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for the next 3 years to keep your driver’s license.
Are you prepared to deal with the total cost of a DWI/DUI?
With such high stakes, hiring a lawyer to defend you or your family member may be well worth the cost. A lawyer who has experience representing drivers accused of DWI/DUI can aggressively defend you against the charge and challenge the evidence against you.
New laws in Texas for first-time offenders may also allow your defense lawyer to petition the court for a “deferred adjudication” if your BAC is under .15 percent. This could allow you to avoid going through a trial by pleading guilty or no contest. Instead, you would receive a probationary period that could include community service. Once this period is finished, the charge is dismissed. This is a game-changer that can reduce the costs, both short-term and long-term, associated with a first-time DWI/DUI charge.
