As you’d expect, there is a fine for the first offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the state of Texas. The first DWI in the state is a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,000; it can also include a jail sentence of up to 6 months. This article will detail the fine that can be imposed for the first DWI in Texas to assist you in understanding your situation better.
First Offense of DWI in the State of Texas
The first offense of DWI in the state of Texas is a Class B misdemeanor. The specific Class B misdemeanor for the first DWI in Texas is defined in Section 49.04(b) of the Texas Penal Code. This first DWI in Texas has three different variations:
If you are under the age of 21 at the time of the first offense and have a BAC of 0.02 - 0.07 or you have a BAC above 0.08 but less than 0.15:
You can be sentenced up to a year of probation and fined up to $2,000.
If you are 21 or over at the time of the first offense and have a BAC of 0.08 or more but less than 0.15:
You can be sentenced up to a year in jail and fined up to $2,000.
If you are 21 or over at the time of the first offense and you test at 0.15 or more:
You are eligible for a Class A misdemeanor with a fine up to $4,000.
The first DWI in Texas is similar to the first DWAI in other states, with the exception of the first DWI in New York. In New York, the first DWAI is a misdemeanor but the second DWAI is a felony. This article will explain why.
What is First Offenders’ Fund?
First Offenders’ Fund is an additional fee imposed on the defendant if the court finds that the defendant is indigent and is unable to pay a fine.
First Offenders’ Fund can be used to cover the cost of investigation, testing, attorney’s fees, court costs and other expenses connected with the first DWI in Texas. The fund can be used by the state to cover any additional expenses incurred because of the first DWI, such as hiring additional officers to investigate if there are multiple DWIs.
Is First Offenders’ Gonna Have to Pay Additional Fines?
The First Offenders’ Fund is a special fund that cannot be used for regular criminal justice system costs. The fund can only be used to cover the costs associated with the first DWI, such as investigation costs, attorney fees, court costs and any other expenses associated with the first DWI. If the court finds that the First Offenders’ Fund is not enough to cover the costs of the investigation and the fine for the first DWI, the court will issue an additional fine that has to be paid out of the defendant’s pocket.
Will First Offenders’ Gonna Have to Pay a Fined?
While the fines for the first DWI are set at $2,000, the First Offenders’ Fund can be used to reduce the amount of the fine. If the court finds that the First Offenders’ Fund is not enough to cover all of the costs of the investigation, the court can impose an additional fine. The first DWI offender will have to pay the fine under $2,000 plus the additional fine.
Most first-time DWI defendants will be indigent and will have to pay the First Offenders’ Fine even though they don’t have any assets. If the First Offenders’ Fine is not enough to cover the court costs, the state can use more money from the First Offenders’ Fund.
If the First Offenders’ Fine isn’t enough, the court will impose an additional fine that the defendant will have to pay. The amount of the additional fine depends on the court. The court can impose a fine up to $500.
If you are arrested for a DWI in the state of Texas, you should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A DWI conviction can have serious consequences on your life, and you need the assistance of a lawyer to defend you.