Jed Silverman, Attorney at Law

713.226.8800 (24 Hours)

DUI / DWI DEFENSE

Penalties for DUI / DWI

Maximum Fine $10,000 and/or Imprisonment

First Offense: A first-offense conviction includes a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or the possibility of serving jail time from 3 days to 180 days, and a driver's license suspension of 90 to 365 days. (Class B Misdemeanor).

Second Offense: The maximum fine increases to no more than $4,000.00 and/or jail from 30 days to one year, and a possible driver's license suspension ranging from 180 days to 2 years. (Class A Misdemeanor).

Third Offense: Here, you may receive a fine up to $10,000.00 and/or 2 to 10 years of imprisonment, and suspension of your driver's license ranging from 180 days up to 2 years. (3rd Degree Felony).

DWI with an open alcohol container (first offense): In addition to the penalty referenced above you face a minimum 6 days in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000.00. (Class B Misdemeanor).

Penalties for Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter

DWI with an accident where serious bodily injury occurred as a proximate cause of the intoxication: This crime is called intoxication assault, and upon conviction you may serve a minimum of 2 years up to a maximum of 10 years in jail. Additionally, you may be fined up to $10,000.00. (3rd Degree Felony).

DWI where a death has occurred as a proximate cause of the intoxication: Here, the crime is intoxication manslaughter. Upon conviction you might have to pay a maximum fine of $10,000.00 and/or be imprisoned from 2 to 20 years (Intoxicated Manslaughter or Manslaughter with use of Deadly Weapon are both 2nd Degree Felonies).

In some of the above minor classifications you may be eligible for probation, but there is no guarantee that you will receive a probated jail sentence or fine. If you are convicted of intoxication assault and wish to receive probation, a minimum of 30 days in jail must be served as a condition of probation.

Furthermore, to receive probation upon being convicted of intoxication manslaughter you must serve a minimum of 120 days in jail.

However, if you are convicted of Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter and the court or jury finds that you committed the offense with a deadly weapon you may be ineligible to receive probation at all.