New Punishment For DWI First Time Offenders?

Yesterday, we addressed the Texas Legislature's failure to pass a bill that would have authorized deferred adjudication for those that found guilty of the offense of DWI. It appears that the Texas Legislature is still prepared to be tough on those that are convicted for DWI.

The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1199 that will now increase the offense level of certain first time DWI offenders. Ordinarily, a first time DWI offender is subject to a Class B Misdemeanor. However, if a person has a .15 BAC he or she will now be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.

This is definitely an insight into the seriousness in which the Texas Legislature and Texas prosecutor's offices take the crime of DWI. Before this bill, the law stated that one faced a Class A Misdemeanor on his or her second offense--not the first one.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the effects of this law (the effect this will have on jury trials, search warrants, and blood-draw warrants). If you have been charged with DWI, contact a Plano DWI lawyer.