Thousands of drivers in Texas every year get arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses and then must cope with the legal consequences of a conviction. A DWI offense will typically lead to fines and possibly incarceration or probation. The courts will also usually suspend someone’s license after a DWI conviction.
The more prior offenses on a driver’s record and the more aggravating factors at the time of their arrest, the longer they may potentially lose their driving privileges. A high blood alcohol concentration or the presence of minors in the vehicle could increase the possible penalties.
Losing your license can be a serious hardship even if you avoid incarceration. For someone facing a lengthy suspension of their license, an ignition interlock device (IID) could be a viable solution.
How the Texas IID program works
Many DWI offenders will need to install an IID in their vehicle to regain their driving privileges. The driver subject to an IID requirement will not be able to drive any vehicle without an IID installed until the state lifts the restrictions on their license.
They need to perform a chemical test when they start their vehicle and occasionally while driving as well. If someone fails a breath test, the device will provide records of those failed tests to the state, which may impact how long they have to maintain the IID in their vehicle before regaining their full driving privileges.
Drivers have to pay for the initial installation of the device and then for inspections and calibrations as well. Compliance with the IID program will help you establish a history of sober driving and will put you in a better position to ask for your full driving privileges back.
Avoiding a conviction will also protect your license
If you can successfully fight back against pending DWI charges, you will protect your license and minimize any penalties if you ever get arrested again in the future. When you choose to fight DWI charges, you can potentially maintain a clean driving record and help keep your insurance costs low. Avoiding a traffic-related conviction may also be very important for those with commercial driver’s licenses.
Learning more about how Texas penalizes DWI offenses will help you determine the best response to your upcoming charges.