BAC at or above 0.15

Home » DWI Defense » BAC at or above 0.15

When an individual is charged with a DWI with a BAC level at or above 0.15, they face not just the stigma of a DWI charge but significantly enhanced penalties. From higher fines to longer jail sentences, the impact of such a charge can be life-altering. With stringent Texas laws governing these offenses, understanding the gravity of the situation is essential for anyone facing this type of charge. This piece aims to simplify and summarize the Texas statutes about DWI when the BAC level is at or above 0.15.

Attorney for High BAC above .15 in Williamson County, TX

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15, the stakes are too high to go it alone. The complexities of Texas law require the expertise of legal professionals who can navigate the court system and work towards one of the best possible outcomes for your case. Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today for representation you can count on. To get in touch, call us at (512) 354-1880 or reach out to us. With Price & Twine, PLLC on your side, you’re taking the critical first step in protecting your rights and your future.

Overview of DWI – BAC at or above 0.15

Back to top

Basic DWI Offenses In Texas

In Texas, a person is committing an offense if they are intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public space. Usually, such an offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which comes with a minimum confinement term of 72 hours. If an individual is caught driving with an open container of alcohol in their immediate possession, the charge remains a Class B misdemeanor but the minimum term of confinement is increased to six days. The law takes a more stringent stance when the BAC level of the individual is at or above 0.15 at the time the analysis was performed. In such cases, the offense is escalated to a Class A misdemeanor.

Back to top

Enhanced Offenses And Penalties

In Texas, penalties and offenses can be enhanced based on several factors, including prior convictions. If a person has been convicted one time before for a DWI, the new offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum confinement term of 30 days. For those with one conviction under certain specific offenses, or two convictions relating to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, the new offense is classified as a felony of the third degree.

Back to top

Special Cases: Involving Public Servants

The law also makes special provisions for cases where intoxicated driving leads to serious bodily injury to firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, peace officers, or judges. These offenses can be escalated to a felony of the first or second degree, depending on the specifics of the injury caused.

Back to top

Long-Term Consequences

It is worth noting that Texas law retains jurisdiction over the defendant for purposes of enforcing enhanced penalties. For example, if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent DWI offense within five years, the court may require a special device to be installed in their vehicle that prevents operation if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath.

Back to top

Penalties For DWI With BAC At Or Above 0.15 In Texas: A Complete Resource

Classification As Class A Misdemeanor

When a person has a BAC level at or above 0.15 at the time of testing, the offense is upgraded from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. This is a significant shift because Class A misdemeanors in Texas are subject to more severe penalties compared to Class B misdemeanors.

Financial Penalties

One of the immediate consequences for a DWI offense with a BAC at or above 0.15 is a fine. The maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor DWI in Texas is $4,000. This amount is substantially higher than the maximum fine for a Class B misdemeanor, which stands at $2,000.

Confinement And Jail Time

Individuals convicted of a Class A misdemeanor DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15 can expect to face jail time. The confinement term for a Class A misdemeanor is a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of one year in county jail.

Driver’s License Suspension

Another significant penalty for a DWI offense with a high BAC level is the suspension of the offender’s driver’s license. The suspension period can range from 90 days to one year. This period can increase based on prior convictions or other enhancing circumstances.

Enhanced Penalties For Repeat Offenders

Texas statutes also provide for enhanced penalties for individuals who have been convicted of DWI offenses in the past. If you have a prior conviction within the last five years, additional conditions may be imposed, including mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices on your vehicle.

Community Service And Educational Programs

Courts may also mandate community service and participation in alcohol education or treatment programs. While these are not strictly penalties, they are conditions that could be imposed as part of the sentencing and are often included in plea agreements.

Long-Term Ramifications

Having a DWI conviction with a BAC at or above 0.15 on your record can have long-lasting consequences beyond legal penalties. This could include increased insurance premiums, difficulties in job hunting, and social stigma.

Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI (Bac At Or Above 0.15)

What Is Considered A BAC At Or Above 0.15?

A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level at or above 0.15 means that there are 0.15 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood in the person’s system at the time of testing.

How Does This Affect The Severity Of The DWI Charge?

A BAC level at or above 0.15 elevates a DWI offense from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor in Texas. This means increased fines and a higher likelihood of jail time.

What Are The Financial Penalties?

The maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15 is $4,000 in Texas.

What Is The Jail Time For This Offense?

The jail term for a Class A misdemeanor DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15 can range from a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of one year.

Can My Driver’s License Be Suspended?

Yes, a DWI conviction with a BAC at or above 0.15 can lead to a driver’s license suspension ranging from 90 days to one year.

Back to top

Areas We Serve

We service cities in Williamson County such as:

We also service cities in Bell County such as:

Back to top

BAC at or above 0.15 Resources

View the full text of the chapter of the Texas Penal Code dedicated to BAC at or above 0.15. Each statute provides a description of the offense as well as applicable penalties. Certain laws also include notes of amendments that modify the statutes.

 

Time To Take Action: Contact Price & Twine, PLLC DWI Attorneys Today

A DWI offense in Texas with a BAC at or above 0.15 isn’t just another traffic violation; it’s a serious criminal offense that comes with severe penalties. From hefty fines to extended periods of incarceration, the ramifications of such an offense can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

If you or someone you know is facing a DWI charge with a BAC at or above 0.15, the time to act is now. Navigating the complexities of Texas DWI laws is not something anyone should attempt alone. Price & Twine, PLLC DWI lawyers are ready to help you through this challenging time. For excellent legal representation, contact us at (512) 354-1880.