BAC At or Above 0.15

Name: BAC At or Above 0.15 - Price and Twine, PLLC | Georgetown, Texas
Brand: Price & Twine, PLLC
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)

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When an individual is charged with a DWI with a BAC level at or above 0.15, they face significant penalties. From higher fines to longer jail sentences, the impact of this type of criminal charge can be life-altering. Below, Price & Twine, PLLC goes over Texas law on DWI when the individual’s BAC level is at or above 0.15, and explains why it is important to consult with an attorney if criminally charged.

Attorney for DWI With BAC At or Above 0.15 in Williamson County, TX

If you have been charged with a DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15, you’ll want to consult with a lawyer without delay. A DWI lawyer can provide meaningful advice and work towards one of the best possible outcomes for your case. Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 or reach out to us.

Overview of DWI – BAC At or Above 0.15

Basic DWI Offenses In Texas
Enhanced Offenses And Penalties
Special Cases Involving Public Servants
Penalties For DWI With BAC At Or Above 0.15 In Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Areas We Serve
Resources

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, an offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by 3-180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. 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 6 days. The law takes a more strict stance when the BAC level of the individual is at or above 0.15. In those cases, the offense is escalated to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

Enhanced Offenses And Penalties

In Texas, penalties can be enhanced based on several factors, not just a high BAC. For example, 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 two convictions relating to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, the new offense is classified as a felony of the third degree punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Also, 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.

Special Cases Involving Public Servants

The law also carves out special punishments for cases where intoxicated driving leads to serious bodily injury to firefighters, emergency medical services personnel (EMTs), police 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.

Penalties For DWI With BAC At Or Above 0.15 In Texas

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 circumstances.

Community Service And Educational Programs

Courts may also require 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 and difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs and professional licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

Areas We Serve

We service cities in Williamson County such as:

Cedar Park
Georgetown
Leander
Round Rock
Taylor
Hutto
Liberty Hill

We also service cities in Bell County such as:

Killeen
Temple
Burnet

Resources

View Texas Penal Code on DWI with a BAC at or above 0.15. Each law provides a description of the offense as well as applicable penalties. Certain laws also include notes of amendments that modify the statutes.

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, including extended periods of incarceration. Facing accusations of violating Texas DWI laws is not something anyone should attempt alone. Price & Twine, PLLC DWI lawyers are ready to help clients through this challenging time. For a consultation regarding your legal rights and options, contact us at (512) 354-1880.

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Case Results

Dismissed

DWI

February 2020

Officer claimed several reasons for the initial stop of client. Portable breath test on scene showed BAC above .08 but lab results of blood taken hours later showed a BAC below .08. After reviewing video of client on scene and... read more »

Dismissed

Injury to Child

February 2020

After a thorough negotiation, the State reduced the charge to a misdemeanor and agreed to allow client to complete Pretrial Intervention Program for a dismissal of all charges and eligibility to expunge the full record.

Dismissed

Possession of Dangerous Drug

February 2020

After showing client was a victim of traumatic circumstances and was seeking assistance, State agreed to dismiss.

Reduced Charge

DWI 2nd

February 2020

State had a strong case, but after explaining client’s several extenuating circumstances a plea deal for a time served on a reduced charge of a class B misdemeanor was agreed to. No jail time and no probation required.

Dismissed

Assault by Contact (child)

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and client completing an agreed educational class, the State agreed to dismiss the charge.

Dismissed

Assault Family Violence

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and providing context of situation, State agreed to dismiss.

Dismissed

Assault Causes Bodily Injury x 2

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and showing that alleged victims participated in the assaultive conduct (mutual combat defense) the State dismissed.

*The results discussed here are not necessarily representative of the results achieved in all cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are different and must be evaluated on its own merit.

Testimonials

Liz and Michael are very personable, caring and professional. They helped ease my stress and navigated me through everything with great diligence. I am eternally grateful to them both for their belief in me and their understanding of my circumstances. Their abilities, knowledge and desire are first class. I highly recommend Liz and Michael to represent anybody where needed. Thank you to the both of you

Anonymous

a Google user

During one of the darkest periods in my life I was referred to Michael and Liz by another attorney from Austin. I wasn’t guilty of what I was accused of so it was important for me to seek out Good counsel. After my first meeting with them I was certain I had found it. During the almost year-long process they kept me informed and reassured me that they were going to do everything possible to help me get out of this situation. Liz is well organized and very on top of her game. Michael maybe one of the sharpest legal minds in Williamson County and the day I walked out of court free I was happy he was by my side. I sincerely hope I never need their services again but if I ever got in a situation where I needed a great attorney I know who to call.

GREGG

a Google user

Michael Price and his firm are the best top notch lawyers. Communication throughout the entire process was stellar. He was able to work with me and get the best case scenario. I called multiple lawyers and Michael stood out the most when it came to professionalism, honesty and transparency. They are 100% responsive even on the weekends, and after normal working hours. 10/10 recommend. Michael’s jokes are pretty good too.

Amanda

a Google user

Michael is phenomenal. He does his dudiligence, knows the law backward and front, has great contacts, and has the ability to win whatever is thrown at him. He went above and beyond for me when I needed him when I was wrongfully charged in Williamson and Travis County on a crime I did not commit. Not once did he tell me to plea because no matter how good the deal, he didn’t want me to plea on something I didn’t do. Id recommend Michael and anyone he works with or referrers because he is a stand-up individual with an amazing work ethic.

Samuel

a Google user

Michael was extremely helpful in my delicate case. He took the time and efficiency to tackle the situation at its finest approach with the proper strategy. According to how it was looking he was able to give me the best scenario possible even when the odds seemed to be against us. After going back and forth for the period of time needed, he was successful in making the best possible scenario come to fruition. I highly recommend him and if I could give his firm 100 stars I would. He is a superb attorney who definitely knows how to make the best things possible as long as the client is always honest and is a stand forward person.

Antonio

a Google user