How much does it cost to be convicted of DWI in Texas?
First we’ll assume this is a first time arrest, no collision, basic DWI that a defendant pleads guilty to in Austin. The fine for a Class B misdemeanor DWI in Texas is “up to” $2000, but this is negotiable, let’s estimate it at an average of $500. The DPS surcharge for a DWI conviction however is not negotiable, that’s a minimum of $1000 per year for 3 years, that’s $3000. If you provided a breath or blood sample over .16, twice the legal limit, the DPS surcharge is $2000/yr for 3 years = $6000. We’ll estimate this at the $3000 level. Increase in insurance for a DWI conviction is going to vary greatly, based on your prior driving record, age, number of claims made against you in the past, etc. A very conservative estimate here though is going to be $3000, but probably higher. (And, again, conservative estimate means a low estimate.) The ALR suspension of your 24/7 driver’s license is for either 90 days if you provided a specimen over .08, or 180 days if you refused to take a breath tes
