Background Information for Alcohol-Related Offenses

The following information may be helpful for those accused of an alcohol related or DWI offense:

DUI means Driving Under the Influence and is only for persons under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
A DUI charge is only for detectable amounts of alcohol - it does not mean the person is intoxicated.
DWI means Driving While Intoxicated and is defined as having a blood alcohol content .08 or over.
DWI also means having lost the normal use of a person's physical faculties or mental faculties.
Making alcohol available to a minor means anyone buying or providing alcohol to someone under 21.
Open Container - if there was an open container of alcohol in the car, a fine not to exceed $500 may be imposed.
1st offense DWI conviction for an individual under 21 years of age will result in a one year driver's license suspension in addition to any other penalty imposed.
2nd and 3rd time DWI offenses carry much more substantial fines, penalties, and potential jail time.
Lastly, a conviction for any DWI also carries the imposition of a driver's license surcharge by the Texas Department of Public Safety.


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Home Attorney Profile Practice Areas Defense Overview Featured Article Client Resources Students Rights Links Contact Us Free Initial Consultation 979-823-9111 Phone Answered 24 hrs a Day Thousands of Cases Defended	Background Information for Alcohol-Related Offenses The following information may be helpful for those accused of an alcohol related or DWI offense: DUI means Driving Under the Influence and is only for persons under 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. A DUI charge is only for detectable amounts of alcohol - it does not mean the person is intoxicated. DWI means Driving While Intoxicated and is defined as having a blood alcohol content .08 or over. DWI also means having lost the normal use of a person's physical faculties or mental faculties. Making alcohol available to a minor means anyone buying or providing alcohol to someone under 21. Open Container - if there was an open container of alcohol in the car, a fine not to exceed $500 may be imposed. 1st offense DWI conviction for an individual under 21 years of age will result in a one year driver's license suspension in addition to any other penalty imposed. 2nd and 3rd time DWI offenses carry much more substantial fines, penalties, and potential jail time. Lastly, a conviction for any DWI also carries the imposition of a driver's license surcharge by the Texas Department of Public Safety.	Print this page