Posts tagged Punishments

Convicted of DUI in Houston – How Much Will Auto Insurance Increase?

Reader’s Question:

I live in Houston TX and recently I was convicted of DUI. Now Im a bit worried with my auto insurance if they will increase my insurance rate. How much will it be?

Ricky

Houston TX

Houston drivers would be well advised to know how strict Texas laws are when it comes to DUI or Driving Under the Influence. Even stricter are the punishments faced by anyone proven to be driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. Fines can be very costly, license suspended, and the possibility of going to jail is very real, just for of a few bottles of suds. A DUI auto insurance policy is also essential once you are allowed to drive again after a DUI.

Let’s take a closer look at the penalties Texas has for DUI offenders: First-time offenders gets fined $2,000, jail time from 72 hours up to 180 days, 90 day – one year license suspension and you would need to install an Interlock Ignition Device on all of your vehicles at your own expense. 2nd offense: $4,000 fine, 30 days – 1 year in jail, license suspension for 6 months to a year. 3rd offense: $10,000 fine, 2 – 10 years in jail, and two years license revocation.

Life after a DUI can be very expensive, especially when it comes to auto insurance coverage. One can expect much higher rates and premiums if you have a DUI on your record, however, affordable DUI auto insurance coverage is still available, you just have to know how and where to look for them.

The Internet is one of the best, if not THE best, ways to maximize your chances of getting an affordable DUI auto insurance. Houston is a big market and there are many dedicated DUI and auto insurance providers and online insurance portals that caters to it. By running free auto insurance quote checks and comparing many different companies, you are sure to find an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs.

Remember, the right kind of DUI auto insurance can save you hundreds of dollars a year, if not more. It doesn’t take days or hours to find them, only minutes of your time and a small bit of effort. Done correctly, you are sure to find a quality auto insurance provider that doesn’t break your bank.

Houston Texas DWI Penalties

Reader’s Question:

This is the first time that my son has ever been charged with DWI. He got into an accident but we are still thankful that no one was hurt. What are the possible penalties involved if he will be convicted for DWI in Houston, Texas?

Deedee

Houston, TX

Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or other intoxicating drugs or DWI is a very serious offense in Texas. The problem is that most people don’t realize that this is such a huge problem until they commit it. A lot of people pose to be dare devils and engage in drunk driving and speeding. Their merriment comes to a full stop once they are charged with DWI and fear starts showing on their faces.

Since your son has been charged with DWI in Houston, Texas, in the absence of aggravating factors, the first DWI offender could get off a little lightly. He may face the following penalties and punishments:

-A fine of an amount not exceeding $2000
-A jail term of three days to six months
-He may have to do community service for 24 hours to 100 hours as per ordered by the court
-If it appears that the he has an alcohol habit, the judge may have to order him to go in for rehabilitation

On the other hand, in case that there are aggravating factors like a child in the car, loss of limb or life of casualty, etc. involved in the case, the punishment may increase. So they say ‘Prevention is better than Punishment’ in the case of DWI and thus, it is advised that we take steps to avoid driving for at least 12 hours after the last drink.

Been Caught Drunk Driving in Houston Texas?

Reader’s Question:

Luckily for me, I have never been caught drunk driving here in Houston, Texas. I know many people who have been charged with DUI. I hope the same thing will not happen to me because I know it would cost me a lot of time, money and effort. But if ever, what will the police officer ask me if I will be stopped for DUI suspicion?

Dennis

Houston, TX

When you are caught by a police officer for a DUI suspicion, a chain reaction of legal steps ensues. Drunk driving in Houston, Texas is a serious offense. The state of Texas requires blood alcohol content (BAC) of drivers to be .08% or less. Texas also has harsher punishments for drivers with extremely high BAC levels over .15 percent.

Generally, if a police officer stops you for DUI suspicion, you will be asked to perform field sobriety tests (FST) or an actual sobriety test to measure your level of intoxication. There are several testing options exist including breath, urine and blood tests. The state of Texas has implied consent law about sobriety tests. That means that if you get behind a wheel, are implying consent to take an alcohol test on the spot if requested. You, as a driver, usually have choice of tests. Breath testing is easier to challenge for accuracy than blood tests but breathalyzers do not scan for the presence of other drugs. If you refuse the test or have a BAC level over the limit, the police officer will probably take you into custody at the local police station. It is likely someone will have to pick you up or you will have to sleep overnight at the station to sober up, depending on your previous charges.

At this point, you will need an assistance of a qualified DUI lawyer in Houston, Texas to make sure that you know all the available options on your DUI case if ever you will be charged with one in the future.