How Much Does a DWI Cost in Texas?
Most people think the fine is the biggest cost of a DWI. The fine is only one part: bail, court costs, insurance, lost wages, and ongoing fees may also apply. Here is a breakdown of the costs that may come with a DWI case. Results vary.
How Much is Bail for a DWI in Texas?
Bail for a DWI arrest in Texas is set by the magistrate. The amount depends on the county, the judge setting bail, your criminal history, and whether there were any aggravating factors (accident, high BAC, child in the vehicle). Felony DWI bail is generally higher than misdemeanor bail.
If you use a bail bondsman, the fee you pay is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Ask the bondsman for the exact fee in writing before you sign. Costs vary.
If you cannot afford bail, your attorney can file a motion to reduce bail or argue for personal recognizance (PR) release at your first court appearance.
- Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 17.15 — Bail factors — offense severity, flight risk, criminal history, safety to community
What Are the Full Costs of a DWI Conviction in Texas?
Here is a complete accounting of DWI costs if convicted:
Upfront costs (at time of conviction or soon after)
• Criminal fine: Up to $2,000 (first offense, Class B)
• Court costs: vary by county
• DWI education program: fee set by the provider; costs vary
• Victim impact panel: a fee may apply; costs vary
• Ignition interlock installation (if ordered): costs vary by vendor
• Driver's license reinstatement fee: set by the state; costs vary
Ongoing costs
• Ignition interlock monthly monitoring (if ordered): costs vary by vendor
• Probation supervision fees: set by the judge between $25 and $60 per month (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 42A.652); misdemeanor community supervision may last up to two years (Art. 42A.053(f))
• Auto insurance: rates may increase after a conviction; the amount varies by insurer
Total: no single total applies to every case.
This does not count lost wages from jail time, court appearances, probation meetings, or community service hours — or the long-term impact on employment and professional licenses.
See also our second-offense DWI guide (a second DWI carries a 30-day minimum term of confinement) and the Texas DWI hub.
- Tex. Transp. Code §521.246 — Ignition interlock device requirements
How Much Does a DWI Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?
DWI defense attorney fees in Texas vary based on the attorney's experience, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial.
Fees differ widely between firms and between a pretrial resolution and a jury trial. Ask any attorney you consult for the fee in writing, and what it includes, before you commit.
Texas Defense Team offers free consultations and payment plans. We are transparent about our fees before you commit to anything.
What Does Texas Defense Team Charge for DWI Defense?
Texas Defense Team charges flat fees for DWI defense:
• 1st DWI: $5,000 ($500/month × 10 payments)
• 2nd DWI: $7,000 ($700/month × 10 payments)
• Felony DWI (3rd offense, or DWI with serious bodily injury): $10,000 ($1,000/month × 10 payments)
• DWI with child passenger (state jail felony): $10,000
ALR hearing + trial fee INCLUDED in every DWI fee — no separate charge to attend the ALR hearing or to take your case to trial.
Payment plan available: 10 monthly payments. First payment due at hiring. Auto-pay required.
Discounts available for cases involving multiple charges.
View the complete TDT fee schedule including other criminal defense charges.
Prices are subject to change at any time; the fee quoted in your signed representation agreement is the fee that controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get deferred adjudication for a DWI in Texas?+
Sometimes. A judge may grant deferred adjudication community supervision unless an exclusion in Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 42A.102(b) applies — for example, an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more, a commercial driver license held at the time of the offense, or an offense whose punishment may be increased under Penal Code §49.09. Whether it is available or offered depends on the facts of the case. Results vary.
How much does bail cost for a DWI in Travis County vs. Williamson County?+
Bail is set by the magistrate and varies by county, judge, and case facts. A bondsman's fee is non-refundable, so ask for the exact fee in writing.
Does a DWI attorney reduce my insurance rates?+
If your attorney secures a dismissal or acquittal, your insurance company typically will not learn of the arrest and your rates will not increase. A conviction, however, is reported to your insurer and can trigger rate increases that last for years, regardless of attorney involvement after the conviction. The amount and duration vary by insurer.
What happens if I cannot pay DWI fines in Texas?+
Failing to pay criminal fines can result in additional court sanctions. If you cannot afford the fines, your attorney may be able to request a payment plan from the court. Results vary.