How Much Does a DWI Cost in Texas?
A first-offense DWI conviction in Texas can carry costs including fines, court costs, insurance increases, lost income, and professional impacts. No single total applies to every case. Results vary.
Direct Costs of a First DWI Conviction in Texas
These are costs you will face if convicted of a first-offense DWI in Texas:
Court fine: Up to $2,000 for a Class B misdemeanor DWI (Tex. Penal Code §49.04). This is the statutory maximum — what courts actually impose varies.
Court costs: In addition to the fine, court costs are added and vary by county.
DWI education program: If you are placed on community supervision, the judge must require an education program regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 42A.403). Program fees vary by provider.
Victim impact panel: A fee may apply; costs vary.
Community supervision (probation) fees: The judge sets a monthly fee between $25 and $60 (Art. 42A.652), which may be waived or reduced for financial hardship. Misdemeanor community supervision may last up to two years (Art. 42A.053(f)).
Ignition interlock device (if a court requires one): installation and monthly monitoring fees may apply.
License reinstatement: a fee applies to reinstate after suspension; the amount is set by the state and costs vary.
- Tex. Penal Code §49.04(b) — First DWI — up to $2,000 fine
Indirect Costs: The Numbers People Don't See Coming
The direct costs above are only part of the picture:
Auto insurance: A DWI conviction triggers SR-22 filing requirements and puts you in the high-risk insurance pool. How much your rates increase, and for how long, varies by insurer and driving history; get quotes from more than one insurer.
Employment consequences: Many Texas employers conduct criminal background checks. A DWI conviction is a permanent record — it can cost a job offer, a promotion, or a professional license. Licensed professions (nursing, teaching, law, medicine, financial services) face regulatory scrutiny after a DWI conviction. The effect on earnings is difficult to quantify and varies by person.
Transportation costs: If your license is suspended, transportation alternatives (rideshare, rental car, public transit) during the suspension period add to the cost; the amount varies.
Travel restrictions: A DWI conviction can complicate entry into Canada and some other countries, affecting business travel and personal plans.
Total: no single total applies to every case.
What Does a DWI Attorney Cost vs. What a Conviction Costs?
Texas DWI attorney fees depend on case complexity — whether an ALR hearing is needed, whether blood test challenges are involved, and whether the case is likely to go to trial.
Texas Defense Team provides transparent fee quotes at your free initial consultation. Results vary.
The better question is not 'can I afford a lawyer?' It is 'can I afford to handle this without one?'
Fighting a DWI charge — even one where the evidence seems strong — is worth evaluating. Many cases have constitutional vulnerabilities (unlawful stops, improperly administered tests, chain-of-custody issues) that are only visible after a full evidence review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DWI conviction affect car insurance in Texas?+
Yes — significantly. A DWI conviction typically requires SR-22 filing (proof of insurance) and places you in the high-risk category with your insurer. Premium increases vary by insurer and driving history, and some insurers may drop coverage after a DWI conviction.
Is a DWI conviction in Texas permanent?+
Yes. A DWI conviction in Texas is a permanent criminal record. It cannot be expunged. It will appear on background checks indefinitely. If your case is dismissed or you are acquitted, expunction under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Chapter 55 may be available.