What are the penalties for driving drunk on St. Patrick’s Day?
In recent years, St. Patrick’s Day has become less about celebrating one’s Irish heritage and more about getting drunk—and the earlier, the better. From breakfast Keg-and-Egg bashes to the Houston PubCrawl, the goal seems to be to stay drunk all day. For some of them, this lucky day may end up being very unlucky.
Booze-infused car crashes on St. Patrick’s Day needlessly take lives each year. Before you decide to drive after downing a few pints of green beer, you should know what you are risking.
Your Luck Will Run Out if You’re Caught Driving Drunk on St. Patrick’s Day
Texas police don’t take driving while intoxicated lightly. In fact, the penalties for doing so are some of the strictest in the nation. Here’s what you face when you’re found guilty of driving while drunk.
- First offense. The first time you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated, you’ll serve a minimum of three to 180 days in jail, and pay a fine of up to $2,000. You’ll also lose your license for up to one year and will pay an annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain your drivers’ license.
- Second offense. Those who are found guilty of a DWI two times spend at least one month to one year in jail. They pay fines of up to $4,000 and can lose their licenses for up to two years. They also pay annual fees of $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000 for three years to retain their drivers’ licenses.
- Third offense. If you are found guilty of a DWI a third time, you’ll spend two to ten years behind bars and pay a $10,000 fine. You’ll also lose your license for up to two years and pay $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 annually for three years to retain your license.
If You Were Injured by a Drunk Driver, We Can Help
Even with Texas’ tough DWI penalties, some drivers still choose to get behind the wheel when intoxicated and cause fatal accidents, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. If you were injured in a DWI crash, Steve Lee, Attorney at Law, may be able to help. Contact us today to learn how.