How Much Does a DWI Cost in Texas?

A DWI in Texas can cost $17,000 or more by the time everything is resolved. That figure comes directly from the Texas Department of Transportation, and it does not account for what a conviction can do to your job, your custody situation, or your record. If you are facing a DWI charge right now, here is a clear breakdown of where that money goes.

The Fine Is Just the Beginning

Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a first-offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. The court can fine you up to $2,000. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000. A third offense becomes a third-degree felony, and fines can reach $10,000.

Those numbers sound significant, but the fine is rarely the most expensive piece of a DWI case.

Where the Real Costs Add Up

From the moment of arrest, expenses start to stack up. Here is what you are likely looking at beyond the fine:

• Bail: Depending on the circumstances and any prior record, bail can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Towing and impound: Your vehicle is towed at the time of arrest, and those fees begin immediately.
• DWI Education Program: Texas courts frequently require a state-approved education program as part of sentencing, and you pay for it.
• Ignition interlock device: If ordered as a condition of bond or probation, you are responsible for installation, monthly calibration fees, and removal.
• License reinstatement fee: Once your suspension ends, the Texas Department of Public Safety charges a fee before you can legally drive again.

What Refusing a Breath Test Costs You

If you refused a breath or blood test at the time of your arrest, that carries its own consequences. Texas’s implied consent laws under Transportation Code Chapter 724 mean that driving on Texas roads constitutes consent to chemical testing. A first refusal triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension, separate from any criminal penalty. The refusal can also be introduced as evidence in court.

Attorney Fees

The cost of legal representation varies based on how complex your case is, whether it goes to trial, and the specific facts involved. This is one of the most significant and most important line items. Our skilled Texas DWI attorneys may be able to challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, or the chemical test results. The investment in your defense directly impacts the outcome.

The Insurance Spike That Lasts for Years

After a DWI conviction, your auto insurance premiums will increase sharply. Texas may require you to file an SR-22 certificate with the Texas Department of Public Safety to prove financial responsibility before your license is reinstated. That elevated premium does not go away after one renewal. You are looking at years of higher rates, which quietly add thousands more to the overall cost.

The Costs That Do Not Show Up on an Invoice

Some consequences are harder to put a number on, but they are just as real:

• Loss of employment or difficulty getting hired with a conviction on your record
• Suspension or revocation of a commercial driver’s license if you hold a CDL
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including visa issues or removal proceedings
• Restrictions on international travel to countries that screen for criminal records
• Complications in child custody or family court proceedings

Get Help Before This Gets More Expensive

A DWI charge in Texas moves quickly. The window to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety is only 15 days from the date of arrest. Missing that deadline means an automatic license suspension on top of everything else.

The total cost of a DWI is not just about fines. It is about what a conviction does to your record, your income, and your options. Getting in front of this early matters.

Our attorneys at HGC Law Firm PLLC represent clients facing DWI charges in San Antonio and across Texas. Call us at 210-222-9132 or contact us online to talk through your situation today.

HGC LAW FIRM PLLC
Address: 909 NE Interstate 410 Loop Suite 500A, San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 981-4419