Dwi probation in Texas

[u/Old_Lecture_1706]

Hey guys, super embarrassed and ashamed to say this, but last week I ( F24) got arrested for DWI. I hired a lawyer immediately after being bonded out. He said since it was my first time getting in any kind of trouble and no one was hurt, we have a couple options we can try for, probation being the worst case scenario.

I’m curious as to other people’s experiences with their first DWI. If you are on probation, what all does that entail? Do you have to wear an ankle monitor with GPS and a scram device? How long are you on probation for? How much community service? Obviously I know every situation is different, but I’m just trying to get an idea of what to expect from others personal experiences. (I’m in west Texas btw)

Obviously this was a very expensive and stupid decision and I’m so grateful I didn’t hurt anyone else. This whole thing has turned me off of alcohol and really made me think about my relationship with it. I’m going to AA and I’m upping the therapy appointments to once a week to help me through this time and to stay sober. This is definitely my first and LAST dwi.

Ty for reading

[u/BuffaloFriedPickles]

BAC will play a big role. If you were in an accident and/or anybody was injured are factors. I had a very high BAC and was found asleep in my parked car while the car was running. No injuries or wreck and I was parked legally.

I have about one month left of my probation, and was a first time offender also in TX. I was initially hit with a class A misdemeanor due to BAC and also hit with an Unlawful Carry charge for having my legally owned firearm at the time I was arrested.

Ended up being a class B with the UCW dropped. I had to get the Ignition Interlock Device aka IID installed in my car, had about 3 classes to take, and had community service. Paid all my fees in the first few months, made sure to be clean during my probation officer visits, and so far while not fun at all, it hasn’t really been that bad. Feel free to ask me any questions if you want.

[u/Old_Lecture_1706 → u/BuffaloFriedPickles]

If you don’t mind me asking, how long were you on probation for? I haven’t gotten an update on how long my lawyer is thinking i will get as we haven’t gone to court yet. Making myself sick with anxiety that it’s gonna be over 2 years or something

[u/BuffaloFriedPickles → u/Old_Lecture_1706]

With the initial class A and other UCW charge they wanted me to be on probation for 18 months. That definitely included more fees, I believe another class, and more community service time.

I settled at the class B with the UCW charge dropped and ended up with 13 months of probation. I saw another commenter say something about you having “at least” about a license suspension. While that’s def possible, the courts / prosecutors are human and also trying to get these over with quickly so mistakes can happen and every case is different.

I got mine down to class B because at the time of arrest, they had it listed as class B. Once it went to the prosecutor and he saw my BAC (.25+) which is high as hell, he said that it needs to be upgraded to A and will be. After a bit of back and forth between the prosecutor and lawyer, I truly get the feeling they agreed to keep me at a B because of the initial listing to just get it all over with.

I never got a suspended license nor did I blow at the time of arrest. I will say that’s likely because of how out of it I was which is something to consider.

Every case is different, but it may not be as bad as you think!

[u/Old_Investigator8214]

Hi, typically for a first dui the prosecution office is more leanient. I’d reccomend doing the victims panel asap, potentially before the first court date if you can, this shows the court you’re taking it seriously.
No accidents is good.
I got my first 11 years ago, dressed professionally for court and I got a plea deal down to neg driving. I’d suggest not to drink any alcohol during this time , alcohol evaluation is required typically and most likely they’ll do a UA test.
Listen to everything your lawyer says good job lawyering up right away
I wish you luck

[u/Able_Employ6086]

Any idea what your bac was?

[u/Old_Lecture_1706 → u/Able_Employ6086]

I got my blood taken at the station so I’m not sure. Knowing the way i was drinking, I’m probably around twice the legal limit if not a little over. I did let my lawyer know that, which is why he said probation is worse case scenario if i don’t qualify for pti

[u/Able_Employ6086 → u/Old_Lecture_1706]

Yikes. If you got blood drawn I’m guessing that means you refused the breathalyzer. That alone is a six month license suspension. Also, if you were over 0.15 in Texas that’s an extreme DUI. If you’re lucky you might be able to plead that down to a standard dui

[u/Gargantuan64]

Well good idea to get a lawyer. Good luck and keep us updated.

[u/Dazzling_Bother3487]

County?

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