Austin Texas DWI Lawyers - Ian Inglis

Alcohol-Related Charges

If you have become intoxicated and arrested for your actions, you may be charged with a variety of different intoxication-related charges. While many people are familiar with the terms DUI or DWI, few people are aware that there are numerous charges that may occur if you are arrested for criminal behavior while intoxicated. These charges may include:

Driving Under the Influence

The state of Texas issues Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges to drivers under the age of 21 who have any trace of alcohol in their system. The legal drinking age in the state of Texas is 21 years old, allowing police officers to charge you with a DUI no matter how much or how little you have had to drink.

Driving While Intoxicated

DWI charges are taken very seriously in the state of Texas. State laws dictate that it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08. Some drivers may be charged with a DWI even if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit. If a police officer believes that your driving is impaired or that you are under the influence of drugs, you can be charged with a DWI without surpassing the legal BAC level.

DUI/DWI with a Child

Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated with a child passenger inside of your vehicle is a serious offense in Texas. If you are charged with a DUI/DWI and have a passenger who is 15 years old or younger, you will face severe legal consequences. Not only is this type of driving with a child considered child endangerment, but it is also punished as a felony offense.

Boating While Intoxicated

Operating a boat while intoxicated is referred to as Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) by law enforcement officials. While you may not see any danger in enjoying alcoholic beverages while on a boat, the dangerous repercussions of your actions could endanger you, your passengers, and other boaters. The rules of a BWI are similar to that of a DWI. Driving a boat with a BAC level above 0.08 is an illegal action and is typically classified as a misdemeanor.

Felony DWI and DUI

If you are a repeat offender and have reached your third DWI/DUI charge, your charges will be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony. Felonies usually require more jail time and heftier fines. Felonies can also have a serious impact on your criminal record and future career aspects.

If you are facing any of these charges, it is in your best interest to seek the legal guidance of an Austin DWI attorney. A skilled DWI attorney will be able to evaluate your case and organize an aggressive defense on your behalf.

For more information about your legal rights, contact Austin DWI lawyer Ian Inglis at 512-472-1950 today.