Tougher DWI Laws Could Mean Spending the Holidays in Jail
Texas penalties for DWI and other alcohol-related offenses are now tougher.

December 09, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Texas laws punishing those convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) got tougher this year. As an example of the tough new stance, having a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or more is now considered a Class A misdemeanor offense, one punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000, even for a first time offense.

Another new law -- the Abdallah Khader Act (named after a young boy left in a vegetative state after being involved in an accident with a drunk driver) -- punishes those who severely injure others while intoxicated, upgrading intoxicated assault that causes a traumatic brain injury to a Second Degree Felony that is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Tougher Penalties and Increased Patrols

In addition to the harsher penalties provided for in the state statutes, law enforcement agencies at the local, county and state levels are increasing patrols to look for drivers who might have had a bit too much "holiday cheer" before they got behind the wheel.

The combined Christmas and New Year's holiday season has the dubious distinction of being the time of the year with the highest percentage of DWI-related accidents, many of them leading to serious injury or death. This is likely because copious amounts of alcohol are served at many holiday parties and it is easy to misjudge the amount of alcohol a partygoer has consumed, leading him or her to climb behind the wheel while legally intoxicated. Obviously, you shouldn't drink and drive at any time, but during the holiday season, you will be coming up against more traffic on the roads, an increased police presence and possibly treacherous weather conditions, so it's a particularly bad idea.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has also created a unique Christmas-themed public service campaign that aims to remind drivers to engage in responsible alcohol-related behavior. Restaurants, bars, liquor stores and other establishments selling alcohol will see reindeer-themed bar coasters, posters, jukebox ads and bathroom mirror decals cautioning patrons to not drive if they are "tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen."

If you do find yourself facing DWI charges, though, seek the advice of a skilled criminal defense attorney in your area to learn more about your rights and legal options.

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