Understanding the Legal Penalties for Drunk Driving in Texas
"The Split-Second Choice: What Texas Law Remembers Even If You Don’t" Every major decision starts with a split second. A glance at your phone. A reply to a message. A moment when you tell yourself, “I’m okay to drive.” But in Texas, the law remembers the actions you make especially the ones you don’t think twice about. The Texas Driving While Intoxicated ( DWI ) Reality Driving under the influence might sound like a headline problem, something that happens to “other people.” Yet in Texas, it’s one of the most common criminal charges, and one of the most preventable. The law defines Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) as operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For those under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your /system. But here’s what many drivers overlook: you don’t have to reach 0.08 to face arrest. If an officer believes your driving ability is impaired with slower reactions, poor coordination, or un...