Getting convicted of a DWI in Texas isn’t just a legal nightmare — it’s a financial one too. Between fines, fees, increased insurance rates, and potential lost wages, the true cost of a DWI can be absolutely devastating to your wallet and your future.
So what does a DWI cost in Texas exactly? The short answer: it’s complicated and expensive. A first-time DWI can easily cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more when you factor in everything from court costs and attorney fees to license reinstatement and mandatory classes, and they only get more expensive the more complex the charge.
The good news? With the right Houston DWI lawyer, you might not have to pay those crushing costs at all. Don’t let a DWI charge bankrupt your future — call Mark Thiessen, a board-certified ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist who has secured hundreds of Not Guilty verdicts and thousands of dismissals for clients facing serious DWI charges, today at (713) 864-9000 to start fighting back and protecting your finances and your future.
How much does a DWI in Texas cost?
Let’s cut to the chase: a first-time DWI in Texas will typically cost you between $5,000 and $15,000 when all is said and done, but repeat offenders can face costs exceeding $20,000 or more. But the actual dollar amount depends on the individual factors of your case and your background: your criminal history, your BAC level at the time of arrest, whether there was an accident involved, and even which county decided to ruin your day.
No matter what details pertain to your case, the important part to recognize is that the state has designed the system to hit you from every possible angle. You’re not just paying one fine and walking away — you’re looking at a complex web of mandatory fees, penalties, and hidden costs that can drain your bank account for years.
Legal and financial costs of a DWI in Texas
Some people think they can just pay the fine and move on — but the reality is that a DWI conviction in Texas is designed to keep costing you money long after your case is closed. Here’s what you should expect to pay for if you’re convicted of any type of DWI in Texas:
Court fines
The court fines alone can put a serious dent in your wallet, and they vary dramatically depending on your specific situation. For a first-time DWI, you’re looking at fines up to $2,000, but that number jumps to $4,000 for a second offense and can reach $10,000 for a third or aggravated DWI. These are just the base DWI penalties — and trust us, the state isn’t done with you yet.
The court will also tack on additional fees and costs that can easily add another $1,000 to $3,000 to your total bill, covering everything from court administration fees to jury costs if your case goes to trial.
Lawyer fees
Here’s the brutal truth: you can’t afford not to hire a DWI attorney, but you also can’t afford to hire a bad one. So, how much does a DWI attorney in Texas cost? A decent DWI lawyer will typically charge between $2,500 and $10,000 for a first offense, with more complex cases or repeat offenses costing significantly more.
But before you start shopping for the cheapest option, remember that this investment could save you thousands in the long run. A skilled attorney who knows how to fight a DWI can potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely, which means avoiding all the other crushing costs we’re about to discuss, keeping you out of jail, and preventing your background from incurring a permanent mark.
DWI surcharges
This is where Texas really shows its teeth. Under the Texas Driver Responsibility Program, which has been in effect since September 1, 2003, drivers convicted of DWI face hefty surcharges on top of other penalties.
- A first-time DWI conviction carries a surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.
- If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over 0.16 at the time of arrest — double the legal limit — the surcharge increases to $2,000 per year, even for a first offense.
- Additional surcharges include $250 per year for three years if you’re caught driving before your license is reinstated, and another $250 annually for driving without insurance.
- Drivers with prior DWI convictions may face even higher fees.
License reinstatement fees
Getting your license back isn’t as simple as waiting out your suspension period. You’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Public Safety, which typically runs around $125. But that’s assuming you meet all the other requirements first, like completing your mandatory classes and installing an ignition interlock device if required — all of which come out of your pocket.
What happens after your first DWI in Texas? After your first DWI conviction, you’ll face license suspension, mandatory DWI classes, potential ignition interlock requirements, years of increased insurance costs, and ongoing financial penalties that can follow you for years. You’ll quickly discover that every step of getting your life back on track comes with its own price tag.
Mandatory DWI education classes
The state requires DWI offenders to complete an approved DWI education program, and surprise — you get to pay for this privilege too. These programs typically cost between $75 and $200, depending on the provider and the length of the course.
For repeat offenders or more serious cases, you might be required to complete more intensive (and expensive) treatment programs that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Missing these classes or failing to complete them can result in additional penalties and extended license suspension.
Possible ignition interlock device
If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if this isn’t your first DWI, you’ll likely be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath, and it’s not cheap.
Installation typically costs $75 to $150, monitoring fees run $50 to $100 per month, and you’ll pay another removal fee when you’re finally done with it. Over the course of a year or more, you’re looking at $800 to $1,500 in total costs for this constant reminder of your mistake.
Increased insurance premiums
What is the most expensive part of a DWI? For many people, it’s the insurance nightmare that follows. DWI car insurance in Texas becomes incredibly expensive after a conviction, with many drivers seeing their premiums double or even triple.
You’ll need to maintain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate that proves you carry the state’s minimum required coverage, and this high-risk designation can stick with you for years. The average driver pays an additional $1,000 to $3,000 per year in increased premiums, and this elevated rate can continue for three to five years after your conviction.
Potential income loss
Don’t forget about the drunk driving costs that go beyond what you pay directly to the state. Court appearances, mandatory classes, and community service all take time away from work. Some employers will fire you simply for having a DWI on your record.
Many people lose their jobs after being convicted of a DWI — the financial impact of which can be incalculable. The indirect costs of lost wages, missed opportunities, and career setbacks can dwarf all the other expenses combined, making this potentially the most devastating financial consequence of all.
Hidden and indirect costs
Beyond the obvious fines and fees, there’s a whole other layer of costs that most people don’t see coming until they’re already deep in the system. These hidden expenses can easily add thousands more to your total DWI bill, and they start hitting your wallet from the moment you’re arrested. We’re talking about costs that pile up before you even make it to court — and they don’t stop there.
Here are the sneaky expenses that can blindside you after a DWI arrest:
- Towing and vehicle impound fees
- Bail and bond costs
- Probation supervision fees
- Medical evaluations and assessments
- Community service administration fees and supervision costs
The worst part? These costs are often non-negotiable and can’t be reduced even if you successfully fight your DWI charges. Many of these expenses hit you immediately after arrest, which means you’re paying them regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted or not.
DWI costs in Texas — FAQs
Can DWI costs be reduced in Texas?
Yes, DWI costs can potentially be reduced, but it depends on your specific situation and how you handle your case. If you hire a skilled DWI attorney who can get your charges reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving or public intoxication or gets your case thrown out altogether, you’ll avoid the most expensive penalties like DWI surcharges and long-term insurance increases. Even if you can’t avoid conviction entirely, some counties offer payment plans or community service options to help manage the financial burden.
What if I can’t afford DWI penalties in Texas?
If you can’t afford to pay your DWI penalties, you have several options, but ignoring them isn’t one of them. Most Texas courts offer payment plans that allow you to spread the costs over time, and some will accept community service hours in place of certain fines. However, failing to pay DWI surcharges will result in additional license suspension and even more fees, so it’s crucial to work with the court to find a solution rather than simply not paying.
Is it cheaper to just plead guilty to a DWI?
Pleading guilty might seem cheaper upfront since you avoid attorney fees, but it’s usually the most expensive option in the long run. When you plead guilty, you’re guaranteed to face all the maximum penalties, including years of increased insurance costs and DWI surcharges that can total thousands and thousands of dollars. A good DWI attorney might cost you a few thousand dollars, but they could save you tens of thousands by getting your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
These costs are avoidable — but only if you fight smart. Let’s talk!
The bottom line is simple: the true DWI cost in Texas isn’t just the thousands you’ll pay in fines, fees, and increased insurance — it’s the years of financial and criminal consequences that follow you long after your case is closed. But here’s what the prosecutors don’t want you to know: none of these crushing costs are inevitable if you have the right defense strategy.
At Thiessen Law Firm, our aggressive DWI defense strategies have led to thousands of charge reductions and dismissals for our clients. We know exactly how to attack the state’s case from every angle, whether it’s challenging faulty breathalyzer results, exposing illegal traffic stops, or proving the field sobriety tests were administered incorrectly. When you’re facing tens of thousands in potential DWI costs, hiring a specialist who knows how to win isn’t an expense — it’s the smartest investment you can make.
Don’t let Texas turn your mistake into a financial catastrophe that haunts you for years. Call Mark Thiessen and the team at Thiessen Law Firm today at (713) 864-9000 to start building the defense that could help you avoid thousands in DWI penalties and long-term financial consequences.
More Helpful Articles by Thiessen Law Firm:
- Penalties for Minor DUI in Texas
- Texas Law on Gambling
- Everything You Need to Know About DWI Expungement
- Improper Search and Seizure Explained
- What is an Unlawful Traffic Stop?
