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Drunk Driving DUI Penalty Texas

Reader’s Question:

Somebody revealed to me that Denton Texas has increased its fines for DWI or that it approved a “Surcharge” for folks charged of DWI? Is this “Surcharging” some kind of a penalty and how does it work?

Brendan

Denton, TX

Opposing to media information, the 78TH Texas Legislature did not augment fines. On the other hand, the Legislature did ratify a “Surcharge” or an administrative fee under a law known as the “Driver Responsibility Act,” that took effect on September 1, 2003. The charges under this law are strictly administrative in nature, and are above and beyond, any fines, court costs, probation fees or filing fees that the State already receives in a DWI case. The law basically obliges any person sentenced after September 1, 2003 of a primary offense DWI to reimburse the State of Texas a “surcharge” in the amount of one thousand dollars per year for three years to keep their drivers license; or any person charged of a subsequent offense DWI to pay the State of Texas a “surcharge” of one thousand five hundred dollars per year for three years to keep their drivers license; or any person charged of a misdemeanor of DWI, that has a test result of .16 or upper with a breath or blood test, to pay two thousand dollars per year for three years to keep their drivers license. These amounts are paid to the Denton Department of Public Safety plus if it is not paid within the nominated time permissible, the individual will automatically lose their driver’s license or the freedom to get hold of a driver’s license until the money is paid.