Driving while intoxicated is reckless—and can come with serious consequences if you get pulled over. This can include staying in jail until your court date is set—unless you pay bail to be released on your own recognizance in the meantime. For DWI offenses in Texas, there are several factors that determine how much a defendant will expect to pay. If you or a loved one is charged with a DWI, below is a guide to associated costs in The Lone Star State. 

What Constitutes a DWI?

Whether you get pulled over in a routine stop or the police come to the scene of an accident, you could be charged with a DWI if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than .08. The arresting officer can also use their judgment to determine whether a driver is intoxicated regardless of the BAC since impairment can also be caused by drugs or medication.   

How Bail Amounts Are Determined 

Bail for a DWI charge in Texas can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000. When deciding the amount, a judge considers the defendant’s history of similar offenses and convictions, whether their intoxication led to injuries, marks on their driving record, and whether they refused to submit to a blood alcohol concentration test. Whether the person is a flight risk or poses a danger to others is also taken into account. Some counties also have a set bail schedule, where the amount increases by specific increments for severe first, second, and third offenses, which could see a defendant pay $10,000 or more.

Consequences of Not Getting Bail

Even though the cost might seem high, it is in a defendant’s best interest to try and post bail. It could take a while until their next court appearance—days or weeks that you wouldn’t be able to return to your job or be at home with your family otherwise. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DWI or another crime in Bowie County, TX, contact the discreet Texarkana-based professionals at Bi-State Bail Bonds. Serving area clients for over 20 years, they offer 24/7 assistance during this troubling time. To ask for help and learn more about the process of posting bail, call (903) 794-2245. Find out more information about their payment plans online.