What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas? The state can charge any driver with a BAC over 0.08% with a DWI. You can also face DWI charges if you have a BAC under the legal limit if the police consider you impaired.
A DWI arrest can have a significant impact on your life. Fortunately, you can address these charges head-on with a Dallas DWI lawyer from our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg.
Find out more about BAC limits, DWI charges, and your legal options by calling or completing our online contact form.
What’s the BAC Limit in Texas?
Texas considers anyone with a BAC above 0.08% legally intoxicated. Any driver who has an elevated BAC can face charges for DWI. However, the state can also charge drivers with a lower BAC with a DWI.
Generally, the police reserve the right to charge anyone showing impairment due to the usage of drugs or alcohol. Therefore, individuals could face DWI charges even if they have a BAC substantially below 0.08%.
Does the Legal Limit for DWIs Change if You’re Under 21?
Texas has very strict laws on underage drinking and driving. Individuals under 21 could face an arrest if the police accuse them of driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. Even a single alcoholic beverage can increase your BAC to this level.
Generally, Texas uses driving under the influence (DUI) charges for drivers under 21 accused of drinking and driving. You can learn more about these charges and legal options to face them with a Dallas underage DWI lawyer.
Does the Legal BAC Limit Change for Commercial Drivers?
Texas had a different BAC limit for commercial drivers. These drivers must keep their BAC below 0.04% to avoid DWI charges. You can learn more about these charges with a Dallas commercial DWI lawyer.
How Do Police Officers Check BAC Levels?
Police officers often use a breathalyzer device to check BAC levels after pulling drivers over in Dallas. However, they may also perform a blood or urine test in some circumstances. They must follow specific procedures when administering tests to get correct results.
These tests may return incorrect results if misused. They can also return false positives in some cases. For example, if you took cold medicine before driving, it could cause your BAC level to appear elevated.
Your lawyer may review the steps the police took when administering the test, looking to dispute the results of a test that resulted in a DWI arrest. You can discuss the circumstances around your arrest with our team 24/7.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Texas?
Many drivers don’t know what to expect after a DWI arrest. Fortunately, you do not have to face the unknown alone. You can reach out to a DWI lawyer for immediate help and advice. Our team can help you:
- Discuss your legal options
- Handle legal interviews with police officers and prosecutors
- Investigate the facts around your arrest
- Focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed
A DWI conviction can result in fines, jail time, and losing your driver’s license. Therefore, our team takes these charges very seriously and moves quickly to represent your best interests in and out of court.
We may have your charges dismissed by showing that the prosecution has insufficient evidence. We may also help you negotiate for less severe charges. Our team also has the experience to argue your case in court.
Should You Contact a Lawyer After Every DWI Arrest?
DWI convictions can impact your future, finances, and reputation. Therefore, we recommend speaking with a lawyer even if you believe your BAC was under the legal limit at the time of your arrest.
Our team offers risk-free consultations, allowing you to discuss your concerns. We have over three decades of experience supporting clients like you and can provide you with personalized guidance and support.
We have a reputation for resolving complex DWI charges for clients like you. You review our DWI case results to learn more.
Speak to Us About the Legal BAC Limit in Texas
What is the legal BAC limit for DWI charges in Texas? Generally, the state requires drivers to keep their BAC under 0.08%. However, you can still face DWI charges with a lower BAC, especially if you’re under 21 or a commercial driver.
Our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help with the specific DWI charges you face. We’re ready to listen to your concerns and discuss the next steps to handle your case. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
