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608 West 12th Street, Suite B Austin, TX 78701
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706 Rock St, Georgetown, TX 78626
512-369-3737
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If you have been charged with a DWI in Texas, you may be wondering about the potential surcharges that could be added to your penalties. DWI laws are complicated and always changing, including changes to the surcharge policies in recent years. Many people wonder “as a result of a dui/dwi there is a surcharge at the dps for minimum of 3 years” Let’s explore this common interest.
Always consult with an experienced Austin DWI defense attorney who knows the current laws and potential penalties for a DWI conviction. If you need defense assistance, contact the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC today.
In the past, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) imposed surcharges for DWI offenses through the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). This program was established to hold drivers financially responsible for certain traffic offenses, including DWIs. The surcharges imposed under the DRP were separate from any criminal fines and penalties.
The purpose of the DRP was to deter individuals from committing repeat offenses and encourage responsible driving behavior.
Recognizing certain flaws of the DRP, the Texas legislature repealed the program in 2019. This decision came after years of debate and criticism regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the surcharges imposed under the program. The repeal of the DRP eliminated the surcharges for DWI offenses, providing some relief to individuals facing DWI charges in Texas.
However, though the DRP is no longer in effect, individuals convicted of DWI can still face substantial fines and other penalties.
While the DRP surcharges for DWI offenses were repealed, the Texas legislature implemented a new system of civil fines for certain traffic offenses, including DWI. These civil fines are separate from any criminal fines that may be imposed as part of the DWI conviction.
The new civil fines are intended to provide funding for trauma centers and emergency medical services in the state. The fines vary depending on the details of the offense, with higher fines for multiple offenses or high BAC of 0.16 or higher. In many cases, the new civil fines can be costlier than the past surcharges.
These civil fines are also in addition to any criminal fines imposed as part of the DWI conviction. Therefore, the total financial burden of a DWI offense can be significant and have long-lasting consequences.
While the repeal of the DRP may have provided some relief for individuals facing DWI charges, the new system of civil fines can still result in substantial financial penalties. It is always best to work to avoid a conviction whenever possible, as this can eliminate both criminal and civil fines.
To ensure that you are informed about the potential financial consequences of a DWI conviction and to develop an effective defense strategy, never wait to consult with an experienced DWI defense attorney. An attorney can handle the entire criminal process, stand up for your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing DWI charges in Texas, the consequences extend beyond just the financial penalties. A DWI conviction can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, increased insurance costs, mandatory participation in alcohol education or treatment programs, probation, and even potential jail time.
To protect your rights and minimize the consequences of a DWI conviction, you must have a strong defense strategy. A skilled DWI defense attorney can carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case, challenge the evidence against you, and identify your best options throughout the legal process, such as seeking a dismissal or accepting a possible plea deal.
If you are facing DWI charges in Austin, Texas, consult with an experienced DWI defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of David D. White, PLLC is here to help. Our knowledgeable and skilled team is dedicated to protecting your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome in your DWI case.
Contact us today at (512)-369-3737 for experienced criminal defense representation.
David D. White founded the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC and has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004. The firm represents clients across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop counties. Three attorneys handle each case as a team — weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes — and by the first consultation, the firm has obtained the Probable Cause Affidavit, read it, and identified the state’s evidentiary weak points.
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This page was written and reviewed by the attorneys at the Law Office of David D. White, PLLC, following our editorial guidelines. The firm has practiced criminal defense exclusively since 2004 across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Lee, Coryell, Bell, Burnet, Milam, and Bastrop County courts. The firm’s three attorneys — David White (managing attorney, practicing criminal defense exclusively since 2004), Kenneth Hines (associate, practicing Caldwell County courts since 2008; former General Counsel to the Texas Senate Jurisprudence Committee, 2010–2012), and Taylor Kacir (associate; former Senior Misdemeanor County Attorney, Bell County Attorney’s Office) — work each case as a team via weekly case reviews and shared Clio notes.
608 West 12th Street, Suite B Austin, TX 78701
706 Rock St, Georgetown, TX 78626
512-369-3737
get directions