Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious problem responsible for many of the car accidents and traffic fatalities that occur every day. It is especially a problem with young drivers, since they aren’t as experienced, have a habit of binge drinking, and often neglect other safety measures such as wearing seat belts. States such as Texas make a distinction between a DUI and DWI charge based on the age of the driver and the amount of alcohol consumed, and it’s important to know the difference if you’re charged with a DWI or DUI in Baytown, TX. Driving While Intoxicated Driving with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of .08% or higher can result in a DWI charge. Driving under the influence of drugs can also cause a DWI charge. You can be charged with a DWI no matter what your age, and it has serious consequences. Typically, you can expect to face penalties such as jail time, heavy fines, and having your license suspended for up to a year. You will also probably be expected to complete community service and attend alcohol awareness classes. Driving Under the Influence Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, meaning that it's illegal for drivers younger than 21 to have any alcohol in their system whatsoever. If you are driving a vehicle with a BAC above zero, you can be charged, even if it’s lower than .08%. Because of the lower BAC, however, a DUI conviction usually carries less severe penalties than a DWI. However, a driver facing a second or third DUI in Baytown, TX, will be charged more severely. You’ll also face more severe penalties if there were other people in the car with you (especially minors) or if your reckless driving put anyone else in danger. And if your BAC was higher than .08%, you'll likely be charged with DWI regardless of your age.
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