A Texas DWI costs far more than the courtroom fine — because a separate state fine is added on top at conviction. For a first offense that state fine is $3,000; for a repeat within 36 months it's $4,500; and for a 0.15-or-higher result it's $6,000. And that's before bond, interlock, license fees, classes, and years of higher insurance. The single best way to avoid all of it is to keep the DWI from becoming a conviction.
If you or a loved one is facing a DWI in Houston, Harris County, or Galveston, Brian Foley and Luis Baez — former prosecutors — can help.
The State Fine at Conviction
Separate from the court's criminal fine, Texas imposes a one-time state fine when a person is convicted of DWI. It replaced the old, widely criticized Driver Responsibility Program annual surcharges in 2019.
| Offense | State Fine at Conviction |
|---|---|
| First DWI (within 36 months) | $3,000 |
| Second or subsequent DWI (within 36 months) | $4,500 |
| Any DWI with alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher | $6,000 |
The Real Cost of a DWI
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Court fine | Up to $2,000 (Class B) or $4,000 (Class A) |
| State fine | $3,000 / $4,500 / $6,000 as above |
| Ignition interlock | Installation plus monthly monitoring |
| License reinstatement | DPS fees to restore driving privileges |
| Insurance | Sharply higher premiums for years |
| Classes, probation, bond | Additional ongoing costs |
The state fine only attaches on a DWI conviction. A dismissal, a reduction to a non-DWI offense, or an acquittal avoids it entirely — often saving thousands of dollars beyond the value of protecting your record.
How We Help
We fight the DWI on the merits — the stop, the field sobriety testing, and the breath or blood evidence — with the goal of a dismissal or a reduction that avoids both the conviction and the state fine. We also protect your license through the ALR process and pursue expunction where a case is dismissed.
Related Pages
Why HCDA
Brian Foley is Board Certified in Criminal Law, and both he and Luis Baez are former prosecutors. If you or a loved one is facing a DWI in Houston, Harris County, or Galveston, contact Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC for a free, confidential consultation. Call or text (713) 703-1718.