What Happens if You Get a DWI in Denton, TX, With a Child as a Passenger?

In Texas, being pulled over for a DWI is a serious offense, but if you get a DWI with a minor in the car, the consequences are much worse. These consequences can have a serious effect on your life, your career, your reputation, and your family. If this has happened to you, it’s crucial that you hire a Denton County DWI criminal defense attorney who can help you understand what happens if you get a DWI in Denton, Texas, with a child as a passenger.

In Texas, there were 960 fatal accidents involving drivers while impaired in 2024. Texas law is strict and severe, especially if a child was in the car at the time.

DWI Law in Denton, Texas

If your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, then you are considered legally intoxicated in Texas, but if you have any substance in your system and you’re driving is affected, whether you’re driving a car, boat, plane, or other vehicle, then you are breaking the law.

Penalties for a DWI In Denton, Texas

If you don’t have a child in the car when you’re charged with a DWI, then the penalties for a first offense could be:

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Three days of mandatory jail time, but the jail time could be up to 180 days
• Losing your license for up to one year

These penalties might seem intense, but if you are caught with a minor in the car while driving while impaired, then the consequences are more severe. They include:

• Being charged with child endangerment if the child is under 15 years old
• Up to a $10,000 fine
• Up to two years of jail time
• Loss of license

Because driving while impaired is considered child endangerment, there’s a chance that the prosecutor may file a report of abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. If CPS determines that you were endangering your child, they can remove your child from your custody. If CPS opens a case against you, it’s imperative that you hire a lawyer to help safeguard custody of your child.

Possible Defenses for DWI

When an officer arrests someone for a DWI, they must follow strict protocol to ensure that they have the evidence to support the reason for the arrest. If they make a mistake, then you might have grounds for a dismissal. A good lawyer can:

• Question whether the officer had the right to stop you in the first place.
• Cast doubt on the reliability of the sobriety test.
• Challenge the blood test results.
• Argue that your rights were violated during the traffic stop.

Contact The Law Office of Earl Dobson

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DWI with a child in the care, contact The Law Office of Earl Dobson. He spent 12 years in the Denton District Attorney’s Office and has worked in law since 1993. He’ll advocate for you and help to protect your reputation, career, and family. Contact his office to schedule a consultation today.