The Garland Police Department increased DWI patrols during the Independence Day Holiday in an effort to keep Garland citizens and visitors safe. Eight arrests and 33 citations were issued during the increased Driving While Intoxicated enforcement period.
During the enforcement period, four arrests were for DWI related offenses and four were for non-alcohol related offenses.
The additional enforcement was paid for by a state-funded grant, from TxDOT, known as the Impaired Driving Mobilization Grant, which resulted in two of the DWI arrests.
The Garland Police Department would like to thank TxDOT for their assistance in allowing officers to keep the city streets safe during the Independence Day Holiday.
Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
In Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a vehicular crash involving alcohol approximately every 20 minutes.
The Law on DWI: In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
DWI with child passenger
You can be charged with child endangerment for driving while intoxicated if you’re carrying passengers younger than 15 years old. DWI with a child passenger is punishable by:
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Up to two years in a state jail
- Loss of your driver’s license for 180 days
Stay safe
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Designate a driver.
- Call a cab.
- Spend the night where you are, if possible.
Information from TxDot.gov