Is jail time mandatory for a 2nd DWI in Texas?

A second DWI in Texas is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Unlike a first offense, a second DWI carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail though a judge may allow some of that time to be served through community supervision conditions in certain circumstances. Additional penalties include a license suspension of up to two years, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and required alcohol treatment programs. The stakes are significantly higher with a repeat offense, and prosecutors push harder for incarceration. If you’re facing a second charge, working with a second time DWI lawyer in Austin is critical to building the strongest possible defense and avoiding maximum penalties.