True Cost Calculator: How Much Does a First DWI Cost in Texas When You Add Fines, Fees, Insurance, and Lost Time?

A realistic first-offense estimate for how much does a first DWI cost in Texas is typically between about $8,000 and $25,000 once you add court fines, state fines, fees, classes, license impacts, insurance hikes, towing, and lost work time. Your exact total depends on facts like your BAC, whether your license is suspended, interlock requirements, and how quickly you act on the 15 day ALR deadline. The numbers below use conservative, mid, and worst case ranges to help you plan, not to predict your outcome.

Quick true cost calculator for a first Texas DWI

Mike, if you are a construction project manager in Houston who just spent a night in custody, you need a clear budget today so your family and job are stable on Monday. Use this line by line calculator to see where the money goes.

Line item	Conservative	Mid	Worst case
Bail bond fee	$100	$250	$500
Tow and impound	$250	$300	$400
Texas DWI court fine	$500	$1,000	$2,000
Texas state DWI fine at conviction	$3,000	$3,000	$6,000
Court costs and administrative fees	$350	$400	$450
Probation supervision fees	$720	$720	$1,080
DWI Education class, VIP panel, evaluation	$215	$220	$230
Drug or alcohol testing	$120	$250	$450
Ignition interlock and monitoring	$0	$640	$1,190
License reinstatement and records	$125	$125	$125
Occupational license filing fees	$0	$350	$400
SR 22 and premium increase impact	$2,425	$4,525	$7,525
Lost wages and missed work from court	$500	$1,000	$1,500
Rideshare or alternate commute	$50	$600	$1,200
Estimated total	$8,355	$13,380	$23,330

Assumptions: conservative assumes no ALR suspension, no interlock, and minimal testing. Mid assumes short license suspension with an occupational license and six months of interlock. Worst case assumes BAC at or above 0.15, longer suspension, a year of interlock, higher insurance impact, and more court time. These are planning numbers, not predictions for your case.

Quick micro story to make this real

Friday night in Houston, Mike is stopped near the Beltway after a team dinner. He spends one night in custody, pays a $250 bond fee, and gets his car from impound the next morning for $300. He requests an ALR hearing within 15 days, but still spends 30 days on an occupational license while the case moves forward. Between the state fine after conviction, probation fees, interlock for six months, higher insurance for three years, and four days off work for court and classes, his real cost lands near $13,000. Planning early helps him spread payments out and keep his job because he has a valid commute plan on day one.

Texas DWI court fines and fees, plus the state fine you might not expect

For a first DWI in Texas, the criminal charge is usually a Class B misdemeanor with a potential court fine up to $2,000. If your BAC is 0.15 or higher, it can be a Class A with a higher fine ceiling up to $4,000. On top of the court fine and court costs, Texas imposes a separate state DWI fine collected after conviction. That state fine is typically $3,000 for a first DWI, and $6,000 if your BAC is 0.15 or more. Court costs and administrative fees run a few hundred dollars and vary by county.

If you want a deeper line by line review of real world expenses in first offense cases, see this breakdown of first-offense fines, classes, and court costs. You can pair that with this Butler blog deep dive that explains penalties and typical fee ranges in plain English, a helpful breakdown of common fines, fees, and court costs. You will notice that many costs are time based, for example supervision each month, so early planning often reduces the total months on conditions.

Mike, two takeaways for you. First, the state fine is in addition to any court fine. Second, courts expect you to stay current on payments and classes while the case is pending. Building a monthly budget avoids nasty surprises.

Probation and class costs in Texas, and how to keep them manageable

Probation supervision fees are usually around $60 per month. Twelve months adds up to $720. If you receive 18 months, that is about $1,080. Some cases are eligible for pretrial programs or shorter probation periods, which can reduce cost. Testing and check ins add incremental expenses.

• DWI Education class: about $70 to $125.
• Victim Impact Panel: about $40 to $70.
• Alcohol or drug evaluation: often $60 to $100.
• Urinalysis or breath tests: $20 to $60 per test, frequency depends on your conditions.
• Ignition interlock device: installation around $70 to $150, monthly service $70 to $120, and a small removal fee when done.

Practical move if you manage crews or shifts. Schedule classes and testing on lighter workdays and keep receipts. Many employers reimburse or offer leave options if you bring a schedule in advance, which can prevent unexcused absences.

ALR license consequences, the 15 day deadline, and Houston commute options

Texas can try to suspend your license administratively after a DWI arrest. You have 15 days from the date you receive the suspension notice to request a hearing. If you miss that window, the suspension usually begins automatically and lasts months, which forces you into rideshare costs or an occupational license just to keep your job.

Two helpful resources make the deadline and steps easy to follow. First, here is exactly how to request an ALR hearing and preserve your license. Second, the official DPS portal explains timing and the request method you will use, see the Official DPS ALR hearing request and deadline portal.

For a ready to print step list with dates and a simple calendar, grab this downloadable first-offense checklist and timeline. It covers how to track your 15 day ALR clock, what to bring to court, and how to document work schedule conflicts so you protect your employment.

Houston specific tip. If you rely on your pickup to reach crews around Harris County at 6 a.m., ask about an occupational license that lets you drive to and from work during set hours. Filing fees are often a few hundred dollars, and you may need SR 22 on file. Build this into your budget for the first month so you never miss a paycheck.

SR 22 and insurance hikes after DWI

Most first offense drivers must file SR 22 and keep it on file for a period, commonly two years. SR 22 itself is a filing certificate, not a special policy, but your premium usually increases significantly. A typical Houston driver might see a 40 percent to 100 percent jump that lasts several policy cycles. That is why the calculator above reserves thousands for insurance impact.

For the official explanation of the filing, required timeframes, and reinstatement basics, see the Texas DPS explanation of SR-22 insurance requirements. Budget note. Many carriers will bind a policy only after your interlock is installed and your license status is correct in DPS records, so sequence your steps to avoid extra reinstatement visits or lapsed coverage fees.

Lost wages and missed work from court, plus other indirect costs

Direct bills are only part of the picture. Most Houston drivers lose at least two workdays across arraignment, docket settings, classes, and ALR hearings. Supervisors often have no problem approving a few hours if you tell them early and reschedule critical tasks, but last minute surprises can cost you overtime and credibility with your crews.

• Missed work and overtime loss: 2 to 6 days is common for first offense timelines.
• Rideshare during suspension: $20 to $40 daily if you rely on Uber or Lyft to reach the yard or jobsite.
• Childcare or family logistics: evening classes or testing may require paid coverage.
• Professional travel changes: if you fly to job kickoffs, expect extra time at TSA and rental counters while on an occupational license.

Mike, protect your income by setting a calendar today. Ask your lawyer or the court clerk for likely court dates, then share a simple one page schedule with your superintendent. That keeps you on the schedule for critical pours and inspections, and it reduces the chance of missing a docket call.

Houston TX total first DWI cost estimate scenarios

Here are three realistic scenarios that use the calculator inputs above so you can compare apples to apples.

Conservative around $8,000 to $9,000

• Class B first offense, no interlock, ALR hearing requested in time, no license suspension.
• State fine $3,000, court fine and costs under $1,000 combined.
• 12 months of probation and testing at the low end.
• Insurance increase of about $1,200 per year for two years.
• Two missed workdays and minimal rideshare use.

Mid near $12,000 to $15,000

• Short suspension, occupational license for 30 to 60 days.
• Six months of interlock as a bond or probation condition.
• State fine $3,000, court fine about $1,000, court costs about $400.
• Insurance increase around $1,500 to $2,000 per year for three years.
• Four missed workdays and rideshare to the yard while the OL is pending.

Worst case $20,000 to $30,000

• BAC at or above 0.15, state fine $6,000, higher court fine.
• Interlock for a year, heavier testing and monitoring conditions.
• Longer insurance impact, higher premium class placement, and more missed work.
• Occupational license and higher transportation costs if you cover multiple Houston area sites daily.

These ranges do not include vehicle damage, medical costs, or job discipline. Those are case specific. They also do not include attorney fees, which vary based on complexity, evidence, and goals. Plan for legal representation as a separate budget item so you can make informed choices.

What you can do this week to reduce the total cost

• Request your ALR hearing within 15 days, which can keep you driving and limit rideshare bills.
• Ask about interlock options early. Fast installation can avoid extra court trips and keep your insurance binder moving.
• Complete the DWI Education class sooner, which can help with negotiations and may reduce total supervision months.
• Get SR 22 pricing from your current insurer and one or two others. Lock a rate so your renewal does not surprise you mid case.
• Document work schedules and court dates in one calendar. Bring documentation to court so scheduling conflicts do not become failures to appear.
• Consult a qualified Texas DWI lawyer about defenses, evidence, interlock conditions, and a strategy to control supervised time.

Common misconceptions that increase DWI costs

• Myth: First DWIs are just expensive traffic tickets. Reality: A DWI is a criminal charge with state fines at conviction, possible license suspension, and multi year insurance changes.
• Myth: I can wait a month to decide on the license issue. Reality: You have 15 days to request ALR. Missing that window can add months of rideshare and filing fees for an occupational license.
• Myth: Insurance only goes up for six months. Reality: Many carriers re rate for multiple policy cycles and require SR 22 for about two years.
• Myth: Interlock is only for repeat offenders. Reality: Bond conditions, high BAC, or specific facts can trigger interlock for first offense drivers.

Short, persona based notes for different readers

Daniel Kim — Analytical Professional: The calculator above shows totals based on explicit assumptions. State fines at conviction are commonly $3,000 for a first offense and $6,000 at 0.15 or more BAC. Probation fees often run $60 per month. Interlock devices typically cost $70 to $120 per month plus installation. For a fuller explainer of line items, see the Butler first offense page’s breakdown of first-offense fines, classes, and court costs and the blog’s breakdown of common fines, fees, and court costs.

Ryan Mitchell — Skeptical Researcher: Key windows and ranges. ALR must be requested within 15 days of notice. ALR suspensions often range from 90 to 180 days for first offense scenarios. Interlock length varies from no months to a year based on BAC and conditions. Use the DPS site for the Official DPS ALR hearing request and deadline portal and keep copies of your filings.

Jason/Sophia — High‑stakes Professional: You are thinking about reputation, client access, and travel. Plan for discreet interlock installation scheduling, verify rental car policies during any license limits, and confirm whether your employer’s insurance will approve you to drive fleet vehicles while on an occupational license. Budget extra time for airport parking, TSA, and rideshare so you never miss a client meeting.

Elena Morales — Licensed Professional (Nurse): Expect HR and licensing questions. Know whether your facility requires immediate disclosure and whether your board expects a self report. Build a compliance folder with certificates for DWI Education and VIP, SR 22 proof, and any monitoring plans. That folder reduces workplace friction and helps you keep shifts and different unit assignments while you resolve the case.

Tyler/Unaware Young Adult: The real cost is not the ticket. Even a basic first DWI can run $8,000 to $10,000 with insurance and missed work. If you think rideshare is expensive, compare $30 tonight with $3,000 in state fines later.

Marcus/Chris — Most Aware / VIP: Your goal is to reduce exposure and long run costs. Early ALR action and a tight plan for interlock, classes, and insurance keep you mobile and protect business opportunities. Private scheduling and proactive documentation help preserve your professional relationships while the legal side is handled.

FAQ, top questions about how much does a first DWI cost in Texas

How long does a first DWI stay on my record in Texas?

Texas does not automatically remove a DWI from your criminal record. Certain outcomes may be eligible for limited sealing in specific circumstances, but a conviction can follow you for years on background checks. That is one reason the insurance impact can last several policy cycles.

What is the license suspension risk for a first DWI in Houston?

If you do not request ALR within 15 days of notice, a suspension often begins by default. For a first arrest, ALR suspensions often range from 90 to 180 days, though facts matter. Some drivers secure an occupational license that lets them drive to work during set hours.

What does SR 22 actually cost?

SR 22 is a filing, not a separate policy. The fee to file is usually around $25, but the bigger cost is your premium increase. Many Houston drivers see $1,200 to $2,500 per year in added premiums for multiple years after a first DWI.

Do I have to install an ignition interlock for a first offense?

Not always. Courts can order interlock for bond or probation, and it is more common with higher BAC cases. If required, plan for installation plus $70 to $120 per month in service for the length of the order.

Are these totals different in Harris County versus nearby counties?

The law is statewide, but court costs, docket schedules, and filing fees vary. Harris County and surrounding counties use similar fines and conditions for first offenses, yet the timing, paperwork, and office locations differ. Budget a few hundred dollars of cushion for local variations.

Why acting early matters in Houston and nearby counties

Two clocks drive cost. First, the ALR 15 day window. If you request the hearing in time, you can often keep driving while the case moves forward. Second, the supervision clock. Finishing classes and interlock early often shortens total months on conditions and reduces fees. Whether you are supervising a pour at 6 a.m. in Katy or meeting a client downtown, a written plan keeps your job and your budget stable.

No article can weigh the unique facts of your stop, test results, or evidence. For a plan tailored to your goals and work schedule, consult a qualified Texas DWI lawyer who regularly handles cases in Harris County courts.

2 to 4 minute checklist video

Prefer a quick visual walkthrough. This short Butler Law video highlights the costly mistakes that drive up fines, fees, insurance hikes, and lost wages after a Texas DWI arrest. It pairs well with the calculator above if you want to confirm the order of your next steps.

Firm credibility note. You can view a neutral background listing here: Jim Butler attorney profile and firm credibility listing. This article is informational and is not a promise of any particular outcome.

Butler Law Firm - The Houston DWI Lawyer
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