Q: What significance does a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .15 or higher hold in a Texas DWI case?

A: In Texas, a BAC of .15 or greater is an enhancement in DWI cases. Established in 2011, this enhancement increases the severity of the charge from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.

Q: What changes in punishment can occur with a BAC of .15 or higher?

A: With a BAC of .15 or higher, the maximum potential jail time increases. Instead of a maximum of 180 days in jail for a Class B misdemeanor, it goes up to a year in jail for a Class A misdemeanor.

Q: How can I tell if my DWI charge is enhanced due to a high BAC?

A: You can typically find this information on your bond documents, where it might state "Driving While Intoxicated, BAC greater than or equal to .15," indicating a Class A misdemeanor.

Q: What happens if blood tests are taken instead of a breathalyzer test?

A: If blood tests are taken, the BAC level might not be known immediately. However, if the results later show a BAC of .15 or higher, the charge can be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor.

Q: Can a BAC of exactly .15 lead to an enhanced DWI charge?

A: Yes, a BAC level of .15 or greater, including exactly .15, can lead to an enhanced DWI charge in Texas.