Ask someone who's been through it: the fine is the smallest check you'll write. Here's the full ledger for a typical first-offense DWI in Texas — including the line items nobody warns you about.
Direct legal costs
| Item | Typical range (first offense) |
|---|---|
| Court fine (Class B maximum) | Up to $2,000 |
| Texas state fine (§ 709.001) | $3,000 ($6,000 if BAC 0.15+) |
| Court costs | $140–$400 |
| Bail / bond | $500–$2,500 (bondsman fee ~10–15%) |
| Attorney fees (DFW, misdemeanor) | $2,500–$7,500 flat fee |
License and driving costs
- Ignition interlock: $100–$150 installation plus $70–$100/month — mandatory for repeat offenses, common for high-BAC first offenses and as a bond condition.
- License reinstatement: $125 ALR fee plus DPS surcharges.
- SR-22 insurance: required for reinstatement; expect premiums to rise 50–100%+ for 3–5 years — commonly $3,000–$6,000 in added premiums over that span.
- Towing and impound: $200–$500 the night of the arrest.
Program and probation costs
- DWI education program (12-hour class): ~$70–$125
- Alcohol/drug evaluation and any recommended treatment: $100–$1,000+
- Probation supervision fees: ~$60/month, plus drug-testing fees
- Community service is "free" — except the time and transportation
The silent multipliers
Lost income from jail time, court dates, and a suspended license; career damage when background checks surface a conviction (CDL holders face a one-year disqualification on a first DWI — career-ending for many); and civil exposure if an accident was involved. Repeat the exercise for a second offense or a felony and the totals multiply.
The honest total
Across fines, fees, classes, interlock, insurance, and attorney costs, a defended first-offense DWI in DFW realistically lands between $10,000 and $17,000. A conviction-driven insurance hit and a permanent record push the lifetime figure higher.
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