{"id":16643,"date":"2026-03-04T07:14:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/?post_type=blog&p=16643"},"modified":"2026-03-03T08:40:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T16:40:23","slug":"drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Accidentes por conducir ebrio y sus consecuencias legales"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scope and Basics of Drunk Driving\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drunk Driving Statistics in the U.S.  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car crash fatalities in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,000 people are killed annually in drunk driving crashes<\/a>. In fact, in 2023, roughly 30% of all traffic-related fatalities in the country were attributed to drunk driving, resulting in 12,429 deaths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To break it down even further, one person dies every 42 minutes due to a car crash in the U.S. Beyond the fatalities, tens of thousands more suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities. Because of this, the economic cost of drunk driving crashes is startling, exceeding $300 billion annually<\/a> when factoring in medical costs, lost productivity, property damage, and legal expenses.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young adults between the ages of 21 and 24 account for the highest percentage of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes<\/a>. Repeat offenders and drivers with very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of 0.15% and above are responsible for a large number of these crashes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Qualifies as Drunk Driving?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Drunk driving, often referred to as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), is operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Most states consider a driver to be intoxicated if their BAC is 0.08% or higher<\/a>. In many jurisdictions, a driver can still be arrested and charged even if their BAC is below 0.08% if their ability to drive safely is compromised. Commercial drivers are typically held to a stricter limit of 0.04%, while drivers under 21 often face zero-tolerance rules.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to understand that intoxication isn\u2019t limited to alcohol<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost of the time, alcohol consumption is the reason for DWIs committed in Texas,\u201d Attorney Sean Szlachtowski said. \u201cHowever, Texas law also allows a person to be charged with a DWI if they consumed only a substance, for example marijuana, sleeping pills, or even cold medicine, so long as it affected the normal use of their mental or physical faculties. Mental or physical faculties that could be affected might include delayed reaction time, impairment of vision, or difficulty concentrating. All of which are important for driving!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Get a DWI While Driving a Boat? What About a DWI While Riding an Electric Scooter? <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yes, in Texas, you can be arrested and charged with BWI or Boating While Intoxicated<\/a> if you\u2019re operating a boat or watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. \u201cIt carries the same penalties and punishment as a normal Class B DWI,\u201d Szlachtowski said, \u201cand if there are passengers younger than 15 on the boat, you could face a State Jail Felony charge, similar to a DWI with a child passenger.\u201d   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While electric scooters seem like a safer alternative to driving a car intoxicated, it\u2019s not advisable to operate one after a night out drinking. While there is no specific law regarding DWIs and e-scooters, it is possible to receive a DWI if you are operating one while intoxicated. Texas law states a \u201cmotor vehicle\u201d is a device by which a person or property may be transported on a highway. Because of the ambiguity of the \u201cmotor vehicle\u201d law, an e-scooter could fit this definition, allowing for prosecution of a DWI. Additionally, you could be charged for Public Intoxication, which is a Class C misdemeanor.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Tell if You\u2019re Too Drunk to Drive?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Let’s be honest, if you have to ask if you’re too drunk to drive, you’re too drunk to drive. However, there isn’t a magical number of drinks that puts you over the limit. Alcohol affects people differently based on weight, age, gender, tolerance, food intake, and metabolism. Breathalyzers and BAC measurements can give you accurate data, and there are many affordable pocket versions that you can carry for safe measures. However, if you don\u2019t have one of these in your back pocket, there are several behavioral cues that signal impairment.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common signs include slurred speech, delayed reaction times, difficulty maintaining balance, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination. \u201cIf you feel funny or \u2018buzzed\u2019, chances are you are intoxicated,\u201d Szlachtowski said. A rule of thumb is to have a safe ride home any time you go out for drinks, regardless of how many drinks you actually have. It’s better to be safe than sorry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting behind the wheel when you are intoxicated could result in arrest, injury, or even death. It is not worth the risk. If you think you are too drunk to drive, call a sober friend or use your favorite rideshare app!,\u201d Szlachtowskiadvised.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DWIs and DUIs in the U.S.  <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between DUI and DWI?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The terms DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably, but their legal meanings vary by state. In some jurisdictions, DUI refers specifically to alcohol, while DWI may include impairment by drugs, both legal and illegal. In others, the terms may indicate levels of severity, with DWI being considered the more serious offense.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, in Texas, DWI is the charge applied to drivers operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DUI, on the other hand, typically applies only to individuals under the age of 21 caught driving with any detectable alcohol<\/a> in their system. While both are criminal offenses, DWI charges usually carry harsher penalties and longer-lasting consequences.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA DUI in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor. This means the punishment typically includes a fine, required alcohol awareness courses, and community service hours,\u201d Szlachtowski said. \u201cJail time is not part of the punishment unless a minor has been convicted of DUI twice before, in which case they might face up to 180 days in jail.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What State Is the Hardest on DWI?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to harsh penalties for drunk driving, Arizona consistently ranks as the toughest state. Arizona mandates jail time for all DUI offenses<\/a>, even first-time offenders, and requires ignition interlock devices for all convicted drivers. The state also imposes steep fines, license suspensions, and alcohol education classes.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas, while not as severe across the board, is still among the top states with stringent DWI laws. It enforces mandatory minimum jail times for repeat offenders, imposes felony charges under aggravating circumstances, and utilizes no-refusal weekends to obtain blood samples from suspected intoxicated drivers who refuse breathalyzer tests.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequences for Drunk Driving in Texas  <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What Happens After a DUI\/DWI in Texas?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the facts and circumstances, a DWI can be charged in different ways, all including varying penalties. Szlachtowski breaks it down below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Class\/Degree<\/strong> <\/td>Charge<\/strong> <\/td>Confinement<\/strong> <\/td>Fine<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Class B <\/td>Driving While Intoxicated <\/td>Up to 180 days in county jail – mandatory minimum of 3 days    *6 days if charged with Open Container* <\/td>Up to $2,000 <\/td><\/tr>
Class A <\/td>DWI 2Dakota del Norte<\/sup> Offense <\/td>Up to 1 year in county jail -mandatory minimum of 30 days <\/td>Up to $4,000 <\/td><\/tr>
Class A <\/td>DWI with BAC 0.15 or Higher  <\/td>Up to 1 year in county jail <\/td>Up to $4,000 <\/td><\/tr>
State Jail Felony <\/td>DWI with Child Passenger  <\/td>180 days to 2 years in state jail facility  <\/td>Up to $10,000 <\/td><\/tr>
3rd<\/sup> Degree <\/td>Intoxication Assault OR DWI 3rd<\/sup> Offense or More <\/td>2 years to 10 years in a Texas prison <\/td>Up to $10,000 <\/td><\/tr>
2Dakota del Norte<\/sup> Degree  <\/td>Intoxication Manslaughter <\/td>2 years to 20 years in a Texas prison  <\/td>Up to $10,000 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Convicted drivers may also be required to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles, which prevent the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver\u2019s breath. These devices are often a condition of probation or limited license reinstatement.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Texas a Zero Tolerance State? <\/strong>  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Texas has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. Szlachtowski explains, \u201cEven though the law allows up to 0.08% BAC for adults, the same law doesn’t apply for those under 21. Therefore, it is illegal for a person under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle, even with 0.01% BAC.\u201d Penalties for underage drinking and driving<\/a> include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol awareness courses, and community service.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zero tolerance laws were put in place to limit underage drinking and prevent the onset of future impaired driving behavior. Though the penalties may be less severe than for adult DWI offenses, the long-term consequences aren’tanything to take lightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Jail Time Mandatory for Drunk Driving in Texas?  <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“If convicted of a DWI offense, jail time may be mandatory,\u201d Szlachtowski explains. A first DWI conviction typically results in a minimum of 3 days in jail, but this can increase depending on the facts of the case. For a second DWI offense, the minimum jail time is 30 days. A third offense carries a minimum sentence of 2 years and can go up to 10 years, depending on prior criminal history and other aggravating factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn lieu of a straight jail conviction, probation may be allowed on a DWI charge,\u201d Szlachtowski continues, \u201chowever, as a condition of probation, jail time could be required by law.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For offenses involving injury or death, Texas law imposes felony charges that may result in years of incarceration. Judges have discretion in sentencing but are bound by statutory minimums. Additionally, time served may not be waived or probated in certain cases, especially for repeat offenders.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact a Car Accident Attorney  <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are injured by a drunk driver, immediately call 911! If you suspect the driver is intoxicated, inform the police when they arrive. Police will investigate a possible DWI situation, which could lead to an arrest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the next few days, you need to file a claim with the drunk driver\u2019s insurance. If you have Underinsured\/Uninsured Motorists (UIM) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you should file a claim with your auto insurance as well.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel pain or suspect you have injuries\u00a0as a result of\u00a0the drunk driver, you should contact a\u00a0qualified\u00a0car accident\u00a0attorney<\/a>.\u00a0The attorney can deal with the insurance companies on\u00a0your\u00a0behalf,\u00a0help get you to see the right\u00a0doctors\u00a0and gather evidence\u00a0regarding\u00a0the\u00a0DWI.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs: Drunk Driving and DWI in Texas<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is the legal BAC limit for drunk driving in Texas?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Texas, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 fall under Texas\u2019 zero-tolerance laws, meaning any detectable alcohol can result in charges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I be charged with a DWI if my BAC is below 0.08%?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A driver can still be arrested and charged with DUI in Texas even if their BAC is below 0.08% if law enforcement determines their normal mental or physical faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you get a DWI for drugs in Texas?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Texas law includes impairment caused by illegal drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and even substances like marijuana or sleeping pills if they impair a person\u2019s ability to operate a vehicle safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the penalties for a first-time DWI in Texas?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A first-time DWI is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor and may include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • At least 3 days in jail (minimum)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Fines up to $2,000\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • License suspension\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Possible ignition\u00a0interlock device\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Court costs, probation, and\u00a0required\u00a0alcohol education\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Penalties increase with aggravating factors such as high BAC, accidents, injuries, or child passengers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Is jail time mandatory for a DWI in Texas?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In many cases, yes. Texas law requires minimum jail sentences for DWI convictions. The length depends on prior offenses and circumstances. Repeat offenses and cases involving injury or death may result in felony charges and significantly longer prison sentences. <\/p>","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":16644,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","tags":[],"blog_category":[886],"class_list":{"0":"post-16643","1":"blog","2":"type-blog","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"blog_category-blog","8":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDrunk Driving: Laws & Penalties | Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DanielStarkLaw\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1497\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Shelby Benavidez\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/955610c4b205f60da2cd28a5fa5f2ad5\"},\"headline\":\"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-04T15:14:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2228,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/\",\"name\":\"Drunk Driving: Laws & Penalties | Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-04T15:14:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1497,\"caption\":\"Upset male driver is caught driving under alcohol influence. Man covering his face from police car light.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Blogs\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/blog-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/blog-logo.png\",\"width\":78,\"height\":77,\"caption\":\"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/DanielStarkLaw\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/danielstarklaw\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/Danielstarklaw\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/daniel-stark-injury-lawyers\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.danielstark.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/955610c4b205f60da2cd28a5fa5f2ad5\",\"name\":\"Shelby Benavidez\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Shelby Benavidez\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/danielstark.com\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Drunk Driving: Laws & Penalties | Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers","description":"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/","og_locale":"es_MX","og_type":"article","og_title":"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences","og_description":"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/","og_site_name":"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DanielStarkLaw","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1497,"url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"9 minutos"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/"},"author":{"name":"Shelby Benavidez","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#\/schema\/person\/955610c4b205f60da2cd28a5fa5f2ad5"},"headline":"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences","datePublished":"2026-03-04T15:14:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/"},"wordCount":2228,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg","inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/","url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/","name":"Drunk Driving: Laws & Penalties | Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-03-04T15:14:00+00:00","description":"Learn the legal consequences of drunk driving, including DWI penalties, DUI vs. DWI laws, and what to do if you're injured by a drunk driver.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_535082599-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1497,"caption":"Upset male driver is caught driving under alcohol influence. Man covering his face from police car light."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/drunk-driving-accidents-and-the-legal-consequences\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blogs","item":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Drunk Driving Accidents and the Legal Consequences"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/","name":"Abogados de lesiones personales de Daniel Stark","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#organization","name":"Abogados de lesiones personales de Daniel Stark","url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/blog-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/blog-logo.png","width":78,"height":77,"caption":"Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DanielStarkLaw","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/danielstarklaw\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/Danielstarklaw","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/daniel-stark-injury-lawyers"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/#\/schema\/person\/955610c4b205f60da2cd28a5fa5f2ad5","name":"Shelby Benavidez","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0f69e9fc4aef60b781bb71afb0e1a68b7da44f1b880c48149a1a49bfb0ad7f37?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Shelby Benavidez"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/danielstark.com"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/16643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/16643\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16643"},{"taxonomy":"blog_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.danielstark.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_category?post=16643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}