There are numerous ways that people can violate Texas state regulations concerning alcohol. Some people become intoxicated in public spaces and get arrested for their conduct. Other times, people who drive after drinking could face driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges. Minors can get arrested for possessing or consuming alcohol. Those running businesses could be at risk of prosecution if they attempt to dispense or sell alcohol without the right licenses. Those criminal offenses range in severity.
There are two other common criminal charges related to alcohol that prosecutors might pursue. Unlike many of the other charges mentioned above, the more serious offenses related to alcohol use are felony offenses.
Intoxication assault
Someone who is unfamiliar with Texas state criminal statutes might think that intoxication assault refers to a drunk fight. However, the term intoxication assault actually refers to someone causing injury to another person if they drive while drunk. Intoxication assault charges are possible regardless of whether the injury is minor or catastrophic. Someone accused of intoxication assault is at risk of third-degree felony charges that could carry between two and 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Intoxication manslaughter
As is the case with intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter involves a drunk driving infraction. Intoxication manslaughter charges typically follow collisions that have fatal consequences for someone other than the drunk driver. The potential penalties after a guilty plea or conviction for this second-degree felony charge include between two and 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
While even minor alcohol-related infractions may require an assertive response from a defendant, felony intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter charges could forever change the course of someone’s life. The criminal record that results from a conviction could affect someone’s options for employment and education for the rest of their life.
Responding appropriately to serious alcohol offenses can help people to potentially avoid life-altering penalties and reputation-damaging felony criminal records. Those who know what the law in Texas prohibits and they have an easier time responding to alcohol-related criminal charges effectively.