AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – New laws surrounding driving while intoxicated are now in effect in Texas, with the Randall County District Attorney urging residents to never drive while impaired. <\/p>\n
Texas legislatures have increased the punishment for driving while intoxicated for some, but not all offenses.<\/p>\n
According to Randall County District Attorney Robert Love, one of those changes includes a state felony offense for driving while intoxicated in an active school zone for even first-time offenders.<\/p>\n
This is punishable by a second-degree felony with up to a $10,000 fine and up to two years in a state jail.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is an increase in punishment for someone who commits their very first offense of DWI. Now it doesn\u2019t make all first time DWI people or second time DWI, it doesn\u2019t make them felons,\u201d says Love.<\/p>\n
Another change makes DWI manslaughter, of more than one person, a first-degree felony verses a second-degree felony.<\/p>\n
Love says this is punishable by a $10,000 fine and five to 99 years in prison.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know there was a case in Potter County that was tried, which an entire family was killed,\u201d says Love. \u201cAnd down here in our county we have a case with two college friends that were killed, and it just happens too often and increasing the punishment I think is a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Love, state legislatures are in the process of making more changes to DWI offenses that are currently in federal litigation.<\/p>\n
Love is urging residents to never drive under the influence, call a ride share, friends or family. <\/p>\n
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