Lawmakers came together Thursday to discuss current DWI laws as well as proposed ones for the future. According to the Austin-American Statesman, “Texas leads the nation in the number of DWI fatalities, which has dropped slightly in recent years but still was 1,269 last year. The number of DWI arrests is also one of the highest in the country.”

Of the old laws, lawmakers looked into reforming both the automatic license revocation as well as hefty fines. Testimonies revealed that the fines are hurting more than they are helping.  Some said offenders are breaking other laws to pay the fine or electing to serve jail time. Neither one of those helps solve the alcoholism problem. Others added that license revocation just forces drivers to drive without a license and, eventually, without insurance.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo recommended implementing tougher laws, such as sobriety checkpoints and car breathalyzer devices for first-time offenders.

If you or someone you know has been accused of a DWI, call the Houston DWI defense attorneys at Johnson, Johnson, & Baer, P.C., by dialing 713-222-0400.