Texas has a separate statute for operating an aircraft while intoxicated, and it comes up more than people expect given Houston’s private pilot community and two major airports. The penalty starts as a misdemeanor but escalates quickly with any prior intoxication-related record.
What the Statute Covers
- Operating an aircraft while intoxicated. The same intoxication standard used in a standard DWI case applies here.
How Texas Punishes It
- Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, with a minimum of 72 hours in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
- Third-degree felony with two or more prior intoxication-related convictions or deferred adjudications, or a prior intoxication manslaughter conviction.
The Stakes Beyond the Courtroom
A conviction here doesn’t stay in state court. The FAA treats any alcohol or drug-related conviction as a reportable event that can trigger a certificate action entirely separate from the criminal case, on top of whatever the Texas court imposes.
Charged With Flying While Intoxicated? Contact Blass Law Now
Contact Blass Law for a confidential case evaluation or call (713)-664-4000. Your certificate and your criminal case need to be handled together.