Reviewed on: April 27,2026

Can He Get Out Early if Fines Are Paid on a Second DWI?

My boyfriend is in Harris County for a misdemeanor 2nd DWI he hot 100 in jail and a fine of $2000 if I pay his fines and fees will he be able to get out on his update of 9/29/16. His out date is 10/26/16. Someone told him he could get out on the update if fines and fees were paid is this true.

Asked: August 30, 2016
Author: Charlsa
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There is no reliable yes or no answer here. Some courts do structure DWI sentences in a way that allows early release when outstanding fines and fees are paid, particularly on misdemeanor cases. The September 29 update date may be a review hearing where that determination gets made. Whether the judge will actually sign off on release at that point depends on the specific court, the judge, and how aggressively Harris County is handling repeat DWI offenses right now.

A second DWI is treated more seriously than a first, and courts have been moving in a stricter direction on DWI cases broadly. If there was any property damage or injury involved, that further reduces the likelihood of early release, regardless of whether fines are paid.

The most direct way to find out is to call the facility and ask to speak with a counselor or case manager, who can tell you whether the fines being paid is actually tied to the update date outcome. It is also worth contacting the court clerk to confirm what the September 29 date represents and whether paying the fine before then is a factor the judge will consider.

Pay the fine if you can, and make the call. Those two steps together will tell you more than any general answer can.

https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/can-he-get-out-early-if-fines-are-paid-on-a-second-dwi#answer
Accepted Answer Date Created: August 31,2016