San Antonio DWI Attorney: Fighting DWI Charges in Texas

What to do if you are pulled over for a DWI in Texas

If you are pulled over for a DWI (driving while intoxicated) in the state of Texas, the consequences could be severe. The penalties vary depending on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels and prior convictions, but they all involve hefty fines, jail time, and, in some cases, license suspension or revocation. It is important to know your rights if you are pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions asked by the police officer. Additionally, you should not submit to any field sobriety tests or give a sample of your breath, blood or urine for testing without legal counsel. If you do consent to these tests, this information can be used against you in court.

The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas

If you are convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in the state of Texas, you will face significant penalties regardless of your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. Typically, punishments include fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, jail time of up to one year or more, and/or a license suspension or revocation. Depending on the severity or repeat offenses, some judges may even impose a Class A misdemeanor with higher fines and longer jail time sentences. Along with these consequences, convicted DWI offenders may also be required to attend driver safety courses or perform court-mandated community services.

In addition to legal and financial repercussions, a DWI conviction can have a negative impact on personal and professional relationships. Employers are less likely to hire applicants who have been convicted for DWI since it is an indication that the individual lacks responsibility and is willing to take risks. Insurance companies may increase premiums for those convicted of DWI as well.

How to contest a DWI charge in Texas

If you are charged with a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in the state of Texas, it is possible to challenge the evidence against you and potentially have your charges dropped or reduced. To successfully contest a DWI charge, you should retain legal counsel and carefully review the facts of your case to determine if any errors or violations of your rights were made during the arrest process. Your attorney will also investigate any evidence collected by law enforcement, such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police reports to identify potential sources of error. If any inconsistencies are found in the evidence against you, then they can be used to contest the charge and possibly have it dismissed or reduced.

Your attorney can also look at the basis for stopping your vehicle or the reasons why the officer approached you. You attorney may be able to challenge the legality of that contact which would throw out all of the evidence against you.

No matter which option you decide to pursue for contesting a DWI charge in Texas, it is important to understand all aspects of your defense strategy and weigh them carefully before making a decision on how best to proceed.

The importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney represent you in court

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney represent you in court is extremely important when facing a DWI charge in Texas. The consequences of a conviction can be serious, ranging from hefty fines to jail time and license suspension or revocation. Without an experienced lawyer, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

A skilled criminal defense attorney will understand all the applicable laws and procedures associated with a DWI charge, as well as how to defend your rights both in and out of court. They will carefully review all of the evidence against you, including field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, police reports and more, to identify any potential sources of error or discrepancies that could lead to having your charges dropped or reduced. Additionally, they can look into the basis for stopping your vehicle or why the officer approached you in the first place and determine if any violations were made during this process that could affect how your case is handled.

Having an experienced lawyer by your side who understands Texas DWI laws and is willing to fight for you will provide peace of mind throughout the entire legal process. They can help ensure that mistakes aren't made which could potentially lead to more severe ramifications down the road. Ultimately, having an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you in court is essential for achieving the best possible outcome for your case.