A DWI carries stiff penalties in the state of Texas. If you are arrested and charged with drunk driving, you face jail time, high fines, driver’s license suspension, or community service. A DWI can also alter other areas of your personal or professional life. If you want to get the best possible outcome from your case, then get legal consultation and representation from a Plano DWI lawyer.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers comprehensive legal services for all types of personal and commercial DWI cases. We help clients navigate the legal system and prepare an adequate defense against the prosecution. Do not take on the courts alone or depend on a public defender. Call today at (214) 696-9253 to get a free case assessment from a DWI lawyer in Plano, Texas.
Driving While Intoxicated: What it Means in Texas
If you have been drinking while operating a car, boat, aircraft, or a piece of machinery in Texas, you may be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). A DWI is a criminal offense that results in a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the circumstances of the violation.
According to Texas Penal Code 49.01, intoxicated means, “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol.” Furthermore, the penal code sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at .08 percent. Therefore, you may be charged with a DWI if you are driving drunk or have a BAC of .08 percent or more.
Penalties for a DWI in Texas
The penalty for a DWI in Texas varies depending on the circumstances of your arrest such as:
- The number of previous offenses
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Driving a personal or commercial vehicle
- An injury or fatality
- Driving with children in the car
- Driving with a suspended license
Special circumstances such as intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault, driving a commercial vehicle, or having multiple offenses can increase the severity of your penalties significantly. Some penalties include:
A Jail Sentence
A first time DWI offense can range from three to 180 days. Even with a first-time offense, however, a DWI that results in an injury or fatality can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Stiff Fines
Texas imposes high fines for DWI cases. A first-time offense may result in a fine of up to $3,000. A second offense may result in $4,500. In involving a BAC of .15 or higher, driving with minors, or intoxication manslaughter, you may pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Driver License Suspension
If you are charged with a DWI, you may lose your driver’s license for up to one year after a first offense. Multiple offenses of special circumstances may cause you to lose your license for up to ten years or life. In addition, you may have to pay $2,000 to $3,000 per year for three years to renew your license.
Other Penalties
When you are charged for a DWI in Texas, you may face additional penalties such as:
- Mandatory alcohol addiction treatment/counseling
- Vehicle interlocking device
- Probation
- Community service
- Random alcohol tests
- Loss of a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
With penalties being so severe in Texas, it is beneficial to get legal representation from Plano DWI lawyers who understand your case and can defend you against the prosecution. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg at (214) 696-9253 to get started with your case today. We offer a free consultation.
Defending Against a DWI Charge
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming that your DWI case is hopeless. Even if you fail a BAC breathalyzer test, you may not be found guilty of the alleged crime. Our law firm helps clients just like you who can use an effective defense strategy to establish innocence or remove/reduce the DWI charges.
We take a critical look at your case and assess all relevant factors such as:
Probable Cause
The highway patrol officer must have a viable reason for pulling you over, arresting you, and charging you with a DWI. We may challenge the police officer’s assertions and demonstrate that there was no probable cause.
BAC Breathalyzer Test Results
The breathalyzer test may have calibrated improperly or failed to work correctly. If you took a field test, then we may be able to demonstrate that the field test did not work properly or that you were administered a test unfairly.
Miranda Rights
The police officers who arrested you may have violated your rights or failed to read you your rights upon your arrest. We analyze the way your case was handled from the moment you were pulled over until your court date.
The Prosecution’s Argument
We also look closely at how the prosecution handled your case. They may have failed to produce solid evidence to convict you. The prosecuting attorney may have also violated your rights or pressured you into admitting guilt.
When you hire the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you can feel confident that our entire legal team will go to work on your behalf. We can review your arrest, obtain evidence of your innocence, provide full legal representation on your behalf, and work to get you the best outcome for your case.
Do Not Settle for a Public Defender
When your future is on the line, you may want to choose a private DWI lawyer in Plano, Texas instead of settling for a public defender. While public defenders work hard to represent clients, they are often overloaded with too many cases. Consequently, your case may not get the focused attention it deserves.
Our law firm is committed to making sure you get a fair trial based on all the facts of the case. We take the time to work on your case and formulate a legal strategy. Instead of just pleading guilty and being at the mercy of the court, we may find other options such as establishing your innocence, working out a plea bargain, or attempting to have your case dismissed.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Assessment
Do not take chances with your personal or professional future. Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg advocate for you to help you beat your DWI charge. Call (214) 696-9253 to get a free, no-obligation case assessment from a Plano DWI lawyer.
