Over the course of his career, Randall B. Isenberg has managed hundreds of driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases. He knows how to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for clients’ best interests. If you’re facing DWI charges in Denton, you want our Denton DWI lawyers on your side.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg gets “not guilty” verdicts time and time again for people in situations just like yours. Don’t put your future in the hands of a Denton County public defender or face the criminal justice system alone. Instead, call our Denton criminal defense lawyers and protect your rights.
Successful Legal Representation for DWI Charges in Denton, Texas
You have an uphill battle after being charged with a DWI. An arrest and subsequent conviction can affect many areas of your life, causing personal and professional damage. Our Denton DWI team helps you build a strong defense or negotiate a beneficial plea agreement if you are:
- A minor charged with a DUI
- In danger of losing your driver’s license
- Scheduled to appear at an ALR (administrative license revocation) hearing
- Being charged with a first or successive DWI
Our DWI team is committed to your case and to helping you fight the charges against you. We also develop your defense and minimize the personal and criminal consequences of a conviction (if a not-guilty verdict isn’t possible). We will challenge BAC testing equipment and results, question probable cause, and ensure you were read your rights in a language you understood.
Comprehensive Defense Strategies for Various DWI Charges in Denton
We help clients defend themselves against a variety of DWI-related charges. If you or someone you love was arrested and is facing the harsh penalties of a conviction, our team is ready to help. We defend clients charged with the following:
- DWI
- Felony DWI
- Under 21 DUI
- Underage DWI
- Commercial DWI
- Intoxication assault
- Intoxication manslaughter
From DMV hearings to boating while intoxicated to ALR hearings, we are ready to represent you in hearings and at trial. Our Denton DWI lawyers are familiar with state and local laws that can help you challenge the charges you face. We can also help you avoid enhanced charges and the penalties that accompany them.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of DWI in Texas
The Texas Department of Transportation imposes severe penalties on DWI defendants. When the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg handles your case, our DWI lawyers can help you fight back against various penalties in Denton. Consider the following:
- Conviction for a first criminal offense can mean up to 6 months of incarceration
- Conviction for a second offense can mean up to a year of incarceration
- Conviction for a third offense can mean up to 10 years of imprisonment
Each offense can also mean fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the loss of your driver’s license for up to two years, and an additional assessment of state fines at sentencing.
Avoid Possible Sentence Enhancements for a DWI in Denton
In Texas, you are considered intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher, according to Texas Penal Code § 49.01. A DWI charge can be elevated or enhanced under certain circumstances, including having a proven BAC of 0.15% or higher. This result would elevate your charges from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
Other offenses that could compound the charges you face include:
- Having an open container of alcohol in your car, which elevates your charges from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor that includes jail time
- Involvement in a DWI-related accident that caused bodily injury, which elevates your charges from a misdemeanor to a felony
Our negotiation skills are a primary benefit of hiring our team to help with your defense — especially when faced with sentence enhancements. It’s vital to protect yourself against a DWI conviction because you cannot have the offense expunged from your record later. It becomes a part of your criminal history forever.
Beyond Legal Penalties: Additional Consequences of a DWI Conviction
While facing the penalties of a conviction can be stressful, your arrest can also have other unfortunate consequences. These consequences can affect your life, family, and profession. They include:
- Temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges
- Ineligibility for governmental education loans
Attorney Randall B. Isenberg’s 30-plus years of experience as a former prosecutor and state district judge can help you avoid the penalties of a DWI conviction. With help from our entire team, you can avoid these consequences and get your life back on track.
Understanding the Financial Consequences of a DWI Offense: What Damages You Can Expect to Pay
In a DWI case, you may be required to pay various types of damages depending on the circumstances and the laws of Denton County. The specific damages you may be responsible for can vary, so consulting with a legal professional like our Denton DWI attorneys will provide accurate insight on the types of damages that you may be required to pay, such as:
- Fines: DWI offenses often carry fines imposed by the court. These fines can vary depending on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior convictions, and local laws.
- Legal Fees: You may be responsible for covering your own legal fees, including attorney fees, court costs, and other related expenses incurred during the legal process.
- Restitution: If your DWI offense resulted in property damage or personal injury to others, you may be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. This could include compensation for property repairs, medical expenses, or other costs incurred due to the offense.
- License Reinstatement Fees: If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked as a result of the DWI offense, you may need to pay fees to reinstate your driving privileges once the suspension period is over.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: A DWI offense can lead to significant increases in insurance premiums. You may have to pay higher rates for car insurance coverage due to the increased risk associated with your record.
- Ignition Interlock Device Installation and Maintenance: The court may require you to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. You would be responsible for the costs associated with the installation and ongoing maintenance of the IID.
The specific damages and financial obligations can vary widely based on the jurisdiction and the details of your DWI offense. Consulting with a legal professional experienced in DWI cases can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information related to the damages that you may be required to pay in your specific situation.
Effective Defenses Employed by Our Skilled Denton DWI Lawyers
Many times, we’re able to get our clients’ charges dropped or dismissed before they ever step foot in the courtroom. Other times, we’re able to secure pre-trial deals that help us avoid long legal battles. If your case goes all the way to court, however, we’re prepared to employ a defense that puts your rights, future, and freedom first.
Your Denton DWI attorney may assert:
Challenging an Officer’s Actions in Your DWI Case
Law enforcement officers must follow certain protocols when pulling over people for suspected DWIs. They may fail to properly conduct a stop if:
- They didn’t read your Miranda rights. After your arrest, the police officer must have outlined that anything you share could be used against you later. If they didn’t share this information prior to interrogating you, this could invalidate anything incriminating statements you made, weakening the prosecution’s case.
- They didn’t have probable cause to pull you over in the first place. The police can’t just pull over people at random and hope to find someone driving while intoxicated. They need evidence that you didn’t have the normal use of your mental and physical faculties. Otherwise, they could have violated your rights.
- They incorrectly conducted a field sobriety test. The police may have asked you to perform a field sobriety test to measure your level of intoxication. They may have asked you to stand on one leg, answer some questions, or walk in a straight line. If they gave misleading instructions, didn’t account for medical conditions, or didn’t perform the test correctly, we can move to have those results barred from trial.
Our DWI attorneys in Denton know an unlawful traffic stop when they see one. Retaining our legal services means that we review the details of your arrest to ensure the police conducted it correctly. If not, we could use this information to build your defense and absolve your legal issues.
Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy: Strong DWI Defense Strategies
Breathalyzers are sensitive devices that need constant maintenance and proper calibration. Many police officers only have a basic understanding of how these devices work, oftentimes leading to incorrect readings.
Our lawyers have a background in reviewing breathalyzer results. If we believe your test results didn’t reflect your sobriety upon your arrest, we could have them barred from trial.
Building a Strong Defense: Identifying Weaknesses in Prosecution’s Evidence
At trial, the prosecutor must have evidence to convince the jury that you’re guilty. Evidence could include eyewitness testimony, the results of your breathalyzer test, and anything you admitted at the arrest scene.
If the prosecutor doesn’t have evidence (or we have a big piece of evidence disregarded from trial), they may be open to negotiating a plea deal or dismissing your case.
Notable Case Successes: Defending DWI Defendants in Denton
When our team defends you, we use every available legal avenue to resolve your case with a favorable outcome. Based on your situation, we may aim for a “not guilty” verdict or attempt to reduce your charges with the prosecutor. We could even have your DWI case dismissed before it goes to trial. Recent DWI case results include:
- Our client faced felony charges after he was charged with a third DWI. After reviewing the prosecution’s case, we motioned to have the case dismissed, and the judge granted our request.
- The police allegedly found our client drunk in their motor vehicle and in the middle of a roadway. We negotiated with the prosecution to have the DWI downgraded to Obstruction of a Roadway, resulting in far fewer penalties.
- We believe that the state took too long to build a case against our client following a DWI arrest. We motioned for a speedy trial, and the state decided to dismiss the case.
Many nuances go into building a successful case and securing clients’ freedom. Our Denton drunk driving attorneys understand the legal system inside and out, and we use that knowledge to your benefit.
Guidance for Facing DWI Charges in Denton: What You Should Know
In our opinion, one of the best things you can do after being arrested is to consider legal representation. The longer you go unrepresented, the more at risk you put your rights. From the moment you partner with our experienced lawyers, we can start building your defense, shielding you from the police’s tactics, and protecting you from the penalties of an arrest.
Other post-arrest considerations that could promote the best possible outcome in your DWI case include:
- Exercising your right to remain silent. Avoid making any incriminating statements to law enforcement. In fact, get a lawyer and don’t say anything to the police at all. Your lawyer can supply all the information needed to comply with criminal procedure.
- Adhering to the terms of your bail. If you’re out on bail, the state imposes some restrictions. For instance, you might not be able to leave the county. The state may also ask you to submit to regular alcohol and drug testing. Comply with these terms, as violating them could land you in jail and strengthen the case the state has.
- Refraining from driving on a suspended license. Your license suspension and DWI case are two separate matters. Even if you’re acquitted of DWI, the state may still suspend your license. Discuss this situation with your criminal defense attorney so you don’t drive, get caught, and face further charges.
- Enrolling in a substance abuse program. Our team may attempt to reduce your charges, lowering the penalties you face. By enrolling in an educational program (or rehab), we can assert that you’re committed to making a change and will refrain from drinking and driving in the future.
During your free consultation with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you can learn more about your post-arrest measures and a legal strategy that could promote an acquittal.
Client Testimonials: Hear What Our Denton DWI Defense Lawyers Have Achieved
We could go on and on about our commitment to clients’ rights and futures. Yet, nothing sums it up better than what previous clients have shared about our quality of service. Some clients have felt compelled to disclose:
- “The Isenberg law offices petitioned the court for an occupational license, and they were able to get video evidence from when I was arrested. It proved that I wasn’t driving erratically, and I wasn’t stumbling around and mumbling like the police said. My case was dismissed, and I owe it all to this law firm!” ––N.
- “Randall Isenberg and his team of attorneys really saved my life and marriage. I didn’t feel that I was even “buzzed” when I drove home to Dallas from a birthday party in Texarkana. Nonetheless, the slight smell of alcohol spilled on my shirt was enough for the arresting officer to do a field sobriety test… Randall was able to prove that the test given to me failed to comply with NHTSA standards. So the evidence was ruled invalid, and I’m happy to be free and living life with my beautiful wife and family. Thank you sir!” ––J.
Our team doesn’t make empty promises. When our DWI lawyers in Denton, TX, take your case, we intend to guide it to a just outcome. We treat your criminal charges as though it’s our own future on the line.
Put Our Denton DWI Defense Team to Work for You: Get Started Today for Free
Are you or a loved one facing charges of DWI in Denton, TX? The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg and our criminal defense team will diligently defend you and your future. Contact one of our Denton DWI lawyers today for a free initial consultation. Don’t face the criminal justice system alone. Instead, arm yourself with a skilled legal advocate.