A Fort Worth DWI arrest is a stressful experience. Your life might seem out of control, and you may not be sure what could lie ahead. You fear losing your license, serving jail time, and even whether your arrest could affect your career or personal life. A Fort Worth DWI attorney from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can build a comprehensive DWI defense for your case and possibly help you avoid steep consequences, like high fines, lost driving privileges, and jail or prison time.
You do not have to face drunk driving charges on your own. With this defense, we will do everything within our power to limit your arrest’s impact on your life. Often, this is possible by minimizing the charges brought against our clients or negotiating a lighter sentence. We are ready to help you avoid a criminal conviction and put this chapter behind you. Call us today for a free consultation so we can start working toward a positive outcome.
When Might I Face a DWI Charge in Fort Worth, TX?
You may face a DWI arrest in Fort Worth, TX, if:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level was .08% percent or above; or
- Your behavior at the time of arrest indicated that you were intoxicated
What Are the Consequences of a Fort Worth DWI conviction?
The potential consequences of a legal issue involving a DWI conviction are serious. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a first-time DWI offender might face:
- A maximum of $2,000 in fines
- Three days to 6 months in a county jail
- Driver’s license suspension (90 days to a year)
- An ignition interlock device on your vehicle
You may face additional jail time or fines if you have an open container or a BAC of .15% or higher. The penalties also increase for repeat offenders.
A second DWI calls for greater consequences:
- Between 30 days and 1 year in a county jail
- A fine of up to $4,000
- A 180-day license suspension (up to 2 years)
- An ignition interlock system (if the second DWI occurred within five years of the first)
Prosecutors charge some DWIs as felony offenses. A DWI with a child in the car calls for up to 2 years in state prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. A third offense or more, also known as a habitual DWI, is also a felony. The consequences may include a 2- to 10-year prison sentence, a maximum $10,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years.
People suspected of a DWI can refuse to take a chemical test if pulled over during a traffic stop. However, a breathalyzer refusal includes an additional 180-day license suspension. Drunk drivers who have a previous DWI charge on their records could lose their license for up to 2 years, and so can those who refused a breath test before.
Can the State Take My Driver’s License Before I Even Go to Court for a Fort Worth DWI?
Yes. Anyone arrested on a DWI charge in Fort Worth receives an automatic administrative license revocation (ALR). Officers will take your license at the time of your arrest and give you a temporary permit. You then have 15 days to challenge the ALR.
Our DWI lawyers can help you with this process, representing you at the ALR hearing. An ALR hearing lawyer will do everything he can to help you keep your license. If the court upholds the suspension, we may be able to request an occupational license, which allows you to drive to work or for other necessary travel.
How Can Attorney Randall B. Isenberg Help Me Beat My DWI Charge in Fort Worth?
Attorney Randall B. Isenberg is a former district judge and chief felony prosecutor who over 30 years of experience that he can use to help you present your best case. He understands how both sides of the system work in DWI cases. He and his team explore all possible options in building a strong defense in your case, strategically challenging each piece of evidence against you.
Since the consequences of a DWI are serious and Texas does not allow you to expunge this type of conviction, it is paramount that you fight to reduce your charges or defeat the prosecution in court. We can analyze your case and build a strong defense that could lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed. We identify all weak links in the prosecution’s case.
This often includes:
Issues With Probable Cause
Fort Worth police officers cannot legally pull you over unless they witness you breaking the law or have another reasonable suspicion. This is usually the starting point of our analysis of a DWI case. Unless the police officer had probable cause to pull you over, your arrest was not legal. This means we may be able to get your case thrown out entirely.
Problems With Field Sobriety Tests
To be admissible as evidence against you, the arresting officers must administer your field sobriety tests according to strict rules. We could get this evidence thrown out because of factors such as uneven pavement, rain, other problems with the weather, or other issues with how the police officer conducted the tests.
Chemical Testing Inaccuracies
It always pays to question the accuracy of breath and blood alcohol test results if you consented to the tests. Officers must conduct these tests under strict standards outlined by both the State of Texas and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, those officers must properly calibrate breath test machines and handle blood samples in a very particular way to ensure accurate results. If there were any issues with this process, we will uncover them.
Fort Worth DWI Lawyer Near Me (214) 696-9253
Differences Between Dash Camera Video and Police Reports
The dash camera video from the police may play a key role after a DWI arrest. The jury can see and hear you on video at the time of your arrest. No matter what is in the police report, people tend to believe their own eyes over the testimony of another person.
If you appear sober and sound reasonable, the jury may not believe you were drunk. We can also use this video to uncover other mistakes the police made during your arrest, such as failing to read you your rights or other technicalities.
Based on the evidence we collect demonstrating weaknesses in their case, we can sometimes get the prosecutors to drop the charges entirely or agree to a plea deal. If your case does go to court, we protect your rights and present the strongest case possible to prove your innocence.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Today for Help From a Fort Worth DWI Attorney
Texas makes it clear that it will not tolerate motorists who operate vehicles on our state’s roads while intoxicated. Whether suspected offenders are minors or adults, charges from these incidents are serious, and the legal issues they create can last a long time. Even those facing a first-time DWI offense could spend time in jail and lose their license.
To learn more about how a Fort Worth DWI attorney from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you overcome this situation and create a legal defense that protects your rights and interests, call us today.
Call or text (214) 696-9253 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
