Need help from a Texas DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a capable and experienced DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.
Texas DWI - DUI Administrative Hearing
According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. If you fail to request a hearing within fifteen (15) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Texas driver's license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Texas DPS within fifteen (15) days. Contact an assertive and professional DWI attorney in Medina County, Texas to help, but do not delay.
Arrested for DWI in Medina County, Texas?
Under Texas law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your Texas driver's license by the Texas DPS. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.
DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders
- Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Texas for 180 days.
- Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
- Monetary Fines - In Medina County, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
- Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI - DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
- Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Medina County, Texas, a first time DWI - DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 90 days.
- Time in Jail - In Medina County, Texas, a first time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
DUI/DWI Laws in Medina County, Texas
In Medina County, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level. That said, a person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and experienced DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.
DWI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a capable and skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - DUI defense lawyer for a free consultation.
Additional Medina County, Texas DWI Costs
Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI might include:
- Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Medina County, Texas can be expensive.
- Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
- Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
- Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your driver's license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
As you can see, there are quite a few "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Medina County, Texas.
Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas
After two or more DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) convictions within five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you have been drinking any amount of alcohol.
Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses
- Time in Jail - In Medina County, Texas, a third time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
- Monetary Fines - In Medina County, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
- Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your Texas driver's license
- Driving Privileges - In Medina County, Texas, a third time DWI - DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses
- Driving Privileges - In Medina County, Texas, a second time DWI - DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
- Time in Jail - In Medina County, Texas, a second time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
- Monetary Fines - In Medina County, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
- Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your Texas driver's license
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. |