DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Wilson County, Texas
Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and skilled DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.
Texas DWI Administrative Hearing
If you fail to request a hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license in Texas is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 15 days. Contact an aggressive and professional DWI criminal defense attorney to help, but do not delay. Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas.
Arrested for DWI in Wilson 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 driver's license in Texas by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). 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
- Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Wilson County, Texas, a first time DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 90 days.
- Time in Jail - In Wilson County, Texas, a first time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
- Monetary Fines - In Wilson 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 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI - DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Texas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
- Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of Texas driver's license for 180 days.
- Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
Additional DWI Costs in Texas
There are numerous charges beyond the court fines and costs that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI in Wilson County, Texas may include but are not limited to:
- Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
- Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
- Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Wilson County, Texas can be expensive.
- Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get a DWI in Wilson County, Texas. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.
DWI Subsequent Offenses
Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI (driving while intoxicated) violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Wilson County, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why a capable and skilled criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is very important you contact a Texas DWI - DUI defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation right away.
DUI/DWI Laws in Wilson County, Texas
In Wilson County, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 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 an accomplished and skilled DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.
Ignition Switch
After two or more DWI convictions in Wilson County, Texas 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.
DWI Penalties for Second Time Offender
- Monetary Fines - In Wilson County, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
- Time in Jail - In Wilson County, Texas, a second time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
- Driving Privileges - In Wilson County, Texas, a second time DWI - DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
- Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your driver's license in Texas
DWI Penalties for Third Offenses
- Monetary Fines - In Wilson County, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
- Time in Jail - In Wilson County, Texas, a third time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
- Driving Privileges - In Wilson County, Texas, a third time DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
- Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your driver's license in Texas
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. |