Crackdowns on DWI cases have intensified in Texas. Everyone, from police to prosecutors to judges, is taking a harsher approach. If you or someone you loved is facing DWI charges, it’s more important than ever to work with an attorney that will protect your legal rights.
If you’re convicted of a felony DWI, you could face prison time. The consequences of a DWI can be severe even if you’re given probation. In many cases, you may be forbidden from driving until your probation ends.
The Harsh Punishments For Texas DWIs
Although Texas has diversionary programs that are intended to help first-time offenders avoid more severe penalties, the government has begun to place limits on these programs in an attempt to clamp down on DWI offenses. This means that you may not have the option to take participate in a 12-hour program on the effect of alcohol on drivers in lieu of harsher punishment.
Even if you’re a first-time offender, you could be facing consequences such as up to 180 days of jail time, fines as high as $2,000, ignition interlock device installation, losing your license for up to two years, and even an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 for the next three years to keep your license.
Take Fast Action To Maintain Your Right To Drive
With prosecutions striking down on DWI offenses, it’s more important than ever to have strong support from a DWI defense attorney. Hiring a lawyer early on gives you time to take defensive actions that could help you stay out of jail and keep your license.
The clock starts running on these actions immediately after your arrest. As an example, if you don’t contact Texas DPS to schedule an Administrative License hearing within 15 days, your license will be suspended automatically. If you want to keep your license, you can’t afford to wait.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure that you have representation from a qualified lawyer during your hearing. Working with a lawyer is the best way to make sure you’ll be able to keep driving while your case is still pending. When your hearing takes place, your DWI attorney will be able to challenge your license suspension and help you to keep your license.
How Your Texas DWI Attorney Can Defend You
There are a number of strategies that a skilled lawyer can use in your defense. For example, your attorney could look at the behavior of the officer that arrested you. Officers often make arrests based on their own opinion, and that leaves these cases open to challenge.
In addition, there are behaviors that can give the appearance of drunk driving, such as driving while using a cell phone. Although there are punishments for using a cell phone while driving, these punishments are far less severe than the consequences for driving while intoxicated. A skilled DWI lawyer can analyze your case and build the best possible defense.
Got a DUI/DWI charge? Give Atty. Jim a call today and let him give you a free consultation so that you can get the help that you need. Visit our blog for more related articles.
