Abilene, Texas DWI or DWUI Attorney

If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Abilene?

Pursuant to Texas law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your license by the Texas DPS. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, but it is crucial to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Texas DWI lawyer today for a free consultation.

Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 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 driver's license in Texas 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 accomplished and experienced DWI lawyer in Abilene, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Abilene, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 90 days.
• Time in Jail - In Abilene, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Abilene, 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) of 0.04. A first time DWI or DWUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• 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.

DUI Laws in Abilene, Texas

In Abilene, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). 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 very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

Additional Texas DWI Costs

In addition to any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are other charges that can really add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs may include:

• 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 Abilene, Texas can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
• 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 Abilene, Texas.

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 an accomplished and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - DWI criminal defense attorney for a free, professional consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Abilene, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Time in Jail - In Abilene, Texas, a third time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Abilene, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges 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

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DWI or DWUI 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.

DWI Penalties for Second Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Abilene, 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 driver's license in Texas
• Driving Privileges - In Abilene, Texas, a second time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Abilene, Texas, a second time DWI or DWUI offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.

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.