Amarillo, Texas DWI Lawyer

If you have been charged with DWI, it is a major offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Texas DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 driver's 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 within 15 days. Contact an aggressive and professional DWI defense lawyer to help, but do not delay. Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety).

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Amarillo?

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 by the Texas DPS. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional 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 for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In Amarillo, 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) of 0.04. A first time DWI (DWI) conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Amarillo, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Amarillo, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Amarillo, Texas, 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:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Amarillo, Texas, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• 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.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Amarillo, Texas. This is why you should contact a capable and skilled DWI attorney for a professional and free consultation.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI - DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Amarillo, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why a capable and skilled attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is crucial you contact a Texas DWI (DWI) criminal defense attorney for a professional and free consultation right away.

Amarillo, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood alcohol content). However, a person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. In addition, if you are the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle in Amarillo, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DWI (DWI) 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 Amarillo, 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 Amarillo, Texas, a second time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Amarillo, Texas, a second time DWI (DWI) offender faces jail time 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.