Arlington, Texas DUI or DWI Criminal Defense Attorney

DWI in Arlington, Texas? It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI attorney immediately. Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is important that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI lawyer today for a free consultation.

Arrested for DWI in Arlington, 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 by the Department of Public Safety in Texas. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, 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 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Arlington, 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 or 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 Arlington, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Arlington, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Additional Arlington, 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 Arlington, 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 Arlington, Texas.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

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

DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated in Arlington, Texas, and may be charged with 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 imperative you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DUI or 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 Third Offenses

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

DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Arlington, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Arlington, 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.
• Driving Privileges - In Arlington, Texas, a second time DUI or DWI 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

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.