Austin, Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) Lawyer

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Austin?

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 driver's license by the Texas DPS. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, but it is very important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Texas DWI defense lawyer today for a fast, free consultation.

Being arrested for DWI in Austin, Texas can have serious repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is imperative that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Texas DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license 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 Department of Public Safety within 15 (fifteen) days. 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. Contact an aggressive and professional DWI defense lawyer in Austin, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Austin, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Austin, Texas, a first time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Austin, Texas, a first time DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) 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.

DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated in Austin, Texas, and may be arrested for 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 an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

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 knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI or DWUI attorney for a fast and free consultation.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Austin, 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 Austin, 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 Austin, Texas. This is why you should contact an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer for a fast and free consultation.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Austin, 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.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Austin, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Time in Jail - In Austin, Texas, a third time DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Austin, Texas, a third time DWI or DWUI 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

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.