DWI Attorney - Baytown, Texas

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major 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 encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a 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 Department of Public Safety. 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 aggressive and skilled DWI defense attorney in Baytown, Texas to help, but do not delay.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Baytown?

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 Department of Public Safety. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Texas driving privileges, but it is very important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Texas DWI defense attorney today for a free consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

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

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 a competent and experienced lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI or DWI lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

Baytown, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC level. 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 Baytown, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is important you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a consultation.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Baytown, 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 Baytown, 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 Baytown, Texas. This is why you should contact a competent and experienced DWI lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

DUI Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Texas within five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you have been drinking.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

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.