Beaumont, Texas DWI (DWI) Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DWI 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 driver's 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 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas within fifteen (15) days. Contact a capable and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer in Beaumont, Texas to help, but do not delay.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Beaumont?

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 additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Beaumont, 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 Beaumont, Texas, a first time DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Monetary Fines - In Beaumont, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI (DWI) 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.

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. This is why a capable and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI or DWI lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

DUI Laws in Beaumont, Texas

In Beaumont, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration). 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 crucial you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Beaumont, 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 Beaumont, 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 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 Beaumont, Texas. This is why you should contact a capable and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

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 Third Time Offenders

• Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In Beaumont, Texas, a third time DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Beaumont, Texas, a third time DUI or DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Beaumont, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.

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.