Need help from a Texas DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?

DWI in Corpus Christi, Texas? It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI lawyer today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas. 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 Department of Public Safety within fifteen (15) days. Contact an accomplished and skilled DWI lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas to help, but do not delay.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Corpus Christi?

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 license by the Department of Public Safety in Texas. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more 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 Corpus Christi, 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 DUI / 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 Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi, 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.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood alcohol content) in Corpus Christi, Texas. A person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. In addition, whether you are the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle. For these reasons, it is very important you fomd legal advice from a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer. Call today for a fast and free consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

Additional Texas DWI Costs

In addition to any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are other charges that can really add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs may include:

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

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 aggressive and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DUI / DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DUI / 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 Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Corpus Christi, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Corpus Christi, Texas, a second time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces jail time of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Corpus Christi, Texas, a second time DUI / DWI 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

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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

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.