DWI Lawyer - Denton, Texas

Arrested for DWI in Denton, 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 in Texas by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 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.

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DWI or DWUI Administrative Hearing

If you fail to request a hearing within 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. 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. 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 days. Contact an aggressive and professional DWI defense lawyer to help, but do not delay. Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Denton, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Denton, Texas, a first time DWI or DWUI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Denton, Texas, a first time DWI or DWUI 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 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 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 commercial driver's license for 1 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.

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 Denton, 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 Denton, 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 knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

Denton, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (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 Denton, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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

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 Second Time Offender

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