Need help from a Texas DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?

DWI in El Paso, Texas? It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an assertive and professional DWI attorney immediately. Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI defense lawyer today for a free, professional consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in El Paso?

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 by the Texas Department of Public Safety. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In El Paso, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In El Paso, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In El Paso, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 180 days.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license in Texas for 180 days.
• 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 DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.

Additional DWI Costs in Texas

There are numerous charges beyond the court fines and costs that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI in El Paso, Texas may include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in El Paso, Texas can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.

There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get a DWI in El Paso, Texas. It is important you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI - DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in El Paso, Texas, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is important you contact a Texas DWI / DUI attorney for a fast, free consultation right away.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 BAC level in El Paso, 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 imperative you fomd legal advice from an assertive and professional DWI attorney. Call today for a free, professional consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In El Paso, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In El Paso, Texas, a second time DUI or DWI offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In El Paso, Texas, a second time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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

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 El Paso, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Driving Privileges - In El Paso, Texas, a third time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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
• Time in Jail - In El Paso, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.

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.