Fort Worth, Texas DWI Attorney

If you have been charged with DWI, it is a major offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Texas 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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 15 (fifteen) days. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. Contact an assertive and professional DWI attorney in Fort Worth, Texas to help, but do not delay.

Arrested for DWI in Fort Worth, 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 Texas driver's license by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). While both actions can result in the suspension of your Texas 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

• Time in Jail - In Fort Worth, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Fort Worth, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Fort Worth, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges 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 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 (DWI) 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 Texas driving privileges.

Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

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 accomplished and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI or DWI defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.

Additional Fort Worth, Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, 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:

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

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Fort Worth, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Driving Privileges - In Fort Worth, Texas, a third time DWI - 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 Texas driver's license
• Time in Jail - In Fort Worth, Texas, a third time DUI or DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.

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.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

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.