Grand Prarie, Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Grand Prarie?

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 license by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). 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 on their own.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense lawyer today for a consultation.

Being charged with DWI in Grand Prarie, Texas can have major repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Texas DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

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 do not request an administrative hearing within 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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 15 days. Contact an assertive and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer in Texas to help.

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

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In Grand Prarie, 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) level of 0.04. A first time DWI (DWI) conviction will result in the loss of the CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DWI - 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.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Grand Prarie, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Grand Prarie, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

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 Grand Prarie, 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 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 Grand Prarie, 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 a competent and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DUI or DWI criminal defense attorney for a fast, free consultation.

DUI Laws in Grand Prarie, Texas

In Grand Prarie, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level. 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 very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

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

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

• Driving Privileges - In Grand Prarie, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Grand Prarie, 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 Grand Prarie, 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

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.