Guadalupe County, Texas DWI - DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

DWI in Guadalupe County, Texas? It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and professional DWI lawyer immediately. Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI defense lawyer today for a free consultation.

What happens if you were arrested for DWI in Guadalupe County, 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 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.

Texas DWI (DWI) Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). 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. If you fail to request a hearing within fifteen (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 Department of Public Safety within fifteen (15) days. Contact a capable and experienced DWI defense lawyer in Guadalupe County, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Guadalupe County, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Guadalupe County, Texas, a first time DWI (DWI) offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Guadalupe County, Texas, a first time DWI (DWI) conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas 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 - DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent Texas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• 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.

DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated in Guadalupe County, Texas, and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 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 imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and professional DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Guadalupe County, Texas, 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:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Guadalupe County, Texas, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• 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.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Guadalupe County, Texas. This is why you should contact a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional 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 a capable and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI (DWI) lawyer 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 Second Time Offenders

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

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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