Harlingen, Texas DWI - DWI Lawyer

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

Arrested for DWI in Harlingen, 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas. 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.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

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 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas within 15 days. Contact an accomplished and experienced DWI defense attorney 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 Harlingen, 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 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) 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 Harlingen, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Harlingen, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Harlingen, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). 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 Harlingen, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is important you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

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 Harlingen, Texas may include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• 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 Harlingen, 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 Harlingen, Texas. It is important you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a professional 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. This is why a capable and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) criminal defense attorney for a professional and free consultation.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Harlingen, Texas 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.

DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Harlingen, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Harlingen, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Harlingen, Texas, a second 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

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In Harlingen, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Harlingen, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• 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 Harlingen, Texas, a third time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.

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.