Hondo, Texas DUI / DWI Lawyer

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Hondo?

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 driver's license by the Texas DPS. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Texas driving privileges, but it is very important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense lawyer today for a free, professional consultation.

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

Texas DWI Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS. 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas within fifteen (15) days. Contact an accomplished and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer in Hondo, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Hondo, Texas, a first time DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Hondo, Texas, a first time DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Hondo, 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 concentration) of 0.04. A first time DUI / 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.
• 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas driving privileges.

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 an assertive and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI - DWI defense attorney for a fast and free consultation.

Hondo, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration). 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 Hondo, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and skilled DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free 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 Hondo, 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 Hondo, 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 Hondo, Texas. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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

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 Offender

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