Need help from a Texas DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Houston?

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. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, but it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Texas DWI defense lawyer today for a quick and easy consultation.

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

Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 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 an accomplished and professional DWI defense lawyer in Houston, Texas to help, but do not delay.

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 in Texas.
• Monetary Fines - In Houston, 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 DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 driver's license in Texas for 180 days.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Houston, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Houston, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) in Houston, Texas. A person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. In addition, whether you are the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle. For these reasons, it is very important you fomd legal advice from an assertive and experienced DWI lawyer. Call today for a free, professional consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

Additional Houston, 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 Houston, 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 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 Houston, 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 options and rights. This is why an accomplished and skilled defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI or DWUI lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 Third Offenses

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