Need help from a Texas DWI Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is important that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Killeen?

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 Department of Public Safety. Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, but it is 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.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Killeen, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI / 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.
• Time in Jail - In Killeen, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Killeen, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• 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 DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) in Killeen, 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 important you fomd legal advice from an aggressive and skilled DWI lawyer. Call today for a quick and easy consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

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 Killeen, 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 Killeen, 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 a capable and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - DWI lawyer for a consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Time Offenders

• 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 Killeen, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Killeen, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Killeen, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.

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.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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