Longview, Texas DWI - DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Longview?

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 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 additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Longview, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Longview, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Longview, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 180 days.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driver's license for 180 days.
• 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 DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas driving privileges.

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 Longview, 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 Longview, 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 rights and options. This is why an assertive and skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI / DWI defense attorney for a professional and free consultation.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Longview, 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 crucial you fomd legal advice from an assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney. Call today for a free, professional consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

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

DWI Penalties for Second Time Offenders

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

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.