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What happens if you were arrested for DWI in Mesquite, 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 license by the Texas Department of Public Safety. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious repercussions, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. 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 assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Texas DWI Administrative Hearing

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 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 Texas Department of Public Safety within 15 days. Contact a competent 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 Texas Department of Public Safety.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Mesquite, Texas, a first time 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 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) 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.
• Time in Jail - In Mesquite, Texas, a first time DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Mesquite, 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 Texas driver's license for 180 days.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) in Mesquite, 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 assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer. Call today for a free consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI or DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Mesquite, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an aggressive and skilled defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is very important you contact a Texas DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) defense lawyer for a fast and free consultation right away.

Additional Mesquite, 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 Mesquite, 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 Mesquite, Texas.

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

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

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