DWI Lawyer - Midland, Texas

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is crucial that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) 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 (fifteen) days. 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. Contact a competent and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer in Midland, Texas to help, but do not delay.

Arrested for DWI in Midland, 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 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 more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In Midland, 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 Content (BAC) level of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI 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 Midland, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 90 days.
• Time in Jail - In Midland, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment 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 Content (BAC) level in Midland, 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 aggressive and skilled DWI criminal defense attorney. Call today for a professional and free 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 Midland, 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 Midland, 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, including any defenses you might use. This is why an assertive and experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI / DWI criminal defense attorney for a free 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 Midland, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Midland, Texas, a third time DUI / DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Midland, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Midland, Texas 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.

DWI Penalties for Second Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Midland, 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
• Driving Privileges - In Midland, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Midland, Texas, a second time DWI / DUI offender faces imprisonment 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.