DWI Lawyer - Oddessa, Texas

If you have been charged with 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 Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

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

Texas DWI / DUI Administrative Hearing

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. If you do not request an administrative hearing within 15 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Texas 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 DPS within 15 days. Contact a competent and experienced DWI defense lawyer 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 Oddessa, Texas, a first time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 90 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level 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 Texas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• Time in Jail - In Oddessa, Texas, a first time DWI / DUI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Oddessa, 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 for 180 days.

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 a competent and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated in Oddessa, Texas, and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level. That said, a person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. For these reasons and more, it is important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Additional DWI Costs in Texas

There are numerous charges beyond the court fines and costs that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DWI in Oddessa, Texas may include but are not limited to:

• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your driver's license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
• 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 Oddessa, Texas can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.

There are quite a few "extra costs" when you get a DWI in Oddessa, Texas. It is important you seek the legal advice of a competent and professional DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a free, professional consultation.

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In Oddessa, Texas, a third time DWI / DUI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Oddessa, 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 Texas driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In Oddessa, Texas, a third 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.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Oddessa, 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 Oddessa, 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 Texas driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In Oddessa, Texas, a second time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Oddessa, 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.

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.