DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer - Plano, Texas

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Plano?

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 DPS. 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 separately.

Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, 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 crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Texas DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS. 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 fail to request a hearing within fifteen (15) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license in Texas 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 (Department of Public Safety) within fifteen (15) days. Contact a competent and professional DWI defense lawyer in Plano, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Plano, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 Plano, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Plano, 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.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Plano, Texas, 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:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Plano, Texas, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• 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.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Plano, Texas. This is why you should contact an assertive and knowledgeable DWI attorney for a fast and free consultation.

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 knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI / DUI lawyer for a fast and free consultation.

Plano, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood alcohol content). However, a person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. In addition, if you are the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle in Plano, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of a capable and skilled DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a free consultation.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Plano, 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 Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Plano, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Plano, Texas, a second time DUI or DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Plano, Texas, a second time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of Texas 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 in Texas

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In Plano, Texas, a third time DUI or DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Plano, 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 driver's license in Texas
• Driving Privileges - In Plano, Texas, a third time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.

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.