Pleasanton, Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

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 crucial that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Arrested for DWI in Pleasanton, 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 Texas driver's license by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 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 - DWI 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 Department of Public Safety within 15 days. Contact a capable and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney in Texas to help.

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
• Monetary Fines - In Pleasanton, 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 BAC (blood alcohol content) 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 Texas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• 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 Pleasanton, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Pleasanton, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

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 options and rights. This is why an assertive and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI or DWUI lawyer for a fast, free consultation.

DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated in Pleasanton, Texas, and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood alcohol content). 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 crucial you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Additional Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton, 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 driver's 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 Pleasanton, Texas.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Pleasanton, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Driving Privileges - In Pleasanton, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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 Texas driver's license
• Time in Jail - In Pleasanton, Texas, a third time DWI or DWUI offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DWI (DWI) convictions 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 Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Pleasanton, Texas, a second time DWI (DWI) 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.