DWI Lawyer - Port Arthur, Texas

Being arrested for DWI in Port Arthur, Texas can have serious consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is very important that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a consultation.

Arrested for DWI in Port Arthur, 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 in Texas by the Department of Public Safety in Texas. 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 separately.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

If you fail to request a hearing within 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. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Department of Public Safety in Texas within 15 days. Contact an accomplished and experienced DWI defense lawyer to help, but do not delay. 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

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) 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 Texas DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the CDL.
• Monetary Fines - In Port Arthur, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Port Arthur, Texas, a first time DWI - 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.
• 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.
• Time in Jail - In Port Arthur, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

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 Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur, Texas. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a quick and easy 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. This is why an assertive and professional criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) defense attorney for a quick and easy consultation.

DUI Laws in Port Arthur, Texas

In Port Arthur, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). 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 very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a consultation.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DWI / DUI 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 Offender

• Monetary Fines - In Port Arthur, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Port Arthur, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Port Arthur, Texas, a second time DWI / DUI 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 Port Arthur, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur, Texas, a third 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.

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.