DWI Attorney - San Angelo, Texas

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in San Angelo?

Pursuant to Texas law, once you have been cited for violating the DWI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. There is a criminal action in response to the ticket that was issued to you, and an administrative action is brought against your license by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, but it is crucial to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense attorney today for a professional and free consultation.

DWI in San Angelo, Texas? It is important you seek the legal advice of a capable and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major 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 face. Call a Texas DWI criminal defense attorney today for a free, professional consultation.

Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 15 days. Contact an accomplished and skilled DWI criminal defense attorney 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

• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of Texas driver's license for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
• Monetary Fines - In San Angelo, 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 concentration) of 0.04. A first time DUI / 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.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In San Angelo, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 90 days.
• Time in Jail - In San Angelo, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Additional San Angelo, 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 San Angelo, 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 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 San Angelo, 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. This is why an accomplished and professional criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI / DUI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) in San Angelo, 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 important you fomd legal advice from a capable and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer. Call today for a free, professional consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DUI / 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 San Angelo, 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 in Texas
• Driving Privileges - In San Angelo, Texas, a second 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.
• Time in Jail - In San Angelo, Texas, a second time DUI / DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In San Angelo, Texas, a third time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces imprisonment of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In San Angelo, 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 San Angelo, Texas, a third time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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.