DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - San Antonio, Texas

Being arrested for DWI in San Antonio, Texas can have serious 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 imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas. 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 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas within fifteen (15) days. Contact a capable and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney in San Antonio, Texas to help, but do not delay.

Arrested for DWI in San Antonio, 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 Department of Public Safety in Texas. While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

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 driver's license in Texas for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Monetary Fines - In San Antonio, 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 level of 0.04. A first time 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 Antonio, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In San Antonio, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

San Antonio, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC level. 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 San Antonio, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

Additional Texas DWI Costs

In addition to any fines and court costs you will have to pay, there are other charges that can really add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs may include:

• 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 San Antonio, Texas can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
• 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 Antonio, Texas.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in San Antonio, Texas, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is very important you contact a Texas DWI criminal defense lawyer for a professional and free consultation right away.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In San Antonio, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI offender faces imprisonment of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In San Antonio, Texas, a second time DWI conviction results in the revocation of 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

DWI Penalties for Third Time Offenders

• Recurring Fee: - There is an annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain your driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In San Antonio, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In San Antonio, 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 Antonio, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.

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.