DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer - San Marcos, Texas

Arrested for DWI in San Marcos, 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 Texas Department of Public Safety. 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.

If you have been arrested for DWI, it is a major offense that can have major consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

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

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level 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 DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Monetary Fines - In San Marcos, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In San Marcos, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• 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.
• Time in Jail - In San Marcos, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos, 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 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 San Marcos, Texas. This is why you should contact an assertive and knowledgeable DWI lawyer for a free, professional consultation.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in San Marcos, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an assertive and knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is crucial you contact a Texas DWI - DWI criminal defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation right away.

San Marcos, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (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 Marcos, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in San Marcos, 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 Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In San Marcos, 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 Marcos, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In San Marcos, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In San Marcos, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Driving Privileges - In San Marcos, Texas, a third time DWI - 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 in Texas
• Time in Jail - In San Marcos, Texas, a third time DWI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years 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.