DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - Seguin, Texas

DWI in Seguin, Texas? It is very important you seek the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI criminal defense attorney today for a professional and free consultation.

What happens if you were arrested for DWI in Seguin, 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 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.

Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 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 Texas Department of Public Safety within fifteen (15) days. Contact an assertive and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney in Seguin, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Seguin, 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.
• Monetary Fines - In Seguin, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Seguin, Texas, a first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 90 days.
• 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Seguin, 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 Seguin, 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 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.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Seguin, Texas. This is why you should contact a capable and professional DWI defense lawyer for a free 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, including any defenses you might use. This is why a capable and professional defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DUI / DWI defense attorney for a free consultation.

DUI Laws in Seguin, Texas

In Seguin, Texas, a person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 BAC level. 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 competent and knowledgeable DWI defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Seguin, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Time in Jail - In Seguin, 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.
• Driving Privileges - In Seguin, Texas, a third time DUI / 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

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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 Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Seguin, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Seguin, Texas, a second time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces imprisonment of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Seguin, Texas, a second time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) 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

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.