Temple, Texas DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) Lawyer

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 Texas DWI charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

Texas DWI - DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Department of Public Safety in Texas. If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your Texas 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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) within 15 (fifteen) days. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued license, you are issued a Notice of Suspension and issued a 40 day temporary permit. Contact an accomplished and skilled DWI criminal defense lawyer in Temple, Texas to help, but do not delay.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Temple?

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 Department of Public Safety in Texas. Both actions can result in the suspension of your Texas driving privileges, but it is crucial to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled separately.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Temple, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Temple, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Temple, Texas, a first time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas 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 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) 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 Texas driving privileges.

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 Temple, Texas may include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Temple, 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 Temple, Texas. It is imperative you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today 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 Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why an accomplished and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - DWI criminal defense attorney for a free, professional consultation.

Temple, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). 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 Temple, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a professional and free consultation.

DUI Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Texas within five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you have been drinking.

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In Temple, 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 Temple, 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 Texas driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In Temple, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

• Driving Privileges - In Temple, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Temple, Texas, a second time DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) offender faces time in jail of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Temple, 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 Texas driver's license

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.