Texarkana, Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer

DWI in Texarkana, Texas? It is very important you seek the legal advice of a capable and experienced DWI attorney immediately. Being charged with DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is crucial that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI defense lawyer today for a fast and free consultation.

Texas DUI / DWI Administrative Hearing

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 do not request an administrative 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. 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 15 days. Contact an assertive and professional DWI defense lawyer in Texas to help.

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety).

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Texarkana?

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 driving privileges, 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 defense lawyer today for a quick and easy consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Time in Jail - In Texarkana, Texas, a first time DUI / DWI offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Texarkana, Texas, a first time DUI / DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Monetary Fines - In Texarkana, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• 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.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level 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.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level in Texarkana, 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 very important you fomd legal advice from a capable and experienced DWI attorney. Call today for a fast and free consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

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

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 Texarkana, 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 driver's 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 Texarkana, Texas.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

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

Texas DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Time in Jail - In Texarkana, Texas, a third time DUI / DWI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Texarkana, 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 Texarkana, Texas, a third time DWI / DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.

DWI Penalties for Second Time Offenders

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