Need help from a Texas DWI Attorney?

Being arrested for DWI is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Travis County?

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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). Both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges in Texas, but it is very important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider. Also, each action must be handled on their own.Contact a Texas DWI criminal defense attorney today for a fast, free consultation.

Texas DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) 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 Texas 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 experienced DWI criminal defense attorney in Travis County, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges in Texas.
• Monetary Fines - In Travis County, 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 Blood Alcohol Content (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 CDL (commercial driver's license) for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI or DWI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• 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.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Travis County, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for 180 days.
• Time in Jail - In Travis County, Texas, a first time DUI or DWI offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.

Texas DUI Laws

A person is considered to be legally intoxicated and may be arrested for DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Travis County, 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 imperative you fomd legal advice from an assertive and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer. Call today for a fast and free consultation. Do not delay with so much at risk.

Additional Travis County, Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay, 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:

• Towing - Having your vehicle towed in Travis County, Texas can be expensive.
• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere, which is another additional cost.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.
• 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 Travis County, Texas.

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 competent and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a DWI - DWI defense lawyer for a quick and easy consultation.

DWI Penalties for Second Time Offenders

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

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 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 Travis County, Texas, a third time DUI or DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Travis County, 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 Travis County, 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.