DWI Criminal Defense Attorney - Victoria, Texas

Being charged with DWI in Victoria, Texas can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is imperative that anyone facing a Texas DWI understand what challenges they will encounter. It is crucial you seek the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Texas DWI - 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 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 days. Contact an aggressive and professional DWI criminal defense lawyer in Texas to help.

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

What happens if I was arrested for DWI in Victoria?

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 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 professional and free consultation.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

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

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI / DWI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Victoria, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why an accomplished and professional attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is very important you contact a Texas DWI (DWI) attorney for a consultation right away.

Victoria, 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 Victoria, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is imperative you seek the legal advice of an assertive and knowledgeable DWI attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Additional Victoria, 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 Victoria, 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 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 Victoria, Texas.

Ignition Switch for DWI in Texas

After two or more DWI (DWI) 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 Time Offender

• Monetary Fines - In Victoria, Texas, fines for a second DWI are a maximum of $4,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Victoria, Texas, a second time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least one month, up to 1 year in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Victoria, Texas, a second time DWI (DWI) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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 Texas driver's license

DWI Penalties for Third Offenses

• Monetary Fines - In Victoria, Texas, fines for a third DWI are $10,000.
• Time in Jail - In Victoria, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Driving Privileges - In Victoria, Texas, a third time DUI / DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges in Texas 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 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.