Need help from a Texas DWI Lawyer?

DWI in Waco, Texas? It is imperative you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer 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 very important that anyone facing a DWI (DWI) charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Texas DWI lawyer today for a fast, free consultation.

Texas DWI (DWI) Administrative Hearing

According to Texas law, an individual has fifteen (15) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). 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 a competent and skilled DWI lawyer in Waco, Texas to help, but do not delay.

What happens if you were arrested for DWI in Waco, 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 Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). While both actions can result in the suspension of your driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Waco, Texas, fines for a first time DWI are a maximum of $2,000.00.
• Time in Jail - In Waco, Texas, a first time DWI (DWI) offender faces time in jail of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Waco, Texas, a first time DWI (DWI) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 180 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DWI statute with a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of 0.04. A first time DWI 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.
• 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.

Additional Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, Texas.

DWI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DWI / DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DWI laws in Waco, Texas, you may not be aware of rights and options, including any defenses you might use. This is why a competent and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. It is important you contact a Texas DWI defense lawyer for a free, professional consultation right away.

Waco, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood-alcohol concentration). 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 Waco, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is imperative you seek the legal advice of a capable and knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer immediately. Call today for a fast, free consultation.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Waco, Texas 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 in Texas
• Driving Privileges - In Waco, Texas, a third time DWI (DWI) conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Waco, Texas, a third time DWI / DUI offender faces time in jail of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Waco, 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.