Need help from a Texas DWI Attorney?

Being arrested for DWI in Williamson County, Texas can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a DWI charge in Texas understand what challenges they will encounter. It is very important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Arrested for DWI in Williamson County, 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 Texas driver's license by the Texas DPS. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Texas driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Texas DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Texas law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Texas DPS. 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 a competent and skilled DWI attorney in Williamson County, Texas to help, but do not delay.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Texas Driving Privileges and DWI - In Williamson County, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for 90 days.
• Time in Jail - In Williamson County, Texas, a first time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) offender faces jail time of at least 72 hours, up to 6 months in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Williamson 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 DWI (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.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DWI knowledge test and chemical assessment is required for reinstatement of Texas driving privileges.

Other Texas DWI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Williamson County, Texas, 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:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Williamson County, Texas, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• 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.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DWI in Williamson County, Texas. This is why you should contact a competent and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney for a free 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 a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Texas DWI - DWI criminal defense attorney for a free consultation.

Williamson County, Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level. 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 Williamson County, Texas. For these reasons and more, it is important you seek the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DWI criminal defense attorney immediately. Call today for a quick and easy consultation.

Texas DWI Penalties for Second Offenses

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

Ignition Switch

After two or more DWI convictions in Williamson County, 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 Texas driver's license
• Driving Privileges - In Williamson County, Texas, a third time DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction results in the revocation of Texas driving privileges for up to 2 years.
• Time in Jail - In Williamson County, Texas, a third time DWI - DWI offender faces jail time of at least two years, up to 10 years in jail.
• Monetary Fines - In Williamson 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.