Texas DWI Common Penalties and Defenses

Posted on by Staff Editor

If you have been arrested and charged with the offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, you are facing possible suspension of driver’s license, hefty fines, and jail time. Specifically, a first DWI offense, if classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carries a punishment range of at least 72 hours (3 days) to 180 days with a fine that can total $2,000.

Article Contributed by Mario Santos, Houston Criminal Attorney | The Santos Law Firm, PLLC | Free Case Review – (832) 930-2922

Contents

DWI Conviction Fines & Jail Time

The classification of your DWI and/or it’s possible penalties may vary if certain evidence or factors come into play such as if there was an open container of alcohol in your car when arrested, the minimum term of confinement then changes to six (6) days in the county jail. Another example where the possible DWI penalty may change is if there was a child under 15 years of age riding as a passenger with you while driving while intoxicated. If that’s the case, the offense level then changes to a State Jail Felony which is punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a State Jail Facility and a fine up to $10,000 not including annual surcharge fees.

DWI Law Misconceptions

Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that if someone has been arrested and charged with a crime, the accused is guilty. On the contrary, each individual that has been charged with a crime has the constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Defenses to DWI Prosecution & Conviction

Defenses for a DWI should be exercised immediately by way of examining all evidence the State may have against you. The Santos Law Firm, PLLC will provide an in-depth analysis of the facts and circumstances of your arrest, determine whether there was probable cause for officers to first approach you, examine whether proper procedures were followed when officers administered the standardized field sobriety tests, and inspect whether required protocols were followed when officers or their agents obtained a specimen of either your breath or blood to determine the alcohol concentration in your system.  Each and every possible angle will be analyzed to determine the best legal solution for your cause.

About the Santos Law Firm, PLLC

The main mission at The Santos Law Firm, PLLC is to provide aggressive representation by way of out working the opposing party. The mission is executed daily by staying on top of the latest and the greatest on the law, carefully analyzing case facts and circumstances, dissecting administered procedures, and zealously advocating a unique strategic plan on your behalf. When you engage our firm for your cause, you receive assurance that we aim to protect you, your family, your reputation, and most importantly, your rights.