Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in Texas. When charged with DWI in Texas City, you need to be proactive and must take steps to minimize the consequences. There is no time to work on the case and learn more about state laws, which is exactly why you need a Texas City criminal defense attorney. A competent lawyer with experience in criminal law can ensure your rights are protected. Here are some aspects worth knowing.
Understanding DWI convictions
If this is your first-time DWI offense, a conviction could mean up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail. Your driving license would be suspended for a year. For a second-time offense, the fine can go up to $4,000, and you may have to spend between 30 days and 365 days in jail. Your driver’s license could be suspended for up to two years. For repeat offenders, the maximum fine is $10,000, while jail time could extend up to 10 years. There are also additional financial penalties that drivers convicted of a DWI may have to deal with, such as a DWI surcharge.
Understanding DWI defenses
Your attorney is the best person to decide the ideal strategy for your case. Typically, they will start with the circumstances of your arrest. For instance, did the police officer have a valid reason or probable cause to ask you to pull over? Secondly, they will check whether the breathalyzer or other tests were done according to protocols. Remember that field sobriety tests are prone to inaccuracy, and in some cases, police officers who do these tests may not have followed all the steps. If there is no other option, they will advise you on a plea deal, where you plead guilty in return for a lighter sentence.
Finding a good lawyer
Not all attorneys know what it takes to defend clients facing DWI charges, and therefore, you need to do a background check on potential lawyers. Check their work profile so far, whether they are communicative and responsive, and if you got direct answers from them. Also, you can refer to online reviews and ratings to compare different law firms in the city or can ask for references.
It is always better to have an attorney involved as soon as you are arrested for DWI. They will have the time and scope to investigate further and take relevant steps.
