If you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated, you are likely terrified about the penalties. Even if it’s your first offense, you face a large fine, a suspended driver’s license, and possible jail time. Fortunately, you’re only facing charges right now and have not been convicted. That means you still have time to contact a San Antonio DWI lawyer to build your defense.
There are various legal strategies used to defend against a DWI. Depending on your case, your lawyer might even be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Thus, don’t delay consulting with an attorney to go over your options.
You face severe penalties if convicted of a DWI in Texas, even if it’s your first offense. If convicted of your first DWI, the judge can impose penalties up to:
The penalties increase for subsequent convictions. Thus, keeping your record clear is critical. Contact our San Antonio DWI lawyer to discuss possible legal strategies.
First and second offense DWIs are charged as misdemeanors unless there are special circumstances. A first-time DWI is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, and you could be fined up to $2,000 and spend up to 180 days in jail if convicted.
However, if your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 percent or higher or it’s your second DWI offense, you’ll face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The penalties increase and include up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.
A conviction will also stay on your record, so you need to do everything possible to avoid it. Thus, consult with our San Antonio DWI lawyer for legal assistance.
While DWIs are generally charged as misdemeanors. You can get a felony charge if certain circumstances are met. First, prosecutors will charge you with a third-degree felony if you have two prior DWI convictions on your record. If convicted, you can be fined up to $10,000 and ordered to spend up to ten years in prison. You’ll also face the same charge if accused of intoxicated assault.
If you had a child under the age of 15 in your car at the time of the arrest, you could be charged with a state jail felony. Then, you’ll face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Intoxicated manslaughter, which is quite serious, is charged as a second-degree felony. The judge can sentence you to up to 20 years in prison and fine you as much as $10,000.
While it might seem like the odds are stacked against you, you can fight back. Contact our San Antonio DWI lawyer to discuss possible defenses.
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You can be charged with a DWI if you’re found driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, which is 0.8 percent. However, law enforcement also has discretion in these cases. Thus, you can still face charges if your BAC is below the threshold, but the officer thinks you appear intoxicated. Unfortunately, field sobriety tests are unreliable, so some people get charged even though they’re sober. This is a terrifying situation to find yourself in, but our San Antonio DWI lawyer can help you through it. Contact our firm today to go over the facts surrounding your arrest.
A DWI conviction can result in more than fines and time in jail. Once the conviction is on your record, it will be harder to gain employment. In fact, your employer can fire you after discovering the conviction. Also, it can impact your ability to rent housing and might even affect a child custody agreement. Thus, hire a San Antonio DWI lawyer so you can build a defense. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to mitigate the damage of a DWI charge.
Kimbrough Legal, PLLC
5920 W. William Cannon Dr., Bldg 3,
Ste 400, Austin, TX 78749
Kimbrough Legal, PLLC
Kimbrough Legal, PLLC