Dallas DUI lawyers
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense, but Dallas DUI lawyers from Spangler Law can offer advice and representation if you are accused. Call us today!
Dallas DUI Offenses
When you get pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI), your life comes to a grinding halt. Your arrest will come with upcoming court dates, possible jail time, and fines, which could affect your career and future. A DWI conviction can have far-reaching ramifications, so getting in touch with a lawyer is essential to start preparing your defense.
The penalties for driving under the influence vary depending on the jurisdiction, the circumstances, and the driver’s criminal history. DWI convictions cannot be expunged, so the best outcome is to either have the charge dropped or bargain and plead guilty to a lesser charge.
Working with a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas, may result in a reduction in the severity of your DWI charges and the repercussions you may face. Contact Spangler Law today for more information about how a Dallas DWI lawyer from our firm may assist you.
The Texas DWI Definition
In Dallas, TX, you could be charged with DWI if you operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. Despite popular belief, DWI cases can be complex as the laws are ever-changing. Due to stricter laws and scientific standards, a Dallas county DWI violation is one of the most challenging misdemeanors to defend in Texas.
Under Texas law, the primary elements for the offense of driving while intoxicated are:
- Intoxication by drugs or alcohol
- Operation of a motor vehicle
- Public place
For an intoxicated driving conviction, the State must prove all three elements. The intoxication requirement on drunk driving charges is the most contentious since it relies on the results of breath or blood tests and the arresting officer’s testimony. Whether or not you were driving drunk is the crux of the case, though “operation” and “public place” issues occasionally arise.
The challenge for your Dallas DWI attorney is to design a criminal defense strategy to challenge the intoxication charge with proof of errors in the breath or blood tests or the DWI arrest.
What Is the Difference Between DWI and DUI in Texas?
DWI and DUI are terms that are often used interchangeably. In Texas, the terms have similarities, but they are different offenses. DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” whereas DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated.”
DUIs and DWIs in Texas refer to driving intoxicated while in public, meaning that the individual cannot use their normal mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or drug use. This crime is legally known as DWI in Texas, although “DUI” is commonly used.
Drivers 21 years of age and older who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol will be charged with a DWI if they are legally intoxicated and have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or are impaired by drugs.
DUIA, or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, is the term used in Texas when a motorist under 21 is pulled over with any alcohol or drugs in their system.
You can reach out to a DUI attorney to learn more about the implications of a DUI versus a DWI conviction in Dallas, Texas.
Texas Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated
A conviction for driving under the influence in Texas comes with substantial consequences. Even a misdemeanor DWI conviction carries the harshest sanctions. Prior convictions for DWI result in different punishments.
1st DWI Offense
First-time DWI offenses are usually Class B misdemeanors. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by 180 days in county jail and a maximum fine of $2000.
2nd DWI Offense
The penalties for a second DWI in Texas are more severe. A second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties include driver’s license suspension, fines of up to $4000, and incarceration for at least 30 days and up to 1 year in jail.
3rd DWI Offense
With two prior DWIs, you will be charged with felony DWI. The penalty includes the loss of driving privileges for up to 2 years, a $10,000 fine, and a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 10 years.
If you have been convicted of Intoxication Manslaughter in the past, you may also be charged with Felony DWI, a third-degree felony.
A felony conviction can result in the loss of the right to vote and to keep and bear arms. Defending a felony DWI charge can be done in several ways, including appealing the original convictions that increased the severity of the offense. Texas law does not count DWI convictions earned in other states.
You may be sentenced to perform community service and pay court fees, fines, and penalties. You may also be ordered to have an interlock device installed on your vehicle so that it will not start unless you blow into it.
A criminal defense attorney can potentially help prevent these harsh consequences by aggressively representing you in your case. Contact us for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas.
Exploring DWI Defenses
Attorneys at Spangler Law are familiar with the system and know what DUI defense techniques have the best chance of success. Our investigators will examine whether the officer had probable cause for stopping your car and arresting you for DWI.
Our investigation will also look for instances where breathalyzers and blood tests were not administered in accordance with Texas and NHTSA guidelines. This could lead to the case being dismissed.
Finally, our Dallas legal team will look for any flaws that could be exploited in the prosecution’s case. This could include inconsistencies between the video footage and the police report or witness testimony.
Schedule a free consultation with an attorney that can adequately handle your Dallas DWI case.
Experienced Dallas DWI Lawyers
Spangler Law’s DWI attorney has extensive experience practicing criminal law, a successful track record, and tried-and-true DWI defense tactics.
Spangler Law, a Dallas, Texas, criminal defense firm, has earned a stellar reputation for its performance at hearings and trials, and our DWI attorneys are seasoned pros when it comes to negotiating a plea bargain. As part of our DWI defense services, we assess all feasible criminal defense options to determine the most effective defense and achieve the best results.
Our mission at Spangler Law is to provide unmatched service to every one of our clients. We understand that conviction on a DWI charge in Dallas can impact your professional standing, educational opportunities, car insurance rates, and overall quality of life. Our DWI attorney will use their knowledge and experience in criminal law matters to advise you of your legal options and defend you in district court.
Our law firm will diligently pursue a positive resolution to your DWI case, whether it be acquittal, dismissal, or reduced charges.
A free consultation is available now by contacting us.
