A driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction in Texas is a serious offense that can have long-lasting effects on your life. You could face a hefty fine, driver’s license suspension, probation, and even jail time. Even after you have paid these legal penalties, a DWI can hang around your neck like an albatross, keeping you from getting affordable car insurance, a job, or even renting a home or apartment.
If you are facing DWI charges, an Amarillo DWI lawyer from Eddington Worley, can help you move past it and get on with your life. Our attorneys will pour our extensive resources into your case, giving you the best chance of a favorable outcome. We offer a free, no-risk initial consultation and are eager to meet with you. To schedule an appointment today, call us at 855-600-6695.
Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Texas
If you plead “guilty” or “no contest” to DWI, or if you plead not guilty but get found guilty, you could face a combination of fines, probation, loss of driver’s license, and jail time.
If it is not your first DWI conviction, or if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or greater, the penalties get more severe, including mandatory placement of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Here are the penalties for a first, second, and third DWI conviction in Texas:
First DWI Conviction
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- Possible jail time of three to 180 days
- Possible loss of driver’s license for up to one year
- Yearly fine of up to $2,000 for three years to retain driving privileges
Second DWI Conviction
- Up to a $4,000 fine
- Possible jail time of one month to one year
- Loss of driver’s license for up to two years
- Yearly fine of up to $2,000 for three years to retain driving privileges
- Mandatory ignition interlock device on vehicle
Third DWI Conviction
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Loss of driver’s license for up to two years
- Yearly fine of up to $2,000 for three years to retain driving privileges
- Mandatory ignition interlock device on vehicle
DWI With a Child Under 15 in Vehicle
If you are accused of driving drunk with a minor child under 15 in your vehicle, you could face charges of child endangerment on top of your DWI charge. Penalties for DWI with a child passenger include:
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Up to two years in a state jail
- Loss of driver’s license for 180 days
What if You Refused a Breath Test When Arrested for DWI in Amarillo
, you are required to submit to a blood-alcohol breath test when stopped on suspicion of DWI. If you refuse this test, the police will immediately take your license, and it will be suspended for 180 days. It is important to note that this 180-day suspension is only for refusing the breath test. You may face an additional period of suspension if you end up getting convicted of DWI.
If your license was taken because you refused a breath test, it is critical to contact a DWI attorney and request an Administrative Licensing Revocation (ALR) hearing right away. You have only 15 days to do this following your arrest. If you fail to meet this deadline, you will receive an automatic 40-day license suspension, regardless of the outcome of your case.
An Amarillo DWI lawyer from Eddington Worley, can file for an ALR hearing and then argue against license suspension at the hearing itself. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call us at 855-600-6695.
Keeping Your Driving Privileges After a DWI Charge in Amarillo
If your Texas driver’s license gets suspended for DWI, a criminal defense lawyer from Eddington Worley, can help you keep your driving privileges even while your license is suspended.
Depending on your circumstances, you can apply for one of two types of restricted driver’s licenses. We can review your case and let you know which of these you qualify for, and we can help you get it so you stay behind the wheel.
Occupational License
An occupational license is a restricted driver’s license that lets you drive only for specific purposes. For example, you can use this license to drive to and from school, to and from work, and for essential household tasks.
Restricted Interlock License
A restricted interlock license is a special license that allows you to drive a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. This contraption tests your BAC before you get behind the wheel and does not allow you to start your vehicle unless you blow a 0.0%.
Our Amarillo DWI Lawyers Help Get DWIs Dismissed
At Eddington Worley, the main goal of our criminal defense lawyers is to get a complete dismissal of your DWI. To get an acquittal, we do not have to prove you are innocent; rather, we must create enough reasonable doubt to where the prosecution cannot prove you are guilty.
Our team evaluates every aspect of your DWI arrest: the conduct of the arresting officer; whether they followed proper procedure; the calibration of the machine used to test your BAC; and so forth. We can find ways to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and get your DWI charges dismissed.
If the evidence against you is overwhelming thereby making it impossible to get your DWI dismissed, we focus on reducing the charges to a lesser offense, resulting in lesser penalties and, ideally, no driver’s license suspension.
Call 855-600-6695 Today for a Free DWI Case Evaluation With Eddington Worley
The Amarillo DWI defense lawyers at Eddington Worley, can help you move past the charges you are facing and get on with your life. We have a successful track record of DWI defense and want to put it to work for you. To schedule a free case evaluation, call us at 855-600-6695.