DWI is an acronym it stands for driving while intoxicated (in some cases, driving while impaired), and, depending on the circumstances of the case, the crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Whether or not you’re charged with a DWI is conditioned by the state where the incident occurred and the blood alcohol concentration limits set. For example, in Texas, you’re legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0,08%. Nonetheless, you fail to obey the law if alcohol (or drugs) affects your driving ability. The police officer can call a Drug Recognition Expert to the scene to perform various tests.
1 Texas Treats DWIs More Harshly as Compared to Other States
Texas has a zero-tolerance law that discourages underage motorists from driving with a detectable amount of alcohol in their body, which means that drivers caught with a BAC over 0,08% will lose their driving privileges. Although it might seem like a minor offense, a DWI conviction can have serious consequences. More exactly, you face:
- fines and fees
- suspension/loss of license
- drug/alcohol treatment
- higher insurance costs
- jail time
The minimum and maximum jail time in Texas depend on how many prior convictions you have. Attention must be paid to the fact that there’s no wash-out period, meaning that the accusation stays on your record and counts as a prior conviction forever.
2 Hiring A Lawyer Is the Most Important Thing to Do
If you’re arrested for impaired driving, it’s best to seek legal counsel. An experienced lawyer is able to help you pick up the pieces of your life by representing you in plea negotiations or preparing you for trial. If you’ve been arrested for a DWI in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area, for instance, it’s recommended to reach out to a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer as soon as possible. There are deadlines that require professional attention, so retaining an attorney puts you in the best possible position. For a misdemeanor, action must be taken in a maximum of two years, while for a felony, the deadline is three years.
3 So, What Are the Chances of A DWI Dismissal?
If the police have made a mistake or something went wrong during the arrest, the charges might be rejected. Evidence is the most effective way to dismiss a DWI charge in Texas, so check the blood test results to see if it’s below the legal limit. Equally, if there’s some kind of medical explanation for the intoxication, contact your doctor. Some common disorders, such as diabetes, can be perceived as DWI. To figure out how to approach the situation, determine how strong the state’s DWI case is against you. If you request an ALR (Adjudicated License Revocation) hearing within 15 days, you can keep driving until a judge solves your case.
All in all, a DWI charge can be dismissed, it’s just that you have to challenge the reason for the stop and attack the results of the sobriety test. A legal professional will review your case, give you the best options for defense, and establish the best course of action.