DUI & DWI Defense Attorneys in Corpus Christi & Dallas, Texas

According to recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were approximately 296 total alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2019 alone. Driving while intoxicated is considered a serious offense in Texas that won’t be taken lightly by the courts. A defendant convicted of DWI charges can face substantial fines, a license suspension or revocation, and possible jail time along with other professional and social ramifications.

If you've been arrested and charged with drunk driving, it is critical that you work with a skilled Texas criminal defense attorney to build a strong defense strategy. Here at The Torres Law Firm, we are dedicated to offering experienced legal guidance and aggressive representation to individuals facing DUI or DWI charges. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your unique situation before outlining a strong legal defense to fight the charges against you.

As your legal counsel, we will fight aggressively on your side to defend your legal rights and protect your driving privileges. Our firm proudly serves clients across Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Fort Worth and Dallas, so call or reach out today for help with your case.

DUI/DWI Charges in Texas

When your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level reaches 0.08% or higher, you are considered too intoxicated to drive in Texas. Under Texas law, driving while intoxicated or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances is prohibited. An officer may determine driving impairment by measuring the BAC level in your breath samples or through a blood or urine sample.

DWI Tests and Your Rights

Under the Texas state "implied consent" law, all motorists legally apprehended for driving while intoxicated must submit to chemical testing. This is to determine their BAC level or the presence of a drug or controlled substance in the driver’s system. You are within your rights to refuse a blood or breathalyzer test, however, there may be consequences. These consequences include:

• Mandatory license suspension for 180 days for a first refusal

• Mandatory license suspension for two years for all subsequent refusals

Possible Penalties

The severity of your punishment for a DWI conviction in Texas will depend on whether it is your first, second, or third offense, along with other surrounding circumstances. Here are the possible penalties for a Texas DWI conviction:

First Offense

A DWI is considered a first offense if the defendant has no prior drunk driving convictions.

• Charge: Class B misdemeanor

• Jail Time: Anywhere from 72 hours to 180 days in county jail (12-month maximum with a BAC level of 0.15% or more)

• Fines: A maximum fine of $2,000 (up to $4,000 with a BAC level of 0.15% or more)

• License Suspension: Loss of driver's license for anywhere from 90 days to one year

• Community Service/Counseling: DWI education program, probation, and community service

• Annual License Surcharge: Between $1,000 and $2,000 for three years.

Second Offense

A DWI is considered a second offense if the defendant has one previous DUI conviction on their record within the last five years.

• Charge: Class A misdemeanor

• Jail Time: Anywhere from 30 days to one year in jail

• Fines: A maximum fine of $4,000

• License Suspension: Loss of driver's license for anywhere from 180 days to two years

• Community Service/Counseling: Anywhere from 80 to 200 hours of community service, with a possible requirement to attend a DWI Impact Panel

• Annual License Surcharge: Between $1,500 and $2,000 for three years.

Third Offense

In Texas, a third DWI conviction may be considered a felony.

• Charge: Third-degree felony

• Jail Time: Between two and 10 years in state prison

• Fines: A maximum fine of $10,000

• License Suspension: Loss of driver's license for anywhere from 180 days to two years

• Community Service/Counseling: Anywhere from 160 to 600 hours of community service, with a possible requirement to attend a DWI Impact Panel

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory use of ignition interlock device after 2 or more DWI convictions within a five-year span

• Annual License Surcharge: $2,000 reinstatement surcharge for three years

Drunk Driving with A Child Passenger (Under 15)

• Charge: State jail felony

• Jail Time: Between 180 days and two years in state jail

• Fines: A maximum fine of $10,000

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Trying to defend your DWI charges without experienced guidance and representation could increase your risk of conviction and suffering the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing massive fines, significant jail time, license revocation, and other life-altering ramifications. That’s why it is so crucial that you retain an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights and your driving privileges using a strategic defense strategy.

Here at The Torres Law Firm, we have devoted years to handling DWI cases and defending individuals who have been accused of impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. As your legal counsel, we will review and investigate every last detail of your situation before crafting a strong defense aimed at getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

Using our extensive experience, we can help you navigate the Texas criminal justice system, fight your charges, and work to keep your record as clean as possible. So if you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI or DWI, don’t wait. Call or reach out to our firm today to schedule your own case evaluation. We’d be happy to discuss how we can help you with your case.