DWI Defense

Arrested for DWI - How Much Is Too Much?

If you're arrested for a DWI, you need to talk to a lawyer. In Texas, two types of cases are initiated: the criminal and the ALR. We defend against both.

Under Texas law, driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that has serious legal consequences. Interestingly, very few officers actually investigate a DWI properly. When you meet with counsel, that attorney is going to ask questions, such as:

• Did the officer have you perform field sobriety maneuvers?
• Did a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) appear on the scene to investigate?
• Was any alcohol found in the vehicle?
• Was a blood or breath sample taken?

It is during these routine tasks that the officer often makes mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes can cost you a lot more than the fee to retain an attorney. It is important to always speak to an attorney if you are arrested for DWI.

The attorney will be able to properly assess your situation after reading and watching the evidence. In the end, the attorney may be able to get the charges dropped.

In such a situation, make sure you have our experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. We'll be there with you from beginning to end, and do our best to get you a reasonable outcome.

Call Goddard & Hoing, P.C. to schedule your consultation today!

What Is a DWI Offense?

A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.

Intoxicated is defined as: Not having the normal use of mental and physical faculties due to the consumption of drugs or alcohol - and / or having a BAC of .08 or more.

• It is illegal for drivers under 21 years to drive with any alcohol in their system
• Commercial drivers can’t drive with a BAC of .04 or more

DWI first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.

• If there is an open container, the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of six days
• If your blood, breath, or urine shows an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor

Check Out the Various Penalties for Different Offenses

• DWI – 1st (drugs or over .08)
• Class B misdemeanor
• Up to $2,000
• 72 hours – 180 days jail time
• DWI – 1st over .15
• Class A misdemeanor
• Up to $4,000
• 72 hours – 1 year jail time
• DWI 1st with open container
• Class B misdemeanor
• Up to $2,000
• 6 days – 180 days jail time
• DWI 2nd
• Class A misdemeanor
• Up to $4,000
• 1 month – 1 year jail time
• DWI 3rd
• 3rd degree felony
• Up to $10,000
• 2 – 10 years TDC

Intoxication assault and DWI that causes serious bodily injury

• 3rd degree felony
• Up to $10,000
• 2 – 10 years TDC
• Intoxication manslaughter and DWI that causes death
• 2nd degree felony
• Up to $10,000
• 2 – 10 years TDC
• DWI with child
• State jail felony
• Up to $10,000
• 6 mos. – 2 years state jail facility