It only takes a single decision to drive while intoxicated for your life to change drastically. Even if your decision did not result in harm to another person, the consequences of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can have devastating effects on your driving record and criminal record. If you have received a DWI charge, you may have a chance to fight it in court. Speak with a Richmond, TX DWI lawyer as soon as possible to get the help you need.
Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense has experience navigating a broad range of criminal charges in court. An experienced Richmond, TX criminal defense lawyer can examine the facts and evidence surrounding your DWI case to determine a course of action that yields success and helps you avoid harsh sentences.
In Texas, you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or higher or if you have taken a drug that impairs your ability to drive. Even low amounts of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive safely. Driving under this condition is illegal and can pose a serious risk to others on the road. If you have been charged with a DWI, the penalties can be devastating to your career, education, reputation, and future.
Legal penalties for DWI cases in Texas can vary depending on the severity of the incident and if there are any other offenses on your record. The base penalties for a DWI case are decided by the number of offenses you have and can be bolstered by factors such as child passengers or altered if you are under the legal drinking age of 21.
For first-time DWI offenses:
For second offenses, drivers may:
For third-time or more offenses, drivers may:
If you participate in impaired driving with a child passenger, your base sentence can be greatly exacerbated. In addition to your DWI sentencing, you may be charged with child endangerment and face higher fines, more jail time, and extended driver’s license revocation periods. Fines can be as high as $10,000 for first-time offenses, and jail time can be as extensive as two years.
Drivers under the age of 21 can also be penalized for drinking and driving, though the penalties are typically lighter, including options for community service.
Texas does not require people facing criminal charges to hire private legal counsel, but the benefits of outside legal representation are invaluable.
We are familiar with many avenues of defense for DWIs, including:
At Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense, we know that every case is unique, and we strive to offer legal counsel that fits your circumstances. It is crucial for people facing criminal charges to seek representation from a knowledgeable source. Otherwise, they risk heightened sentences, greater fines, and further damage to their reputation. You do not have to face a criminal charge on your own.
A: In Richmond, TX, DWI lawyers often charge an hourly rate, but there is no fixed rate between law firms. Complex cases that require more research may warrant higher fees. However, without capable legal representation, the costs of an uncontested DWI charge can be extensive, and the consequences of driver’s license revocation can affect other areas of your life, like work and wages.
A consultation can help you and your prospective attorney establish an hourly rate before you commit to hiring them.
A: To get your DWI case dismissed in Richmond, TX, you need a strong defense from a skilled criminal defense attorney. Cases can be dismissed for a number of reasons, including insufficient evidence, procedural errors, and inaccurate testing. However, proving these things can be incredibly difficult without the knowledge and guidance of a criminal defense lawyer.
A: Beating a DWI charge in Richmond, TX is not a simple feat, but it can be fought for with a strong defense. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding your case, an attorney can help you build a case based on incorrect test results, unjust testing circumstances, and external influences on your test results. Without sufficient evidence and adequate legal representation, these arguments may not hold up in court, landing you with a negative outcome.
A: Yes, a DWI charge can be reduced in Richmond, TX if you can prove that the charges against you are not appropriately weighted for your situation. To do this, you may petition the court or submit a plea bargain. You could also achieve a reduced sentence by proving that the test results were inaccurate. It is unlikely that you will reduce your sentence without a well-established defense.
DWI cases can have a tremendous impact on your criminal record, driving record, and other areas of your life. If you are involved in a DWI case, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Richmond DWI lawyer. Contact the attorneys at Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense today to schedule a consultation and see how we can protect your future from serious legal consequences.
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Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense
345 Commerce Green Blvd
Suite 200
Sugar Land, Texas 77478