Richmond Multiple DWI Lawyer

Richmond Multiple DWI Attorney

When you make the conscious decision to drive while intoxicated (DWI), you are potentially damaging your future. If you are pulled over for a DWI, charged, and convicted, the resulting penalties can throw your life off trajectory. You will have a criminal record that can hurt your employment opportunities, impact your social standing, and hurt your personal relationships. It can be worse for repeat offenses. A Richmond, TX multiple DWI lawyer can help.

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for a DWI?

In Texas, it does not take much to prove that you are driving while intoxicated. Under state law, if you are pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving and found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you are considered to be over the legal limit to drive. You will be arrested for a DWI and taken to a police station to sober up. Once at the station, you need to reach out to a Richmond DWI defense lawyer as soon as you possibly can.

When you are pulled over by the police, it is important that you remember you don’t have to voice anything to them that you don’t want to. You are innocent until proven guilty, and you are given certain constitutional rights that must be honored. These rights include your right to retain legal counsel and your right to remain silent. It is important that you exercise both of these rights upon your arrest. A Richmond criminal defense lawyer can help you make a plan.

In the event of your arrest, you should calmly and smoothly pull over to the side of the road if you see flashing lights and hear sirens behind you. The last thing you want to do is take off running and try to evade capture. That will just make things much worse for you. After you give the officer your license, they will likely request a breathalyzer test if they suspect you are drunk. You can refuse to take this test, but it will cost you an immediate license suspension.

Multiple DWIs in Texas

While every DWI situation is taken seriously in Texas, the penalties are often considerably higher for repeat offenders. If you are charged with a DWI after having at least two prior convictions for a DWI, it can be treated as a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor. If you are charged with a second DWI, you could be facing up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $4,000, as well as a suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years.

The penalties increase dramatically if you are charged with a third DWI. When you are charged with subsequent DWIs after your first, the Texas courts will look into your entire driving history. Regardless of how long ago they were, if you have prior convictions for a DWI, you will automatically be charged with a third. The penalties could be up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a suspension of your license for two years, which starts after your sentence.

If you are granted probation after multiple DWI convictions, you are going to have to follow a lot of specific rules and fulfill various requirements to stay out of prison. You will likely have to complete an intervention program for repeat offenders, complete a considerable amount of community service, avoid committing any crimes, stay away from alcohol, and submit to random drug testing.

Richmond Multiple DWI FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Texas?

A: There is no telling how much a DWI lawyer might cost you in Texas. Everybody’s DWI case will be unique and different and be the product of many specific factors. Since every DWI case is different, your lawyer’s fee will be different too. Your lawyer’s fee will be determined by their experience, resources, education, and how difficult the case is.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My DWI Case in Richmond, TX?

A: Technically, you do not need to hire a lawyer for your DWI case in Richmond, TX. If you want to try and represent yourself, you are well within your legal rights to do so. However, you are likely going to be caught unprepared when going up against a seasoned prosecutor. You should always consider hiring a lawyer any time you are going through legal trouble. Having someone in your corner who knows what they’re doing can only benefit you in the long run.

Q: How Do I Beat a DWI Charge in Texas?

A: The most effective way to beat a DWI charge in Texas is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer and devise a strong defense strategy that questions the evidence the prosecution has against you. There are several legal defenses you may be able to utilize. You can question the legitimacy of a breathalyzer test, argue that there was no probable cause for you to be pulled over, or even claim a medical condition that makes you appear intoxicated.

Q: Can You Avoid Jail Time for Your First DWI in Texas?

A: Yes, it may be possible for you to avoid jail time for your first DWI offense in Texas. It depends entirely on the circumstances of your case and whether or not there are aggravating factors. For a standard first-offense DWI where no one was hurt, there is a good chance the judge will sentence you to probation or community service instead of jail time. A good lawyer can help you avoid jail for your first offense.

Reach Out to a DWI Lawyer Today

Facing the aftermath of a DWI charge on your own can be daunting and frustrating. You may be feeling like you’ve already lost, and there’s nothing more you can do. That may not be the case. The legal team at Segura & Kiatta understands what you are going through, and we’re here to help your case succeed. Contact us to speak with a member of our legal team about your situation and schedule a consultation.