Fort Bend County Out of State DWI Lawyer

Fort Bend County Out of State DWI Attorney

If you are from out of state and arrested for a DWI in Fort Bend County, you will not have the option of returning to your state without addressing the criminal charges through legal representation here in Texas. One option for fighting the charges would be to hire a Fort Bend County out of state DWI lawyer who understands how to represent defendants who do not live in Texas.

Legal representation can greatly help your case and prevent serious legal trouble in your home state. The law firm of Segura & Kiatta understands the complexities of representing clients who live out of state. Our Fort Bend County DWI lawyers can fight the charges and seek to have your charges dropped or reduced to a lesser crime.

Why Choose Segura & Kiatta?

If you are visiting from out of state and are arrested for a DWI, you need an attorney who understands Texas’ DWI laws. An out-of-state lawyer may not understand our laws and how to defend clients effectively in Texas court. Segura & Kiatta routinely represent clients who do not live in the Lone Star State.

We understand the complexities of being charged with a crime while you are out of state. We take every step we can to minimize the work on your part as we prepare and execute your defense strategy.

Understanding Texas’ DWI Laws

If you are from out of state, it is important to understand the basics of Texas’ DWI laws. The blood alcohol content level that can lead to a DWI in Texas is 0.08% or higher, although the mere appearance of intoxication may be enough to warrant a DWI.

Commercial vehicle drivers are held to even higher standards and can be charged with a DWI if they have a BAC of over 0.04%. Those under the legal drinking age can be charged with DUI for any detectable alcohol. DWI laws apply equally to everyone, whether you’re a Texas resident or just visiting.

If convicted, first-time offenders generally face three to 180 days in jail. Fines can reach $2,000, and license suspensions are typically lengthy. Criminal penalties can rise considerably for repeat offenders or individuals with extremely high BAC levels.

What if I’m Visiting From Out of State?

If you are from out of state, you cannot simply ignore your DWI in Texas. Hiring legal counsel in Texas may offer an effective means of resolving your criminal charge so it does not affect you back home. This is because Texas is party to the Driver’s License Compact, which includes over 40 states and Washington, D.C., that share information about traffic offenses and license suspensions.

Minor non-moving violations like parking tickets typically are not reported to other states, but a DWI would be. If you are convicted in Texas, your home state may enforce that conviction by imposing penalties like fines and license suspensions. This is why fighting the charges in Texas and working to avoid a conviction is so important.

Ultimately, the specific consequences depend on whether your state is part of these compacts. If you have questions about how a Texas DWI may affect you, consulting with a DWI attorney can provide valuable insights regarding the potential repercussions.

Out-of-State Legal Defense

Your Texas DWI attorney can represent you in court. Your lawyer will let you know when you have a court appearance. Even if you live out of state, you will have to make your court appearance. Some courts allow virtual appearances, especially for preliminary matters. Depending on the court and county, there may be special accommodations for out-of-state defendants.

Your attorney can review your case to see if the police officer followed their department’s policies and procedures when detaining you. If your rights were violated, your lawyer can argue that the evidence gathered should be inadmissible in court.

Your DWI attorney for out-of-state defendants may question the evidence being used against you. If the breathalyzer wasn’t tested and calibrated as required, that could mean that the results are not reliable. Prosecutors are held to high standards when it comes to the quality and credibility of any evidence they use in court.

Fort Bend County Out of State DWI FAQs

Q: How Does Texas Handle Out of State DUI?

A: Texas handles out of state DUIs seriously. If arrested in Fort Bend County, you’ll face Texas laws, regardless of your home state. The Driver’s License Compact allows Texas to notify your state of a conviction, potentially leading to additional penalties. Hiring an experienced attorney is crucial to navigating the legal process and mitigating consequences on your record.

Q: Can an Out of State Attorney Practice Law in Texas?

A: An out of state attorney can practice law in Texas under certain conditions. They may obtain a Texas license through reciprocity with certain states or apply for pro hac vice admission for individual cases, requiring a Texas attorney to sponsor them. Alternatively, they can take the Texas Bar Exam for full licensure.

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

A: A DWI lawyer charges for the time and resources their law firm puts into a case. Criminal defense attorneys charge a flat rate or hourly for their services. The complexity of the case is one factor that can determine how long an attorney represents a client. Legal representation can ultimately save a defendant money in the long run.

Q: What Are the Odds of Getting a DWI Dismissed in Texas?

A: The odds of getting a DWI dismissed in Texas can be favorable if you have legal representation from an attorney who understands the state’s DWI laws and how to defend clients effectively. If the evidence supports your innocence or if there is not sufficient evidence to prove your guilt, a Fort Bend County criminal defense attorney can work to have your charges dismissed.

Schedule Your Out of State DWI Consultation

If you were arrested for a DWI while visiting Texas, you need legal representation who understands our state’s criminal laws. Segura & Kiatta has many years of experience and a proven track record of success representing out-of-state defendants. Don’t accept a plea bargain without consulting with an attorney first. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.