DWI, Driving While Intoxicated

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DWI - Driving While Intoxicated

Driving While Intoxicated primarily deals with alcohol, but it's important to know DWI encompasses both alcohol and drugs in Texas -- even Prescription Drugs. A person can be charged when alcohol within the body reaches .08%, or when they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical abilities. That broad DWI statute allows for individuals to be charged even when the alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit!

A first time DWI offense in Austin -- even if you have no other criminal record -- can have devastating effects upon your life. From License suspensions to probation and even jail time, a DWI does not simply 'go away' on it's own. A DWI Conviction will show up on future background checks, and potentially stop you from obtaining employment, promotions, loans/aid, and housing. The effects can be life long, since a DWI conviction has no drop-off period in Texas.

You can read the specific Statute and Punishments for DWI below.

What You Need To Know

There are several components to a DWI; the stop, the video and FSTs, and the breath or blood results. The stop pertains to how the DWI investigation started; whether it's a traffic stop, accident, or 911 call for reckless driving.

The patrol car video on a DWI will typically show the reason for the vehicle stop, as well as interactions between the accused and the DWI officer. The video should include the field sobriety tests, and the person's performance on them. It will also capture the audio, which is a great help in figuring out what was actually said to the officer at the roadside.

The blood or breath test results will also be important. There are two main factors: the results and also whether the test was accurate. While most people believe blood and breath tests are always right, serious problems that can arise from a technicians improper use, cleaning, or calibration of the machines.

The DWI Officer then notes his or her observations of the driver, such balance, speech, and their answers to alcohol related questions. Then, the three field sobriety tests are given, unless refused. These are the HGN test (eyes), the walk and turn, and then one leg stand. After that, the person is offered a portable breath test. Based on the results of everything, the officer makes a decision to arrest for DWI.

Be sure to read about License Suspensions as well, since there is an automatic suspension of your license at an ALR License Revocation Hearing. If suspended, Keates Law Firm can help get an Occupational License to allow for legal driving while the suspension runs its course.

Closely Related Offenses

There are several types of DWI in Texas. A First Time DWI is the most common, but if a person has a prior DWI, then the charge is more serious. A DWI Second Offense is a Class A Misdemeanor and carries more severe penalties. Likewise, having two DWI priors means the next arrest will be considered a Felony DWI.

A first time DWI where the person has a breath or blood result .015% or higher, will have the DWI upgraded to a more serious DWI offense, specifically an Enhanced DWI (Class A).

Lastly, if there is no alcohol involved, or a combination of alcohol and a narcotic, then a person could be charged with a Drug DWI. This is true even if a person is taking legal prescriptions.

If you're looking for other offenses that are related to this one, you can see more information below, or click related legal offenses.

Jail Release and Bond for DWI

Individuals arrested for DWIs are taken to jail following the arrest -- there is no cite and release for DWI arrests. The primary immediate concern for the arrested and their family is to get out of jail. Attorneys can waive 'magistration' (seeing a Judge at the Jail), and speed up the jail release process.

Keates Law Firm can act quickly to assist with a personal bond to release that person. Be sure to read more about Bond, Personal Bonds, and Travis County Jail Releases.

Sometimes an officer will file arrest warrant, which will require a Walkthrough to clear the Arrest Warrant. Doing a Walkthrough quickly is important, because most of the time a person does not go into the jail during the surrender process. Call us for more details if you have an Active Travis County Arrest Warrant.

Defenses for DWI

There are a variety of defenses for DWIs, depending on the facts -- from motion to suppress the traffic stop, to contesting the blood or breath results. An important part of a DWI case in Austin is the patrol car video (or body camera), and the blood/breath test results. Those two items typically dictate whether a DWI case will be dismissed or reduced -- or set for Jury Trial.

Topics of interest include DWI Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and also DWI Breath and Blood Tests.

If you'd like to talk in detail about your situation, or if you have questions, contact us for a Free Case Consultation. Keep in mind, Keates Law Firm only practices in Austin and Travis County.

Work with an Experienced DWI Attorney

Hiring the right attorney from the beginning is important. Poor legal decisions will have a negative effect upon the case as it progresses. The Keates Law Firm has over 16+ Years Experience handling DWI cases. Our focus is to try and have the case dismissed against you. We don't even discuss pleas until all legal and negotiation options have been explored in detail.

Call Us to talk about your particular case and situation. It's a 100% Free Phone Consultation with Criminal Defense Attorney Keates. No Sales Pitches, No Hassles. We'll see if we are the right Law Firm for you, and give you a quote. Be sure to check out Keates Law Firm's Reviews and also our past cases and Results.

How We Can Help

The focus on a DWI should be getting it either dismissed, reduced, or a non-DWI offense instead of a Driving While Intoxicated. A Dismissal will allow a person to later seek an Expunction of a Criminal Record, which is where a Judge Orders the offense records destroyed, including police reports, court records, and prosecutor files.

Dismissal is not always a realistic possibility, but there are alternatives, such as a reduced charge or a short probation that would allow for Sealing DWI Convictions later.

Keates Law Firm has a track record of reductions and dismissals for DWI. The main hurdle is convincing the prosecutor to agree to reduce or dismiss the DWI case, and Keates Law Firm has experience in Austin's Travis County courts doing just that.

Payment Plans

Legal Fees are typically unexpected, so Keates Law Firm realizes that most people don't have thousands of dollars immediatly available after an unexpected arrest. Keates Law Firm offers no interest Payment Plans for legal fees for cases in Austin, Travis County. Most Payment Plans require a credit or debit card on file, with a deposit for representation. Attorney Payment Plans are paid monthly with no interest. Payment Plan Lawyers in Austin, Travis County are few, but Keates Law Firm has had success and many happy clients who appreciate spreading out legal fees over payments. Check out our Austin Attorney Payment Plans page for more details, or call for a Free Consultation.

The Law in Texas on DWI

DWI Punishments

Most DWIs are Class B Misdemeanors, meaning they are punishable by probation, jail up to 6 months, or a fine of up to $2,000 -- or all three. Even a first time DWI can result in the potential for jail time, however that's far more common on a DWI-2 (one DWI Prior), or multiple DWIs. An open container of alcohol in the car adds a minimum term of six days in jail. Also, if the alcohol content is .15% or higher the DWI offense can be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor. There are also more severe Driver's License implications for those offenses, including suspensions and surcharges.

Frequently Asked Questions