Even a first DWI offense in Texas can affect the rest of your life in major ways. Any DWI conviction can carry heavy monetary fines, possible jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and a permanent mark on your record.
If you face DWI charges, a first offense DWI lawyer in Grand Prairie will protect your legal rights and fight tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for you. You can reach the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253. We can help you understand your options and represent you throughout the process.
Do You Need a First Offense DWI Attorney in Grand Prairie?
Many people wonder if they really need to spend the money on a lawyer for their first DWI charge. And while the law does not require you obtain legal representation, a lawyer can uphold your rights, help you make smart decisions, and make a big difference in your case.
Many people believe the prosecutor will offer them a fair deal, and everything will go smoothly if they cooperate and enter a guilty plea. What they fail to consider, however, is that the prosecutor is never on your side and this type of conviction can cause significant disruption in your everyday life — and in your future.
Prosecutors may tell you that you will not serve any jail time as long as you plead guilty. They will not give you the full picture of the sentence you will receive, though. They will likely fail to mention the community service, fines, driver’s license suspension, and other consequences you might face.
Regardless of whether you plan to take a deal or fight the charges, you never want to talk to the prosecutor without an attorney in the room. Your attorney will prevent you from making statements the prosecutor can use against you.
Having a lawyer on your side throughout the process ensures that no one can take advantage of your inexperience in court. It also tells the prosecutor you are serious about fighting the charges against you, and that you will do what you need to do to get the best outcome possible in your case.
When you enlist the help of a Grand Prairie, Texas DWI lawyer at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we will go to work investigating your case and identifying possible defenses.
Some people feel they will certainly receive a conviction if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests exceeded the legal limits. However, this is not always the case. In many cases, we can challenge your breath or blood test results and convince the prosecutor to reduce the DWI charges against you or drop the charges altogether. If you must go to court, we will represent you diligently. We will present a strong case on your behalf, and argue for an acquittal or the lightest possible sentence.
What Penalties Might I Face for My First DWI Offense in Grand Prairie?
Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code outlines the serious DWI penalties associated with a first-time drunk driving offense. In most cases, this offense is a class B misdemeanor charge. You may face this charge if your BAC registers between 0.08 and 0.149, or if the officer determines you cannot safely drive your car because of your intoxication.
The consequences for this conviction include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A $2,000 fine
- A driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year
If your BAC registers above 0.149, you will likely face class A misdemeanor charges. The consequences for this conviction include:
- A $4,000 fine
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension
In some cases, you may also face additional penalties or obligations after a conviction. This could include performing community service, attending an alcohol education program or substance abuse counseling, and/or installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
In addition, any drunk driving conviction will go on your permanent criminal record in Texas. This means you will need to explain it in job interviews, when applying for an apartment, or renewing a professional license. In some cases, you may be ineligible for a job, home, or professional license because of your conviction.
How Can Your Lawyer Fight a First Offense DWI Charge?
In many cases, we can successfully negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf that allows you to plead guilty to a lesser offense or to avoid some of the harshest penalties associated with a first offense DWI conviction. When this is not possible, we will take your case to court.
To convict you of a drunk driving offense, the prosecution must show beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You were operating the motor vehicle;
- You were in a public place, such as a public road; or
- You were statutorily intoxicated while operating the vehicle
Our goal in court is to establish reasonable doubt about your guilt. We have a number of tactics we commonly use to do this. Often, we can fight a conviction if:
- The police did not have a legal reason to stop you
- The police did not have probable cause for blood alcohol testing
- The police did not read you your Miranda rights before questioning
We pay especially close attention to ensure the police followed all rules and best practices associated with conducting a drunk driving stop. Any field sobriety testing must meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standard, and breath alcohol testing must meet Texas Administrative Code and NHTSA DWI testing procedures.
Will You Lose Your Driver’s License for a First Offense DWI Conviction?
You might. Losing your driver’s license can affect your day-to-day life more than almost any other consequence of a DWI arrest. When police arrest you in Grand Prairie, the police seize your driver’s license and give you a temporary permit. This permit allows you to drive for 15 days, giving you time to contact us so we can request an Administrative License Revocation hearing on your behalf. If we do not request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will suspend your license.
At the hearing, we will represent you in front of the administrative law judge who will decide if you will lose your license or not. This gives us our first opportunity to present your defense to a judge and see how they react. It also gives us the option to hear more about the evidence the prosecution has. In some cases, we can prevent a driver’s license suspension or get the suspension time reduced during this hearing.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to Talk with an Attorney Today
Get a defense attorney who will fight aggressively to defend you and win your case. We can ensure your rights remain protected, and explain your options and how each one may affect the outcome of your case.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we are standing by to take your call. We offer complimentary consultations and case reviews. Call us today at 214-696-9253 to discuss your case with a first offense DWI lawyer in Grand Prairie.
