As a commercial driver’s license holder, you have a high level of responsibility. Texas has specific laws about driving while intoxicated and holding a commercial driver’s license. Suppose you are convicted of driving while intoxicated as a commercial driver. In that case, you can face many potential penalties, including fines, jail time, and loss of your commercial license.
Facing commercial DWI charges can feel daunting. A solid legal defense can help you avoid steep penalties or to prove your innocence. A commercial DWI lawyer in Balch Springs, Texas, from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, can help you with your case. You can get a free consultation today to learn more about how our criminal defense attorney can help you.
Penalties in a Commercial DWI Case
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal in Texas, but the specific penalties will depend on what happened in your situation. By itself, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in Texas is typically a Class B misdemeanor, per Penal Code § 49.04(c). With this charge, you could face up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
You could face charges for a Class A misdemeanor if your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15% or more, which could mean up to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail (Penal Code § 49.04(d)).
You Can Lose Your Livelihood After a DWI Arrest
If you have a commercial driver’s license, the consequences can become even more severe, even if you were not operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the incident. If you are convicted of a DWI, you could lose your qualification for operating a commercial vehicle for one year. This one-year penalty also applies to operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.04% or more or if you refuse to submit to testing for intoxication.
The penalties are more severe if it is a repeat offense. For example, you may be disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for life if you are convicted two or more times of DWI. Even a short-term loss of your commercial driving privileges can be detrimental to your livelihood. You may need to find a different job during that time frame. You may also face challenges finding work after you get your commercial license back.
You May Face Other Consequences
A commercial DWI has far-reaching effects. You could lose your job and your home. A DWI can also affect your family life. You may be unable to run errands or pick your kids up from school. You might be ostracized from your social circle.
Our team will fight to prevent all potential consequences of a DWI conviction.
Your Rights in a Texas Commercial DWI Case
Even if you face criminal charges, you have certain rights protected under the law. For example, you have the right not to incriminate yourself, and you have the right to a trial where the court of law can hear your case.
You also have the right to an attorney, which gives you access to someone with legal knowledge and experience. A strong legal defense and following an attorney’s advice can be helpful in a commercial DWI case.
Working With a Commercial DWI Lawyer in Balch Springs, Texas
In a commercial DWI case, finding the right lawyer can immensely impact your case. Ideally, you want to work with someone with experience helping clients in commercial DWI cases. In addition, they should thoroughly understand Texas law and how it impacts commercial DWI cases.
A Balch Springs DWI lawyer from our firm can defend and represent you in legal proceedings. They will work to present the evidence to the court and work on your behalf for a fair sentence. They will also update you on your case, help you with paperwork, and answer your case-related questions.
Our Team Will Fight to Keep Your License
You may have the opportunity to fight to keep your commercial driver’s license. Our team can help you request a hearing and represent you in court.
What Are the Potential Outcomes in a Commercial DWI Case?
In some cases, you may be convicted of all charges. You may lose your ability to drive a commercial vehicle, pay fines, and serve the designated jail time. However, you might not need to face all these severe outcomes in some instances.
For example, your charges and sentence may be reduced. In some cases, the charges may be dropped altogether. Since the potential penalties also exist on a range, you may not end up serving the maximum amount of jail time or paying the highest possible fines.
Case Outcomes for the Team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
We have extensive experience helping with DWI cases. We bring over 30 years of legal experience to the table. Consider just a few of the case outcomes our previous clients have had:
- June 2022: Five cases involving a DWI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% were reduced to Class B misdemeanors
- July 2022: Two DWI cases where charges were reduced to obstruction of roadway charges.
- August 2022: Multiple DWI cases where our clients were placed on deferred probation.
Start Your Balch Springs, TX, Commercial DWI Case Today – We’re Ready
A strong legal defense can impact your commercial DWI case. Our commercial DWI lawyer in Balch Springs is ready to use their legal expertise and experience to help you.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we offer a free initial consultation so that you can understand your legal options and the services our firm provides. We will carefully review what happened in your commercial DWI case in Balch Springs and advise you on the next legal steps for moving forward. Contact us today to get started.
