]Getting convicted of a DWI that involves marijuana could have severe negative consequences on your life, your career, and your finances. For the sake of your future, we can fight to avoid a conviction. Our Forney DWI marijuana lawyer will strive to get you the best possible outcome in your circumstances.
Using our knowledge of the legal system plus our time and resources, we will craft a defense strategy with the goal of dismissal. If the prosecution’s case against you is strong, we will aim to get your charges reduced. As your legal representatives, we will protect your rights and fight for your future.
If You Are Suspected of Using Marijuana, You Can Be Charged With a DWI
You can be arrested for a DWI without any alcohol in your system. If the police officer pulled you over on suspicion of driving while impaired and then had reason to suspect that you used marijuana or some other drug, they could require you to take a field sobriety test.
The officers may use other methods of confirming that you are under the influence of marijuana. As your attorneys, we can use the lack of concrete testing methods to your benefit.
The Definition of DWI in Texas
Texas law defines being intoxicated in Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code as either:
- Having your physical or mental abilities affected by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol; or
- Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) means that a person is caught driving a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. However, you can still be charged with a DWI on private property.
Penalties for a Texas Marijuana DWI Conviction
If you are convicted of a marijuana DWI or a standard DWI, the Texas Department of Transportation states the possible penalties as:
First Offense:
- A fine of up to $2,000.
- Jail time of up to 180 days.
- You could lose your driver’s license for up to one year.
Second Offense:
- Your fine could get doubled, up to $4,000.
- You might have to spend as much as a year in jail.
- Loss of your driver’s license for up to 2 years.
Third Offense:
- A fine as high as $10,000.
- Imprisonment from 2 to 10 years.
- You could lose your driver’s license for as long as 2 years.
Aggravating Factors Can Lead to More Severe Charges
Also, with a first, second, or subsequent DWI conviction, the state imposes additional fines at sentencing. The sentencing fines are $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 on top of the fines listed above. You may also face felony charges for a higher BAC or subsequent convictions.
In addition, if there is a child younger than 15 in your vehicle, the police will charge you with child endangerment, which comes with a separate $10,000 fine, jail time of up to 2 years, and additional 180 days loss of your driving privileges.
How a Forney DWI Marijuana Lawyer Can Help You
You do not have to face these charges by yourself. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help you go after the best possible result for your situation. Our firm’s founder is a former prosecutor and state district judge with over 30 years of experience.
We provide these services for our marijuana DWI clients:
- We perform a thorough investigation of the arrest, the handling of evidence, probable cause, etc.
- We search for and construct a strong defense against your charges.
- We negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal or reduction of the charges.
- If appropriate, we can take the case to trial and seek a not-guilty verdict.
The exact steps we take will depend on the facts of your case. Every person’s situation is different.
Consequences of a Marijuana DWI Conviction in Forney, TX
You might think that you can’t afford to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you, but with the consequences that come with a marijuana DWI conviction–the expense may well be worth your shot at freedom. Here are some of the ways that a marijuana DWI conviction can change your life:
- You could lose your job. If you are incarcerated and unable to show up to work, it stands to reason that you may lose that job. Plus, if you depend on your license and driving record for your career, your employer may have leave to let you go. Even if neither of those things is the case, employers may be more hesitant to hire and retain someone with a criminal record.
- You may be unable to attend the college of your choice. Colleges and universities may prioritize other applications if your background check reveals a DWI conviction.
- Some careers could be out of reach if they require a license. Careers related to your conviction may no longer be an option. Driving-related jobs and other jobs requiring a license have reason to deny your application.
- DWI convictions are costly. The financial impact of state fines, court costs, losing your job, and having to pay higher car insurance can create hardship for you and your family.
- You may face social consequences. You and your family will live under a social stigma if you are convicted. Not only could you face legal hurdles in securing custody of your children, but you may also have relationship issues, housing problems, and isolation in your community.
Our Forney DWI Marijuana Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
In the state of Texas, DWI convictions cannot be expunged. If you find yourself in this situation, you have all the more reason to hire a Forney Marijuana DWI lawyer to fight the charges.
When you work with us from the very beginning, you will give your attorneys the best chance at constructing a winning defense. Some of the strategies we use are most effective when used early on in the process. If you wait until the last minute to contact us, the opportunity for some of those tactics might have already passed, so please contact us right away.
You can get started by reaching out to the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
