If you are facing a DWI charge in Carrollton, Texas, your future hangs in the balance. The consequences can be severe, and a conviction can haunt you for years to come. You may have trouble finding work, getting an education, or even taking care of daily errands such as grocery shopping due to the loss of your license. A DWI charge can have a devastating impact on your life. We do not recommend facing these charges on your own. Contact a DWI lawyer in Carrollton today for a free legal consolation. We can explain the Texas DWI process and help you understand your options after a DWI charge.
The dedicated criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. With 30+ years of experience as both prosecutor and state district judge, Randall Isenberg and his team are ready to fight for your future.
Consequences You May Face After a DWI Conviction
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, people convicted of a DWI may face fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges. The exact consequences you face may vary based on your age, BAC (blood alcohol concentration), and the number of previous offenses. In some cases, your Carrollton DWI lawyer may be able to negotiate for better terms.
Under Texas law, a DWI conviction could result in the following consequences.
Underage DUI Charge
Underage (below 21 years of age) persons found driving in Carrollton with any alcohol at all in their system may face up to $500 in fines, up to six months suspension of driving privileges, community service, and mandatory alcohol awareness classes.
First DWI Charge
Persons convicted of driving with a BAC of .08 or higher for the first time may face fines of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and the loss of their license for up to one year.
Second DWI Charge
Persons convicted of a second DWI offense face minimum jail time of 72 hours and a maximum jail sentence of up to a year. You may also face up to $4,000 in fines and the loss of your driver’s license for up to two years.
Keep in mind that certain circumstances can increase the consequences you face. For example, if you are involved in an accident resulting in injury or have a child in the car, you could face additional charges, fines, and jail time.
Possible Defenses We May Use to Fight a DWI Conviction
Getting arrested for a DWI in Carrollton, Texas, will have an immediate impact on your life. If convicted, you may face fines, jail time, and the loss of your driving privileges.
It is important to note that in Texas, DWI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged. This charge will follow you for the rest of your life. This is why we recommend working with a dedicated DWI lawyer who can fight to protect your future. Depending on the details of your arrest, we may use the following strategies to build a defense.
- Improper stop: The police must have a reason to pull you over. If they do not, we can argue that the stop was improper and argue to have the case dismissed.
- Inaccurate BAC testing: If the machine used to test your BAC was used incorrectly or if the machine was improperly calibrated, your BAC level may have been lower.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of inebriation, particularly in roadside sobriety tests.
If dismissal off your Carrollton DWI charge is not possible, our team may ask for a reduction in charges to a non-alcohol related offense such as reckless driving or obstruction of a roadway. This can reduce the consequences of the charge and, in some cases, be later expunged from your record.
Contact a DWI Lawyer in Carrollton, Texas Today
If you are facing a Carrollton DWI charge, it is imperative that you seek counsel from a dedicated DWI lawyer in Carrollton, Texas, who understands how the laws and the courts work.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we understand the challenges you are facing and are willing to fight to protect your future. Call us now at (214) 696-9253 to discuss your DWI case.
