If you’ve been pulled over and arrested for impaired driving, you’re probably worried about the consequences that come with a conviction. Steep fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record can turn your life upside down after a drunk driving conviction.
The good news is that an experienced Garland criminal defense lawyer can change the course of your case and protect you from severe penalties. At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we have over 30 years of experience with DWI cases. A Garland DWI lawyer from our team can build a strong defense case on your behalf and protect you from a damaging conviction.
Penalties Our Garland DWI Lawyers Can Protect You From
As you likely know, a DWI conviction can result in a number of penalties that restrict your freedom and can cost you a fortune. If you’re facing DWI charges, hiring an attorney is the best way to protect yourself from a serious outcome.
Our firm has extensive experience handling cases just like yours. We can investigate your arrest, gather important evidence, and build a robust defense strategy. We’ll work hard to protect you from the following DWI penalties:
First Offense Penalties
Even if it’s your first time getting arrested for drunk driving, you can still face serious consequences. Make sure to hire a dedicated defense lawyer to increase your chances of avoiding the following outcomes:
- Potential jail time of 3 days to 6 months
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Up to a 1-year driver’s license suspension
Second Offense Penalties
In Texas, a second DWI offense carries more severe penalties than a first offense. The penalties for a second offense DWI may include:
- 30 days to one year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- Up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension
Third Offense Penalties
A third DWI offense is a serious matter and can have life-altering consequences. The penalties for a third offense DWI are significantly more severe compared to previous convictions. These penalties may include:
- From 2 to 10 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to a 2-year license suspension
Whether it’s your first time facing DWI charges or if you’ve been convicted in the past, you’ll want to work with an experienced DWI attorney from Garland. Our team can explain the charges you’re facing and work hard to protect you from a conviction.
Evidence We Can Use to Win Your Case
When you’re charged with an alcohol-related offense like drunk driving, you have the right to mount a legal defense and fight the charges brought against you. To make your case as strong as possible, you’ll need to support it with relevant evidence.
At our firm, we excel at gathering and analyzing evidence for impaired driving cases. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your arrest and find the records and information we need to challenge the accusations made against you.
We’ll use the following forms of evidence to make your defense as compelling as possible:
Witness Testimonies
Witness testimonies can be important in establishing the circumstances surrounding your DWI arrest. Witnesses may include passengers in your vehicle, bystanders, or individuals who were present at the scene. Their statements can help corroborate your side of the story and support your defense.
Officer Conduct and Documentation
Examining the conduct of the arresting officer and their adherence to proper procedures can help your case. Any violations of your rights, failure to follow established protocols, or inconsistencies in arrest documentation can be leveraged in your defense.
Our Garland DWI attorneys can review police reports, arrest records, and other related documents to determine if your defense case should involve challenging the arresting officer’s conduct.
Expert Witnesses
In some instances, expert witnesses can provide professional opinions and analyses that support your defense. These experts may include toxicologists, accident reconstruction specialists, or forensic experts. These experts can challenge the validity of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Defenses Strategies Our Garland DWI Attorneys Can Use
At The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we approach every case with a well-informed, comprehensive defense strategy. We review the facts of your case, your criminal record, and the details of your arrest when defending you.
Doing so will help us craft a defense strategy that suits your unique situation. Depending on the details of your impaired driving arrest, we may use one of the following types of defense strategies:
The Breathalyzer Test Malfunctioned
Breathalyzer tests are delicate pieces of technology that can easily show incorrect blood alcohol level (BAC) results when poorly maintained. We can work with experts to analyze the breathalyzer results from your arrest and determine if they are reliable.
If we find that the breathalyzer was faulty or that the arresting officer didn’t use the device correctly, we can try to get the evidence thrown out.
The Police Didn’t Have Probable Cause
The law requires the police to have a reason for pulling you over to prevent them from making random arrests. If we find that officers didn’t have probable cause to pull you over, we may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped.
The Prosecution Doesn’t Have Supporting Evidence
The prosecutor must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. If they don’t have enough supporting evidence and can’t present a sound legal argument, we can move to have your case dropped or dismissed.
Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. We can use our years of experience and resources to challenge the charges made against you and protect your future.
When Should I Call a DWI Lawyer in Garland?
The sooner you contact a drunk driving attorney, the better. A lawyer can protect your rights throughout the legal process and make sure you don’t provide any information to prosecutors that could be used against you.
Defendants often compromise their cases by speaking to the police or by giving statements during questioning. Do not provide any statements to the police until you’ve hired a trusted attorney. Our experienced team can speak with authorities on your behalf and communicate with all involved parties.
Depending on the charges you’re facing, you’ll want to reach out to one of the following attorneys from our team for assistance:
- Garland felony DWI lawyer
- Garland underage DWI lawyer
- Garland under 21 DUI lawyer
- Garland DWI reduction lawyer
- Garland commercial DWI lawyer
What Should I Do While Facing DWI Charges in Garland?
There’s nothing more overwhelming than facing judges, jurors, and prosecutors alone. You have rights, and one of those rights involves arming yourself with a criminal defense attorney. However, there are several steps you can take outside of hiring a lawyer that can help your case.
Securing legal representation is just one post-arrest consideration that could bolster your chances of a positive outcome. Other considerations include:
Adhering to the Terms of Your License Suspension
Getting pulled over while driving with a suspended license can compound the charges you face. It can also result in additional fines and the prolonging of your driving suspension period. Adhering to your suspension will help you avoid further legal troubles.
Enrolling in a Substance Abuse Program
If you want to avoid serious penalties, you must show the judge and jury that you’re an upstanding citizen who takes the law seriously. We could paint your charge in a good light by showing you’re taking steps to better yourself. It also shows that you’re not a threat to society while behind the wheel.
Refraining From Posting About Your Arrest on Social Media
Anything you share on social media could hurt your case. The prosecution could access your posts and use them against you. During your case’s progression, refrain from posting photos, statuses, or anything that could come back to haunt you later.
Avoid Talking to the Police Without a Lawyer
The police may seem like they’re on your side during this matter. In reality, they have an ulterior motive: to gather evidence that helps the prosecution secure a conviction. Don’t engage in any line of questioning without your lawyer present. Anything you share can be used against you.
Contact a DWI Lawyer in Garland for Help Today
Facing charges for drunk driving can be scary and confusing. If you’re found guilty, it could negatively impact your career, cost you a fortune in fines and court fees, and even lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from these unwanted outcomes by hiring a skilled lawyer.
An experienced Garland DWI lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can use evidence to craft a compelling defense case on your behalf. With a trusted criminal defense lawyer by your side, you’ll have an excellent chance of avoiding some of the life-altering consequences associated with drunk driving convictions.