Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Richardson, Texas. If you have been charged with a DWI, it is critical that you take action to clear your name of the charges against you. Our dedicated Richardson DWI lawyers at Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can discuss your defense options with you in a complimentary consultation session
Getting legal assistance may be the best way to dodge a conviction that could have a devastating impact on your life for years to come. A Richardson criminal defense lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal system and, after an initial consult, can identify the strength of your case and form a defense to help you avoid a license suspension, or even jail time.
Experienced Legal Help for First Time and Repeat DWI Offenders
Even a first-offense DWI charge can send you to jail. In addition, you will have to pay hefty fines, court costs, and fees. You will lose your driver’s license for a year or more and must attend court-mandated alcohol education courses or substance abuse counseling. If you face drunk driving charges, a first offense DWI lawyer in Richardson can help.
The permanent criminal record can haunt you for years to come. A DWI conviction could potentially interfere with your ability to get a job, rent a home, hold a professional license, or get affordable car insurance.
At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we understand how frightening and confusing it can be to face these charges. The complex legal system provides little leeway for argument, and the police and prosecutor may pressure you to give a statement or enter a guilty plea.
Attorney Randy Isenberg has worked in the Texas criminal justice system as a state district court judge and felony prosecutor, as well as a criminal defense lawyer. He will put more than 30 years of experience to work building the strongest possible case to help you achieve the best potential outcome.
Understanding DWI Laws and Penalties in Texas
According to Texas DWI laws, you commit this offense if you operate a motor vehicle in a public place with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above. If you are convicted of a DWI in Richardson with a BAC between 0.08 and 0.149, you can expect to face the following penalties.
First Offense
- three days to six months in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year
Second Offense
- 30 days to one year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years
Third Offense
- Two to 10 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years
Possible DWI Charge Enhancements
Some circumstances lead to enhanced penalties for a DWI offense. Some of these circumstances include:
- Repeat Offenses: If you have prior DWI convictions on your record, subsequent DWI offenses will result in increased penalties. The number of prior convictions within a certain time frame can escalate the severity of the penalties.
- Intoxication Assault: If you cause serious bodily injury to another person while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can be charged with intoxication assault. This offense carries enhanced penalties due to the severity of the harm caused.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: If your impaired driving results in the death of another person, you may be charged with intoxication manslaughter. This offense carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
- Child Passenger: If you are arrested for DWI while transporting a child under the age of 15, you may face enhanced penalties. Texas law considers this an aggravating factor, leading to more severe consequences.
- Open Container: Having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle at the time of a DWI arrest can result in enhanced penalties. Texas law prohibits the presence of an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle.
The Cost of a DWI Conviction
You must also pay license reinstatement fees, court costs, and expenses related to attending an alcohol safety education course. The judge can also require you to serve supervised probation and community service, install an ignition lock on your car, and attend alcohol abuse counseling or rehab.
In addition to the criminal consequences of a DWI conviction, you can also expect a guilty verdict to have a significant impact on your life. Although a DWI conviction may seem like a minor crime in comparison to some of the other types of criminal offenses you could face in Texas, a DWI conviction could have a lasting impact on your life.
How a Criminal Conviction Impacts Your Life
For individuals facing criminal charges, the potential consequences extend far beyond the immediate legal proceedings. At our DWI defense law firm in Richardson, we understand the profound impact a conviction can have on your life.
The Weight of a Permanent Criminal Record
Unlike other offenses, Texas DWI convictions are not eligible for expunction, meaning that our Richardson expunction lawyer won’t be able to prevent the consequences from following you indefinitely. The potential long-term implications a DWI charge holds for your future may include:
Increased Insurance Premiums and Financial Strain
A DWI conviction can lead to a substantial increase in your car insurance premiums. This financial burden can create additional stress during an already challenging time. We empathize with the strain this can place on your resources and understand the importance of finding a solution that minimizes the financial impact.
Background Checks and the Stigma of a Conviction
Your conviction will appear whenever a background check is conducted, potentially hindering your ability to secure housing, employment, or other opportunities. We recognize the significance of this stigma and the importance of mitigating its effects on your future prospects.
Professional License Jeopardy
Professions such as real estate agents, teachers, nurses, and others requiring professional licenses are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of a DWI conviction. Your livelihood may be at stake, as licensing boards can take disciplinary action or revoke your license altogether.
The Solution: Fighting Back With a DWI Lawyer
Fortunately, you are not alone in facing these challenges. Our dedicated team of DWI attorneys in Richardson is here to provide the professional guidance and assertive representation you need to overcome the hardships associated with a criminal conviction. We possess the experience to develop a formidable defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
By leveraging our in-depth knowledge of DWI laws, procedural intricacies, and effective defense techniques, we will help you regain control over your life and minimize the long-term consequences that a criminal conviction can impose.
Effective Defense Strategies for Drunk Driving Offenses: How a DWI Lawyer Can Help Your Case
When facing a drunk driving offense, it helps to have skilled DWI lawyers near Richardson who can employ effective defense techniques to protect your rights. At the Law Office of Randall B. Isenberg, we provide assertive representation tailored to your unique case. In an initial consultation with our experienced team, discover how we can challenge the prosecution’s case and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Challenging the Traffic Stop
We meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding your DWI arrest, including the initial traffic stop. Our lawyers are adept at identifying any constitutional or procedural violations, such as lack of probable cause or improper administration of field sobriety tests.
By challenging the validity of the stop and seeking to suppress evidence obtained thereafter, we can strengthen your defense and protect your rights.
Assessing the Accuracy of Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests play a significant role in DWI cases. However, they are subjective and influenced by various factors. Our experienced lawyers closely scrutinize the administration and interpretation of these tests, considering environmental conditions, physical limitations, and instructions given.
We’ll challenge their accuracy and reliability, aiming to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and strengthen your defense.
Evaluating Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results
Breathalyzer and blood tests are commonly used to measure BAC in DWI cases. We leave no stone unturned in assessing the protocols followed during testing, maintenance records of the equipment, and the qualifications of those conducting the tests.
Any deviations from proper procedures or calibration issues can be grounds for challenging the accuracy and admissibility of test results, bolstering your defense.
Questioning the Arresting Officer’s Observations
Our skilled DWI lawyers review the arresting officer’s testimony and reports to identify inconsistencies, biases, or other factors that may undermine the reliability of their observations. By challenging the credibility of the officer’s account and establishing doubt, we can weaken the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.
Presenting Alternative Explanations
In some instances, we may present alternative explanations for the behavior observed during the DWI arrest. Factors such as medical conditions or fatigue can influence your appearance or performance on sobriety tests. By introducing reasonable doubt and offering alternative explanations, we strengthen your defense.
Expert Witnesses
Depending on the circumstances, we may engage expert witnesses who possess specialized knowledge in areas such as toxicology, human performance factors, or the reliability of sobriety testing methods. Their testimony can provide invaluable insights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and bolster your defense strategy.
When ready, let’s discuss the specifics of your case. You’ll learn how our collaborative defense strategies can protect your rights and your future.
Get Guided Assistance With Your DWI License Suspension
In addition to the criminal aspects of your case, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will suspend your driver’s license unless you appear at an ALR hearing to challenge the suspension.
When the police pull you over for drunk driving in Richardson, they will confiscate your driver’s license and issue you a temporary driving permit. Unless you submit a formal request for an ALR hearing, the permit will expire, and the TxDPS will suspend your license.
Our ALR hearing legal team can help you navigate this process, represent you at the hearing, and provide a range of other invaluable services.
We will begin by ensuring that the TxDPS receives your request for a hearing and schedules a hearing date. Prior to the hearing, we will prepare you to deliver sworn testimony and help you avoid making any incriminating statements that could threaten your license or compromise your criminal case.
We will make the strongest possible case for you to keep your license. If the judge elects to impose a suspension, we can appeal the decision or petition the court for an occupational license. This would allow you to drive back and forth to work, school, and personal errands.
The ALR hearing also provides us with a valuable opportunity to question the arresting officer in your case under oath. This gives us insight into the prosecution’s evidence and the strength of their case and helps us refine our strategy for your defense.
Highly-Rated Testimonials of Our DWI Defense Lawyers in Richardson
The voices of our satisfied clients take center stage. We understand that when facing a DWI charge in Dallas County, you need more than just reassuring words – you need real experiences and testimonials from individuals who have been in your shoes. With their permission, we proudly present their stories, their journeys through the legal process, and the exceptional outcomes they achieved with our dedicated legal representation. See for yourself:
I just wanted to say first of all WOW!!! I am a current client of Randall B Isenberg law offices and I am highly highly impressed. I came to this law Firm with a case of DWI 2nd as a CDL holder. Coming into this situation… In the beginning I was Scared and unsure if my situation could be a beatable case. But oh boy let me tell you not only did they win my case but the whole case was dropped!! Words cannot be found on how grateful I am to Isenberg and associates!!! 5 Star’s all Day long THANK YOU SO MUCH TEAM!!! – Brent
I’m so glad I chose the Law office of Randall Isenberg. Colleen was great and everyone was very knowledgeable and gave me everything I needed to get my best outcome. They got my case knocked down from a class A to a class B misdemeanor, I never lost my license, didn’t get any fines and only 12 month’s probation. Thanks For The Great Work. – Jamie Jansz
OUTSTANDING AND THE BEST REPRESENTATION. The Isenberg team is truly an outstanding group of professionals. They were honest with me from the beginning about my case being a difficult case but they were going to try their best. They absolutely did their best and more . The Associate Attorney S. Colleen led my case and my case was dismissed before trial. – Armando Escobar
I can’t thank Mr. Isenberg, Ms. Colleen and Ms. Gloria enough. I am glad I received his letter after my legal trouble. 3 years later I have found a career, my reputation has been saved and most importantly I avoided serving prison time. Worth every penny. – Krystal Ramirez
Our trusted criminal defense attorneys invite you to experience our compassionate approach, unwavering commitment, and the winning side of the pursuit of justice. These testimonials exemplify the trust our clients have placed in our legal services, and we hope they inspire you to take the next step towards securing the exceptional legal advice and advocacy you deserve.
Get a Free Case Evaluation From a DWI Lawyer in Richardson
You do not have to face Richardson DWI charges alone. Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today for help. We will work diligently on your behalf to build your case and protect your legal rights.
We offer free case reviews to help you make the right choices. Contact us today.
