In addition to criminal charges, a DWI arrest in Highland Park also means you will face a potentially lengthy suspension of your driver’s license. You do have one opportunity to fight to keep your driving privileges, however — the DMV hearing.

The DMV hearing can also influence the criminal portion of your case, in ways you may not realize. Having a DMV hearing lawyer in Highland Park on your side will not only help protect your legal rights but may also provide valuable insight for crafting your criminal defense.

For a complimentary consultation with a member of our team, contact The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253.

The DMV Hearing Allows You to Fight for Your Driving Privileges

When the police arrest you for DWI, it triggers a process known as Administrative License Revocation (ALR). The ALR process is a civil action that proceeds separate from the criminal aspect of your case. In fact, you must attend the DMV hearing portion of ALR even if the prosecutor drops the charges or the court dismisses your criminal case. Otherwise, the state will suspend your license.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) oversees the ALR process. An administrative law judge will conduct the hearing and decide about your license at its conclusion.

If you select Randall Isenberg and his team to represent you at your Highland Park DMV hearing, we will assist you in a variety of important ways, including:

• Protecting your legal rights
• Preparing you to give testimony
• Subpoenaing witnesses
• Obtaining key evidence
• Questioning witnesses
• Making the most persuasive possible case to the judge

If necessary, we can also appeal your driver’s license suspension or petition the court on your behalf for an occupational license. This license allows you to drive to work, school, and for necessary personal reasons such as medical appointments, going to the bank, buying groceries, and going to court.

Potential Consequences of the DMV Hearing

The length of time you stand to lose your license depends on your prior record and the details of your drunk driving offense.

For a first-offense DWI, for example, you risk a driver’s license suspension of as long as one year. For subsequent offenses, or if you have any aggravating circumstances related to your offense, you could lose your license for as long as two years.

Aggravating circumstances that could extend the length of your license suspension include:

• Having open alcohol in your car
• Having a passenger younger than 15 in your car
• Causing an accident while drunk
• Causing injuries while drunk
• Causing the death of another person while drunk
• Having a BAC above 0.15

You must also pay a surcharge (between $1,000 and $2,000) under the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). TxDPS assesses this surcharge annually for a total of three years. As you can see, losing at the ALR hearing could cost you much more than just your driver’s license.

Initiating the DMV Hearing Process

The police trigger the ALR process at the time they arrest you for drunk driving. At that time, the arresting officer provides you with Form DIC-25, Notice of Suspension Temporary Driving Permit.

This form serves three purposes:

1. Advises you of the suspension of your license
2. Provides you the legal right to drive for the stated period
3. Describes the steps you must take to schedule the DMV hearing

From the date of the notification, you only have 15 days to formally request a hearing. If TxDPS does not receive your request within that period, it will suspend your license automatically.

Once TxDPS schedules your DMV hearing, it will notify you by mail of the date, time, and location.

How the DMV Hearing Relates to Your Highland Park DWI Case

The ALR process proceeds independently of your criminal case. However, the two components of a Texas DWI case are interrelated in two important ways.

1. The prosecution can use any testimony or evidence presented during the DMV hearing in your criminal DWI case: This means that any statements you make under oath in the ALR hearing can potentially affect the outcome of your drunk driving charges. For example, if you make incriminating statements during the DMV hearing, it can help the prosecutor get a conviction.
2. Your legal team can also use any testimony or evidence presented to bolster your criminal defense: As a part of the DMV hearing process, we can compel TxDPS to provide us with copies of their evidence. This provides us with our first glimpse at the strength of the prosecution’s case, potentially providing direction for our legal strategies for both the DMV hearing and the DWI charges.

We can also compel the arresting officer to appear at the DMV hearing, providing us the opportunity to question them under oath.

In the process of reviewing the evidence and questioning your arresting officer, we can identify potential weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. We can use those flaws to negotiate with the prosecutor to get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed, and we can use them during the ALR hearing to make the most robust possible case against suspending your license.

Click to contact our DMV Hearing Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Meet for Free with a Member of Our DMV Hearing Team in Highland Park

The DMV license suspension hearing process can be confusing and daunting, but you do not have to face this experience alone. When you choose the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to assist you, we will fight tooth and nail for the best possible outcome in your case.

With more than 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system, DWI attorney Randall Isenberg brings a unique level of insight to your case. To help ensure you understand your options, we offer a free case evaluation for people facing drunk driving charges and a DMV hearing in Highland Park.

To schedule your appointment, call our office today at 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

Boating while intoxicated charges carry the same penalties as drunk driving. You will face substantial monetary fines, possible jail time, and a lengthy suspension of your driver’s license. Your permanent criminal record can also make it difficult to get affordable car insurance and potentially even threaten your future career plans.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We will help you decide on the next step. Call today to see how a boating while intoxicated lawyer in Highland Park can help with your case: 214-696-9253.

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Charges Carry Serious Penalties

Upon conviction for BWI in Highland Park, you can expect to pay a high price for your crime.

The nature and severity of your penalties will depend on whether you have any past BWI or DWI convictions. You will also face elevated charges if you caused an accident, damages, injuries, or a fatality while drunk, or if you had an especially high blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Boating While Intoxicated — First Offense

For a first offense BWI, you will face Class B misdemeanor charges, punishable as follows:

• 3 days to 6 months in jail
• Fines of up to $2,000
• Driver’s license suspension of up to 1 year

Boating While Intoxicated — Second Offense

For a second offense BWI, you will face Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable as follows:

• 30 days to 1 year in jail
• Fines of up to $4,000
• Driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years

Boating While Intoxicated — Third and Subsequent Offenses

For third and subsequent BWI charges, you will face third-degree felony charges, punishable as follows:

• 2 to 10 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years

The court can also sentence you to:

• Supervised probation (community supervision)
• Perform community service
• Attend boating alcohol safety courses
• Seek substance abuse counseling
• Install an ignition interlock device on your car

You will have to pay the costs associated with any of these penalties, along with court costs and fees.

Once your driver’s license suspension period ends, you must pay a surcharge of up to $2,000 a year to reinstate your driving privileges.

How a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Lawyer Can Help

Because a BWI conviction will affect your life exactly like a drunk driving conviction, consider your options carefully before giving any statements to the police or agreeing to plead guilty to the charges.

As your boating while intoxicated lawyer, attorney Randall Isenberg will protect your legal rights and help you evaluate your options. We will represent you in both your criminal BWI case and at your ALR suspended license hearing.

Our legal team will obtain all available evidence in your case and evaluate the information to determine whether the police violated your legal rights or made any mistakes that could lead to a wrongful conviction. We can use any such information to negotiate with the prosecutor to get a reduction in charges or to have your case dismissed.

In the event we must take your case to trial, we will explore possible defense strategies, which may include:

Violations of Your Legal Rights

If the police failed to read you your Miranda rights, both verbally and in writing, or if they subjected you to an illegal search, we can file a court motion to have your case dismissed.

Lack of Probable Cause

If the police did not establish probable cause to arrest you and request chemical BAC testing, we may succeed in persuading the court to throw out that evidence. For example, if the police did not conduct your field sobriety test per the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) seated standardized field sobriety testing regulations, any subsequent evidence obtained by the police may not be admissible in your trial.

Errors in Chemical Testing for BAC

Both breathalyzer and blood testing for BAC must comply with established standards and procedures. If they did not, the results may not be accurate or admissible in court.

Our specific approach to your defense will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, you can be sure that we will do whatever we can to build a strong case on your behalf.

Understanding the Texas Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Laws

The police can arrest you for BWI if you operate a watercraft with a BAC of 0.08 or above. In the statutes, any of the following items qualify as a watercraft:

• Motorboats
• Pontoon boats
• Jet skis
• Personal watercraft (e.g., Sea-Doos)

Because the two offenses share many similarities, clients often become confused about the differences between drunk driving (DWI) and boating while intoxicated (BWI). There are three main differences of which you should be aware:

1. While DWI statutes require that you drive a vehicle on a public roadway with a BAC of 0.08 or above to violate the law, you do not need to be in a public waterway to qualify for BWI charges.
2. Although the police must have reasonable suspicion that you broke the law before making a DWI traffic stop, the Texas statutes allow the police to board any watercraft at any time to inspect the boat or conduct a search.
3. Although the statutes prohibit you from having an open container of alcohol in your car, passengers on your boat can legally have open containers.

Other than these three exceptions, the BWI and DWI offenses are essentially alike. Consequently, you should take BWI charges just as seriously as you would DWI — especially since a BWI conviction will count as a prior offense should you later face DWI charges. 

Meet With a Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) Lawyer at No Cost

With more than 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system, DWI lawyer Randall Isenberg understands how to fight for your future. Our legal team will use an extensive network of resources to obtain the information we need to build your case.

You do not have to face this serious situation alone. Call us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and case review: 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

For an underage DWI charge, you face a major fine, potential jail time, and a lengthy suspension of your driver’s license. You also might also have a permanent criminal record, which can prevent you from getting into a good school, getting student loans, landing a good job, or renting an apartment.

Talking to an underage DWI lawyer in Highland Park will help you make the right decision for your future. To ensure you understand the charges against you and the options you have, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides a free and confidential consultation.

Call our office today at 214-696-9253 to schedule an appointment.

Underage DWI Penalties in Highland Park

Your age has no bearing on the penalties for a DWI conviction. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tested at 0.08 or above, you face the same charges and penalties an older driver would.

An under-21 DWI offense carries Class B misdemeanor charges, with possible penalties that include:

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Up to 6 months in jail
• A potential 1-year driver’s license suspension

Second underage DWI offenses carry Class A misdemeanor charges with potential penalties that include:

• Up to $4,000 in fines
• Up to 1 year in jail
• A potential 2-year driver’s license suspension

Third and subsequent underage DWI offenses carry felony charges with a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison. If any aggravating circumstances apply in your case, or if you caused an accident with damages, injuries, or a fatality, you will potentially face even more serious charges.

The court can also require you to attend counseling or education courses and install an ignition interlock device on your car, both at your expense. You could receive probation and community service, and the judge can even compel your parents to attend alcohol education classes.

The record of your conviction can cause colleges and universities to deny you admission and may disqualify you for student loans. A criminal record can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or obtain a professional license.

An Underage DWI Lawyer Can Help

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we understand how scary a DWI charge can be, and we are here to help.

A DWI lawyer will protect your legal rights and fight tirelessly on your behalf. We will ensure you understand what a drunk driving conviction could mean for your future. We will explain your options, allowing you to make informed choices about your case.

Our primary goal is to get your DWI charges reduced or even dismissed. However, we can also prepare the most robust possible defense, if going to trial is necessary.

How Underage DWI Differs From Underage DUI

Underage drivers — those age 20 and younger — can face either DUI or DWI charges, depending on their level of intoxication.

Because Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving by underage drivers, you will face charges for any amount of measurable alcohol in your system. If your BAC testing registered below 0.08, you will likely face the less serious charge of DUI (driving under the influence). However, for a BAC reading of 0.08 or above, even under-21 drivers will face DWI charges.

The police do not necessarily need to have chemical test results to arrest you, however. If an officer perceives that you cannot safely operate a vehicle, they can place you under arrest for drunk driving based on that opinion alone.

Losing Your Driver’s License for an Underage DWI

Upon getting arrested for underage DWI in Highland Park, you will face two different legal processes: criminal drunk driving charges and a civil proceeding to determine what happens to your driver’s license.

The civil proceeding, known as the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process, consists of a hearing before an administrative law judge. During this hearing, the officer who arrested you will give testimony as to why the judge should suspend your license. You can also give testimony; however, the prosecutor can use anything you say during the ALR hearing against you in your criminal trial.

Having our legal team represent you for the ALR hearing provides several key benefits, including:

• Making a persuasive case for you to keep your license
• Helping you avoid making any potentially incriminating statements
• Questioning the arresting officer under oath
• Learning evidence that could strengthen your criminal defense

During the ALR process, we have our first opportunity to view the prosecutor’s evidence. This can prove invaluable for our legal strategies in your criminal case. And, if the judge does move to suspend your license, we can appeal or petition the court for an occupational license, allowing you to drive to work and school.

Click to contact our Underage DWI Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Legal Strategies for Fighting an Underage DWI Charge in Highland Park

Although we will design our legal strategy based on the details of your case, we typically look at the following options when challenging an under 21 DWI charge.

Legal Rights Violations

Any violations of your constitutional rights can potentially provide a powerful defense strategy. For example, if law enforcement failed to inform you of your right to refuse BAC testing, or if they lacked probable cause for arresting you, it could invalidate any evidence the police subsequently obtained.

Faulty BAC Testing Evidence

The police in Highland Park typically use either breathalyzer or blood testing for BAC to prove drunk driving cases. However, the technology used for these tests can fail, leading to faulty test results. In many cases, certain foods, beverages, medications, or even dental hygiene products can trigger a false positive breath test. We have two of these machines in our office, so we know how they work and how they can malfunction.

Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system. He worked both as a prosecutor and judge, giving him a unique perspective on how the prosecution will build its case against you. Our resources and experience allow us to pick apart the evidence in your case and use any potential errors or issues as leverage for negotiating for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

(214) 696-9253

Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation With an Underage DWI Lawyer

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers no-cost, no-obligation case reviews for underage drivers facing DWI charges in Highland Park.

We will discuss your case and ensure you have the information you need to make the right choices for your future. Call us today at 214-696-9253 to schedule your appointment.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

Prostitution or sex crime charges can cause shame and embarrassment not only for you but also for your family. Getting convicted for solicitation or another sex crime can ruin your life, requiring you to register as a sex offender and making it difficult — or impossible — to get a job or rent an apartment.

A prostitution and sex crime lawyer in Highland Park can help you explore your options and fight to clear your name, legally and in your community.

Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to schedule a free and confidential consultation: 214-696-9253.

Jail or Prison Time for Prostitution & Sex Crimes in Highland Park

The penalties for sex crimes in Texas all involve the likelihood of time behind bars — either a jail or prison sentence — as well as significant fines and penalties.

For example, prostitution and solicitation carry a minimum of Class B misdemeanor charges. For repeat offenses and aggravating circumstances, the prosecutor can pursue Class A misdemeanor or felony charges.

The promotion of prostitution (i.e., “pimping”) carries Class A misdemeanor charges or above. The state will elevate these charges to a felony if the individual promotes more than one person. Promoting anyone under the age of 18 carries an automatic first-degree felony charge.

The penalties involved with each charge are as follows:

Class B Misdemeanor                 Up to 6 months in jail

Fines of up to $2,000

Class A Misdemeanor                 Up to 1 year in jail

Fines of up to $4,000

State Jail Felony                            6 months to 2 years in state jail

Fines of up to $10,000

Third-Degree Felony                    2 to 10 years in prison

Fines of up to $10,000

Second-Degree Felony                2 to 20 years in prison

Fines of up to $10,000

First-Degree Felony                      5 to 99 years (life) in prison

Fines of up to $10,000

You must also pay court costs and fees. The court may impose supervised probation (also known as community supervision) and community service.

But arguably the most severe penalties you will face upon conviction for prostitution or another type of sex crime are a permanent criminal record and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

As a convicted sex offender, your options for employment and housing become significantly limited. You may become disqualified from obtaining or holding a professional license or getting student loans, and colleges and universities may deny you admission.

In some cases, this could even affect your ability to get custody of or visitation with your children.

A Prostitution & Sex Crime Lawyer Will Fight for Your Future

When Highland Park police arrest you and charge you with prostitution, solicitation, or another type of sex crime, they are not likely to explain just how serious your situation could be. In fact, the police and prosecutor will often press you to answer questions, give a statement, and agree to enter a guilty plea.

Before you make any statements to police or agree to any deal, talk to a criminal defense lawyer.

Our team will ensure that you understand the serious nature of the charges you face and how they could affect your future. We will protect your legal rights and explore every possible defense strategy, to accomplish one of the following objectives:

• Get your prostitution or sex crime charges dismissed
• Get your charges reduced to minimize the potential penalties
• Mount an aggressive criminal defense in court

With more than thirty years of experience as a felony prosecutor, state judge, and sex crimes attorney, Randall Isenberg has substantial insight into how the prosecution will build its case. With an extensive network of resources to devote to your defense, we will work tirelessly to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case.

Understanding Solicitation, Prostitution & Other Sex Crimes

The Texas laws concerning sex crimes can seem convoluted and confusing, but the harsh penalties for a conviction are much easier to comprehend. The Texas Penal Code (TPC) gives police substantial leeway for arresting suspects, even if they never engaged in physical contact or handed over any money.

The police can arrest you for merely agreeing to pay for a sexual act.

Prostitution

The statutes define this sex crime as knowingly engaging in (or agreeing to engage in) any form of sexual conduct for a fee. The fee need not be currency; the police can arrest you for accepting or agreeing to take anything of value (e.g., jewelry, drugs, food, etc.) in exchange for engaging in a sexual act.

Solicitation of Prostitution

This offense relates to the giving or offering of “valuable consideration” in exchange for a sexual act. Again, the police can arrest you for this sex crime simply because you offered to pay for a sex act, even if you did not hand over any money or have any physical contact with the offeree.

Promoting Prostitution

Commonly known as “pimping,” this offense relates to the third-party promotion of prostitution and the sharing of any money that results.

Other Sexual Offenses

In addition to solicitation, prostitution, and promoting prostitution, the TPC establishes a multitude of other sex crimes, including:

• Indecent exposure
• Public lewdness
• Indecency with a child (by contact or exposure)
• Child pornography
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault

The specific charges associated with these and related offenses may vary depending on your prior record and the circumstances of your arrest.

Mandatory Sex Offender Registration in Highland Park

Upon conviction for most types of sex crimes, you must register as a sex offender with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), where your information will appear on the Texas Public Sex Offender Website.

In Highland Park, your name and personal information will also appear on the Highland Park Police Department website. Whenever you move, you must alert the governing authorities in your new community.

The duration of your registry requirement depends on the nature of your crime. Some offenses require a 10-year registration period while others require that you register for life.

Click to contact our Sex Crimes Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Consult for Free With a Prostitution & Sex Crime Lawyer in Highland Park

You do not have to face this frightening experience alone.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg would like to offer you a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a prostitution and sex crime lawyer in Highland Park. We will answer your questions and ensure you have the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Contact us today at 214-696-9253 to schedule your appointment.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

When you violate your probation, you risk going to jail for the maximum possible sentence. Taking quick action to address the problem can help prevent the court from revoking your probation and, ideally, keep you out of jail.

Randall Isenberg, a probation violation lawyer in Highland Park, has more than three decades of experience in the Texas criminal justice system. Put this extensive background to work for you by calling us today at 214-696-9253.

What Happens When You Violate Your Probation in Highland Park

Violating probation can carry a variety of penalties, including the following:

• Loss of key legal rights
• Maximum jail or prison term
• Fines, fees, and court costs
• Community service
• Court-ordered counseling or treatment

The exact penalties associated with your case will depend on your original agreement for probation. However, if your agreement involved deferred adjudication, a probation violation could result in you having a permanent criminal record that you otherwise may have avoided.

Having a permanent record can interfere with your ability to get a job, rent a house, and obtain professional licensing. For felony charges, having a conviction on your record can prevent you from voting, sitting on a jury, or owning or possessing a firearm.

A Probation Violation Lawyer Protects Your Legal Rights

Violating probation in Highland Park will cost you two critical legal rights: your right to a jury trial and the legal concept known as the reasonable doubt standard.

1. You will lose your right to a trial by jury: Instead, a judge (typically the judge who presided over your original case) will hear your probation violation case and maintains the ultimate decision-making authority for your outcome and punishment.
2. You lose your right to the reasonable doubt standard: In your original case, the prosecutor had to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. For a probation violation case, the prosecution only needs to prove your guilt by a preponderance of the evidence.

Without these two critical rights on your side, you could quickly find yourself behind bars after violating your community supervision agreement. For that reason, having a criminal defense lawyer to represent you can help preserve those rights you do have left.

You maintain the right to:

1. Have legal counsel represent you throughout your probation violation proceedings
2. Enter a plea to the charge that you violated probation
3. Present evidence and testimony in your own defense

When you choose Randall and the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to represent you in your probation violation, we will protect your legal rights and fight to find the best possible resolution for your case.

We will ensure that you understand the seriousness of these allegations and help you determine the best possible option for resolving the situation. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better our chances may be for negotiating with the prosecutor or working out a new or revised community supervision agreement with the court.

The worst thing you can do when accused of violating your probation is to do nothing.

How Probation Violation Process Works in Highland Park

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) dictates how this process works in Highland Park and throughout the state of Texas. When we refer to community supervision or probation, we generally refer to a suspended sentence agreement. However, some clients receive a deferred adjudication agreement instead.

The way the process works in your case will depend on which type of agreement you entered into with the court originally.

Deferred Adjudication

If the court delayed rendering a verdict in your case to allow you to complete the terms of your agreement, this is called deferred adjudication. Completing the terms of this agreement typically allows you to avoid going to jail or having a criminal record.

Upon violation, the court will render a guilty verdict and impose the maximum possible sentence for your offense. The court enforces revocation of your probation through a motion to adjudicate and a subsequent hearing, after which the judge will render a decision.

Suspended Sentence

If you agreed to plead guilty to a specific offense in exchange for staying out of jail or prison, you likely have a suspended sentence agreement. Violating your agreement will lead to the filing of a motion to revoke probation followed by a hearing with the original judge in your case. Upon making the decision to withdraw your agreement, the judge will order you to serve out the sentence the court initially handed down.

Moving quickly to get our legal team involved may help you avoid an adjudication or revocation hearing and allow us to renegotiate the terms of your original agreement in a way that satisfies the court and keeps you out of jail or prison.

Understanding Probation Violations & Their Outcomes

The elements of a probation violation case can cause confusion, particularly if you do not understand how the process works. The primary reason is that many people on probation do not realize the many actions and behaviors that may result in a violation.

Your original community supervision agreement contained specific terms and conditions that the court required of you. Failing to adhere to any one of those conditions violates your probation immediately.

Some of the most common terms and conditions you could violate include the following:

• Completing community service obligations
• Completing required education classes
• Completing the required counseling or rehab
• Paying fines, fees, and court costs
• Maintaining gainful employment
• Avoiding further run-ins with the law or association with known criminals
• Attending scheduled check-ins with your probation officer (PO)
• Abstaining from drug and alcohol use

The court understands that life circumstances may affect your ability to adhere to your requirements. However, you must take a proactive stance in bringing these issues to the attention of your PO.

For example, if you missed a drug test or check-in, having our legal team intervene with your PO could help you avoid revocation of your probation agreement. Or, if you lost your job due to unavoidable circumstances (the company went out of business, for example), we can work with your PO and the court to establish a timeline for finding a new job.

Unless you move to resolve the situation immediately, however, your PO will move quickly to revoke your probation and possibly your freedom.

Click to contact our Probation Violation Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Talk to a Probation Violation Lawyer in Highland Park Today at No Cost

 The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers a free consultation to help you determine your next steps. If you suspect you committed a violation, or if your PO may believe you did, we can help you identify potential, workable solutions.

To schedule your free case review, call us today at 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

Although the police and prosecutor may try to convince you differently, a first-offense DWI is a big deal. You will pay a considerable fine, lose your driver’s license, and possibly even go to jail.

Before you make any decisions or agree to plead guilty, learn more about your options from a first-offense DWI lawyer in Highland Park. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides a complimentary consultation and case review, so that you can make the best decision for your future.

Contact us today at 214-696-9253 to schedule your appointment.

The High Price of a First-Offense DWI Conviction

Never assume that a drunk driving charge — even your first DWI offense — is no big deal.

If the court convicts you for your first DWI offense in Highland Park, you will face some or all of the following penalties:

• Fines, fees, and court costs
• Driver’s license suspension
• Jail time and/or community supervision (probation)
• Mandatory education, counseling, or treatment
• Community service

You will also have a permanent criminal record.

A criminal record will disrupt your life in ways you may never have imagined. Employers can deny you a job because you have a DWI conviction on your record. Landlords and property managers can refuse to rent to you. You might also permanently lose any professional licenses you hold.

You may also find it impossible to obtain affordable car insurance, once you have a DWI on your record.

Why You Should Talk to a First Time DWI Lawyer in Highland Park

The prosecutor in your case may offer you a deal if you agree to plead guilty. They may tell you that pleading guilty will allow you to avoid spending time in jail.

What they likely will not tell you is exactly how seriously a conviction will affect your life.

When you talk to a Highland Park DWI lawyer — like attorney Randall Isenberg — you will get the full story. Our legal team will explain exactly how a conviction will affect your life and help you explore your options.

Having a criminal defense lawyer on your side provides a host of advantages, including:

• Protecting your legal rights
• Protecting you from self-incrimination
• Identifying potential flaws in the prosecutor’s case
• Building the most robust possible case in your defense
• Fighting to help you keep your driving privileges

No matter how much the prosecutor tries to convince you they have an open-and-shut case, let a DWI lawyer give you the straight story. With all the necessary information, you can make an informed decision after your case. Even if the prosecutor has seemingly damning breathalyzer or blood testing evidence, this does not guarantee a negative outcome for your case.

Randall and his legal team will fight for your future, your freedom, and your driver’s license. We will obtain all available evidence and identify any potential problems with your case. We will negotiate with the prosecutor to get your charges reduced or dismissed or, if necessary, we will prepare your case and defend you in court.

Penalties for a First Time DWI in Highland Park

Although the specific penalties you will face for a first-offense DWI will depend on the facts and evidence in your case, you face the very real possibility of spending time behind bars.

The Texas Penal Code (TPC) establishes the definition of DWI as lacking the “mental and/or physical capacity to safely operate a motor vehicle.” The police typically look to chemical testing for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to prove the charge. However, an officer can arrest you even without a BAC test, if he believes you are intoxicated.

For most first-offense DWIs, the prosecutor will pursue a Class B misdemeanor charge if your BAC ranged between 0.08 and 0.149. The penalties for conviction on a Class B misdemeanor charge include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Potential 1-year license suspension

You will likely face Class A misdemeanor charges if your BAC registered at 0.15 or more. Potential penalties include:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $4,000 in fines
• Potential 2-year license suspension

If you had an open container or a minor child in your car, you will face more serious penalties — potentially with a felony DWI charge. Likewise, if you cause an accident, damage, injury, or death while driving drunk, you will face felony DWI charges with $10,000 in fines and the possibility of spending 10 years or more in prison.

You will also face a litany of other penalties, including the following:

• Probation
• Community service
• Substance counseling
• Installation of an ignition interlock

After your license suspension, you must pay a substantial annual surcharge — up to $2,000 — for three years.

You will also have a permanent record. This means that anyone who runs a background check on you can see your crime and potentially use it to deny you a job, an apartment, or a professional license. You may be able to have your record sealed for a first-offense DWI, but the process is complex.

Potential Legal Defense Strategies for a First-Offense DWI in Highland Park

Our legal team will devise your defense strategies based on the facts and evidence in your case. Typical defense strategies for a DWI charge include the following:

Lack Of Reasonable Suspicion

Police officers must have reasonable suspicion that you broke the law before pulling you over. Without reasonable suspicion, we may challenge the validity of the evidence obtained in your case.

Lack Of Probable Cause

During a traffic stop for DWI in Highland Park, officers must establish probable cause of your legal intoxication before arresting you or requesting BAC testing. If the police lacked probable cause, we can challenge any evidence they obtained.

Invalid BAC Test Results

Although you may believe that BAC testing is sufficient to get you convicted for a first-offense DWI, these tests are prone to a variety of errors. We can evaluate the condition of the breathalyzer equipment, the qualifications of the testing technician, or the lab’s handling of your sample. Any potential error could invalidate this evidence.

Our team will employ our vast network of resources to obtain and evaluate the evidence in your case and build the most persuasive possible defense on your behalf.

Click to contact our First Offense DWI Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Meet With a First-Offense DWI Lawyer in Highland Park Today for FREE

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for individuals facing a first-offense DWI charge in Highland Park. Facing drunk driving charges can be frightening, but you do not have to deal with it alone.

For a free case evaluation, contact us today at 214-696-9253.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253