Facing a DWI at any age is a stressful, humbling ordeal, but perhaps even more so when you are young and have a clean record with your entire future ahead of you. Getting charged with an underage DWI can mean jail time and fines, not to mention probation and loss of driving privileges. If you have been arrested or cited with drunk driving, contact an underage DWI lawyer in Dallas, TX at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg for information about your rights, and responsibilities. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers can make sure you get best possible outcome: 214-696-9253.

I thought minors received DUIs in Texas? Why did I get a DWI instead?

In most cases, no. Texas is notably strict when it comes to underage drinking. The state enforces a zero-tolerance policy, which means that any alcohol in a driver under the age of 21 – even a trace amount of 0.01 – can result in drunk driving charges (an underage DUI).

Some compassionate officers will give young drivers a DUI rather than a DWI. However, it is up to the officer’s discretion and receiving a DUI rather than a DWI charge is rare. In most cases, if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or over, you will face DWI charges.

In either case, if you or your child is facing charges for underage drinking and driving, talk an attorney from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg as soon as possible to find out what you are up against and how to fight the charges.

What are the penalties for underage DWI in Dallas?

Pursuant to Texas Code § 49.04, a DWI is a Class B misdemeanor in Dallas, Texas. If the court convicts you of underage DWI, you could face:

• A fine of up to $2,000;
• 3 to 180 days in county jail;
• A 90-day to 1-year license suspension; and

The penalties worsen if you have prior drunk driving charges on your record or if there were other aggravating factors involved. For example, a second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor and will double your fine to $4,000, double the length of your license suspension to 2 years, and increase your jail time up to a year. A third DWI could mean a whopping $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison, and the court will mandate that you install a special ignition switch on your car.

Aggravated underage drinking cases can include charges such as:

• Driving with an open container: Triggers an automatic minimum jail sentence of at least 6 days.
• Driving with a BAC of 0.15 or higher: Upgrades charges to a Class A misdemeanor, which means up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine, even if it is your first offense.
• Driving with a child passenger: If you were driving while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 15 in the car, you could spend up to 2 years in jail and have to pay a $10,000 fine.
• Giving alcohol to a minor: If you furnished a minor with alcohol, it could be a separate charge with penalties up to $4,000 in fines and a year in jail.
• Causing bodily injury: If you were intoxicated and caused someone serious bodily injury (known as “intoxication assault”), you will face third-degree felony charges.
• Intoxication manslaughter: If you were intoxicated and caused an accident in which someone died, you will face a $10,000 fine, a driver’s license suspension of 180 days to 2 years, and jail time between 2 and 20 years.

How can an underage DWI lawyer help with my Dallas, TX case?

Defending drunk driving charges is one our primary practice areas at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. We know how scary facing DWI charges can be and the impact a marred criminal record can have on your future, not to mention the effect a conviction will have on your insurance premiums. When you work with our firm, our main goals will be to protect your rights during the process, help you avoid jail time, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

After a quick investigation of the facts of your case, we will discuss the best way to approach your charges in light of your circumstances. We might be able to intervene early before the state has filed official charges and prevent those charges altogether. Sometimes, we can challenge the breath or blood test, the officer’s right to pull you over, or the basis for the search and seizure and get the case dropped.

In other cases, we might bargain with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced from a DWI to a lesser DUI charge, which carries fewer penalties. In cases where a dismissal is not possible, we will seek probation instead of jail time and try to get the court to minimize the fines and throw out the license suspension.

Charged with underage DWI in Dallas? Speak to a lawyer now.

You need legal representation fast following an arrest for underage DWI in Dallas. Our Dallas DWI lawyers at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. The initial call is free. After hearing your story, we can direct you on the next steps to take and explain how we may be able to help.

Call our office at 214-696-9253 today.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

If you or a loved one is facing DWI charges, we can provide you with a DWI reduction lawyer in Dallas, Texas to protect your rights. We may be able to reduce your DWI charges depending on the circumstances of your arrest and other details of your case. 

By reducing the charges against you, we can enable you to get home faster while spending less money and less time behind bars. Even if we are unable to reduce your charges, there are other paths our Dallas Criminal Defense lawyers can pursue to minimize the effects of DWI conviction on your life.

What Options Can We Pursue to Reduce DWI Charges?

Our legal strategy depends on the specifics of each case, such as:

• Whether or not this is your first offense
• The presence of other DWI-related charges (e.g., intoxication manslaughter) and how serious they are
• The strength of the case against you
• How old you are

These are some of the options we may pursue to reduce the charges you are facing:

Reduce a DWI to Reckless Driving or Obstruction Charges

TX Transportation Code § 545.401 defines reckless driving as driving “a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Meanwhile, roadway obstruction, per TX Penal Code § 42.03, is defined as blocking any road or pathway to which “the public or a substantial group of the public has access.”

Both reckless driving and obstruction carry less serious penalties than a DWI. For example, a reckless driving charge has a maximum sentence of:

• A $200 fine
• Up to 30 days in county jail

However, many people serve no jail time for this offense, and the administrative license revocation (that is, the amount of time you must spend without your driver’s license) lasts only 30 days. On the other hand, a first DWI conviction often comes with:

• A fine of up to $2,000
• Between 3 days and 6 months in jail
• A year-long driver’s license suspension

A second DWI increases these maximums, and a third charge is a felony offense. Felonies are the most serious charges of all, and the potential penalties can be life-altering.

We have successfully reduced the charges for other DWI clients in the past, thus allowing them to return to their normal lives sooner. However, if reduction is not an option in your case for any reason, a DWI reduction lawyer from our Dallas firm can investigate other options.

Reduce Felony to Misdemeanor

Alternatively, we may negotiate to reduce your felony DWI charges to misdemeanor charges. We could also pursue dropping Class A misdemeanor charges to Class B misdemeanor charges. Either way, this could lower the penalties you face considerably.

For example, per TX Penal Code §12.21 & 12.22:

• Maximum prison time for a third-degree felony is 10 years, while maximum jail time for a Class A misdemeanor is 1 year.
• Maximum jail time for a Class A misdemeanor is 1 year versus 6 months for a Class B misdemeanor.
• The maximum fine for a third-degree felony is $10,000. This is far more than the fine for a Class A misdemeanor ($4,000), which in turn is double the maximum fine for a Class B misdemeanor.

Furthermore, the more serious the charge against you, the more difficult it may be for you to expunge your criminal record down the line. By reducing the charges, we can make it easier for you to wipe the slate clean.

Reduce BAC Score to Below 0.15

If law enforcement measured your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as 0.15 or above, we may fight to drop it to below 0.15. If successful, you may qualify to file a petition for non-disclosure, which essentially means you can seal your record from the public. A sealed record keeps potential employers and other interested parties from seeing the charges.

What Legal Maneuvers Can We Use to Fight or Reduce DWI Penalties?

Aside from fighting to reduce your charges, our team at Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg could pursue case dismissal or acquittal at trial.

Filing Motion for Speedy Trial

We may argue that the state failed to proceed on your case in a timely manner. If the state fails to pursue the case within a certain period of time, we can ask a judge to dismiss the charges.

Negotiating Terms, Including Length of Sentence

We may negotiate with the state for a reduced sentence that minimizes the impact the DWI has on your everyday life. For example, we might be able to:

• Reduce your jail time by arranging for you to attend alcohol treatment classes or to do community service
• Allow you to serve probation instead of jail time
• Point out mitigating circumstances or persuade the judge that justice will not be served by a lengthy sentence

Fighting for Acquittal at Trial

If we are unable to get the charges dismissed or reach a plea bargain before trial, we can present your case in court, arguing for acquittal on your DWI charges. As a former judge and state prosecutor, attorney Randall Isenberg has significant experience in courtrooms and knows how to build and present your defense in front of a judge or jury.

To defend your rights in court, we will:

• Prepare and submit trial exhibits in a timely manner
• File motions and raise objections as necessary
• Locate witnesses to testify on your behalf
• Question our witnesses and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses
• Prepare and present opening and closing arguments

Fighting DWI charges can present many challenges, all of which our team can handle for you. By building a strong defense and fighting to disprove the state’s case, we may successfully convince prosecutors to file a lesser charge, which could drastically reduce the consequences of a conviction.

Speak with Us About Minimizing the Effects of Your DWI

Dallas DWI attorney Randall Isenberg is a former prosecutor and judge, so he understands both sides of drunk driving cases. We can use our experience to work within the system to negotiate for a charge reduction or lesser penalties. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 to schedule a free consultation.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

Drug-related DWI charges carry the same harsh penalties as a drunk driving offense. Depending on your prior criminal record and other factors, you face exorbitant fines, possible jail time, and suspension of your driver’s license. You will also have a permanent criminal record that can be used against you in many parts of your life. Unlike drunk driving, marijuana DWI is a complex area of the law that presents a variety of unique challenges. Contact a DWI marijuana lawyer in Dallas for help. Our experienced Dallas DWI attorneys offer a no-cost case review, to help you decide the best course of action.

Penalties for DWI With Marijuana in Dallas

The penalties for a drug-related DWI are identical to those for an alcohol-related offense. Upon arrest, you will face criminal charges ranging from a Class B misdemeanor to a felony offense. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers are ready to help you get the best outcome for your case. Each of these crimes carries maximum potential penalties as follows.

Class B Misdemeanor – up to six months in jail, $2,000 fine, one-year suspension of your driver’s license

Class A Misdemeanor – up to one year in jail, $4,000 fine, two-year suspension of your driver’s license

Third-Degree Felony – two to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine, two-year suspension of your driver’s license

Second-Degree Felony – two to 20 years in prison, $10,000 fine, two-year suspension of your driver’s license

First-Degree Felony – up to 99 years in prison, two-year suspension of your driver’s license

You also face the genuine possibility of probation, community service, and court-ordered substance abuse treatment. You must pay all court costs and fees as well as a $1,000 to $2,000 surcharge to get your driver’s license back after your suspension ends. You must pay this surcharge annually for three years to retain your license.

Finally, just like an alcohol-related DWI, you will have a permanent criminal record. Employers, landlords, and others may use your record to deny you jobs, housing, and many types of professional licenses. The difference is that, for drug-related DWI, you may be disqualified from receiving student loans and participating in many governmental programs.

You Will Also Lose Your Driver’s License for a Marijuana DWI

When the police arrest you for DWI with marijuana, it triggers the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. This civil proceeding for suspending your driver’s license runs concurrently with your criminal case.

In Texas, anyone caught in possession of a controlled substance can be subject to legal ramifications. Depending on your situation, you could be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. The factors that determine this include the amount and type of drug allegedly found in your possession.

While the degree of your charge is contingent on a variety of actors, drug-related crimes are serious and can be difficult to understand. If you’re convicted of possession of drugs, meeting with a Dallas drug crime lawyer can help you determine a plan of action.

If you want to argue against the suspension of your license, you must request and schedule a formal hearing. This hearing, overseen by an administrative law judge, allows you to present a case in defense of your driver’s license.

When you enlist the assistance of a DWI marijuana lawyer, your legal team can leverage the ALR hearing to obtain critical evidence in your case. Your lawyer can also compel the arresting officer and others to testify under oath at the hearing. This allows your lawyer to question witnesses to help make your case.

How a DWI Marijuana Lawyer in Dallas Can Help You

Because marijuana and its derivatives are legal in several states, this complex area of the law is rapidly changing based on case law and statutory updates. Dallas’ own laws are changing. Even so, the Texas state laws have not adapted accordingly. Consequently, having a DWI marijuana lawyer in Dallas on your side will protect your legal rights and help you obtain the best possible result.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides a full range of legal services, which include:

• Investigating your case and assembling evidence
• Developing comprehensive legal defense strategies
• Negotiating to have your charges reduced or dropped
• Preparing your case for court, if necessary

Many of the same legal defense strategies used in standard DWI cases may also work for drug-related DWI.

• Lack of reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle
• Lack of probable cause to place you under arrest
• Problems related to the blood testing process

We select defense strategies for your case based on the facts and evidence gathered during our initial investigation. We negotiate with the prosecutor with the goal of having your charges reduced or dropped. However, we can also pursue your case in court.

The prosecutor may urge you to enter a guilty plea. However, before you choose this option, consider talking to a DWI lawyer at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg to discuss your case.

The Complex Nature of a Drug-Related DWI

In Dallas and throughout Texas, marijuana is illegal in all forms, even for medical use. Consequently, you can be arrested for driving while intoxicated if you have any detectable trace of the drug in your blood stream. This applies while operating a motor vehicle as well as flying, boating and assembling or operating an amusement park ride.

Aggravating factors that may increase your charges and penalties include:

• Having prior DWI convictions (alcohol, drugs, or a combination)
• Having an open container of alcohol in your car
• Having a child below age 15 in the vehicle
• Causing a marijuana DWI accident
• Causing a marijuana DW accident with property damage
• Causing a marijuana DW accident with injuries or a fatality

If the police suspect you drove while intoxicated on cannabis, they will request a blood test. Unfortunately, you could retain traces of THC in your bloodstream days or weeks after smoking marijuana or consuming edibles.

The prosecutor may also add a drug possession charge to your case if the police found you to be in possession of any marijuana or drug paraphernalia. That can potentially add substantially to the penalties you face.

For these reasons, consider talking to a DWI marijuana lawyer in Dallas before you decide on the next step.

Click to contact our DWI Marijuana Lawyers today

(214) 696-9253

Call Now for a Free DWI Marijuana Consultation

An alcohol DWI can severely impact your life. A drug-related DWI can potentially harm you even more. Before making any decisions about your case or giving a statement to the police, take advantage of the free marijuana DWI consultation offered by the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg.

We will fight for your rights and work to help you achieve the best possible result in your case. Call our law office today for help.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253

In Dallas, a conviction on grand theft auto charges could potentially send you to prison for decades. You will face a substantial fine along with the possibility of probation and community service. You will also have a public criminal record that can profoundly affect your life. A grand theft auto lawyer in Dallas can help. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provides aggressive criminal defense for clients facing vehicular theft charges. We fight for your future and the best possible outcome in your case.

For a free consultation and case review, call us now at 214-696-9253.

Penalties for Grand Theft Auto in Dallas

The Texas statutes classify grand theft auto under the general category of “Theft,” defined as appropriating the property another without their consent or knowledge.

Although you may think of auto theft as the breaking into a vehicle and driving away under cover of darkness, you can also face these serious criminal charges if you purchase a car using a bad check, forge a title, or otherwise obtain the vehicle by any fraudulent means.

For a vehicle valued between $750 and $2,499, you will face Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable by:

• One year in jail
• $4,000 monetary fine

If the vehicle’s value was between $2,500 and $29,999, you face a state jail felony, punishable by:

• Six months to two years in state jail
• $10,000 monetary fine

If the vehicle’s value was more than $30,000 but less than $150,000, you face a third-degree felony, punishable by:

• Two to 10 years in prison
• $10,000 monetary fine

If the value of the stolen vehicle(s) ranges from $150,000 to $300,000, you face a second-degree felony, punishable by:

• Two to 20 years in prison
• $10,000 monetary fine

Finally, if you stole a vehicle worth $300,000 or more, you will face a first-degree felony charge, punishable by:

• Five to 99 years (life) in prison
• $10,000 monetary fine

Several aggravating factors can increase the severity of the charges you face. Those factors are as follows.

• You were a public servant at the time of the theft, and the car you stole was under your job-related control
• You were a government contractor at the time, and the car you stole was under your job-related control
• The property owner was an elder adult or a nonprofit entity
• You caused a fire alarm to sound during the commission of the theft
• You disarmed or deactivated a fire alarm during the commission of the theft

You may also face more serious charges if you:

• Have a prior criminal record
• Had a weapon in your possession
• Caused any property damage
• Caused anyone to sustain injuries
• Caused a fatality

Joyriding is also a crime in Dallas. If you use another person’s car, boat, or plane without permission, you will face state jail felony charges – even if you returned the vehicle when you were done.

Tampering with or altering a vehicle serial number qualifies as a Class A misdemeanor, a charge that the prosecutor will typically add on to other charges you face in connection with a vehicle theft.

If you stole a vehicle containing valuable goods, the prosecutor could tack on theft of cargo charges, in addition to your other crimes.

For carjacking offenses, you can expect the prosecutor to tack on additional charges for assault, aggravated assault, or other offenses based on the events that transpired.

In addition to the penalties noted above, you also face court-mandated probation, community service, and restitution. You must pay court fees and costs and attend any educational or counseling programs mandated by the court. You will also acquire a permanent criminal record, which can prevent you from getting a job, getting into college, or holding a professional license.

How a Dallas Grand Theft Auto Lawyer Can Help You?

When you trust a Dallas grand theft auto lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you will have knowledge and experience of our entire legal team fighting for you.

Our comprehensive legal services include:

Investigation of Your Case

Using our network of resources, we investigate your case and obtain critical evidence to inform the development of your legal defense.

Development of Criminal Defense Strategies

Based on the information obtained through our investigation, we develop the most effective criminal defense strategies for your case.

Negotiation With the Prosecutor

Using any errors or weaknesses in your case, we negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Throughout the process, we protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the fair treatment you are entitled to by law. We represent you in all matters related to your case and provide proactive communication. We answer your questions and ensure that you understand your options.

Although we always seek to negotiate the best possible outcome with the prosecutor, we will prepare your case for trial and defend you in court, if necessary.

Potential Grand Theft Auto Legal Defense Strategies

To get a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you:

• Did not own the vehicle
• Knew the vehicle was stolen
• Took the vehicle without the owner’s permission
• Had no intention of returning the vehicle

In many cases, innocent people purchase used cars or trucks from Craigslist or other sources, having no idea the vehicle was stolen. But, if the police stop you while driving the vehicle, they can arrest you and press grand theft auto charges.

We develop legal defense strategies based on the details of your case. Some of the most common approaches that we use include:

• You did not know that the vehicle was stolen
• You had no intent to steal the vehicle
• You had the owner’s permission to drive the vehicle

Whatever legal defense strategies we select, we will build the most persuasive case and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome.

Call Now for a No-Cost Grand Theft Auto Consultation

If you are currently facing a grand theft auto charge, or if law enforcement has you under investigation for this crime, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, Attorney Randall Isenberg has more than 35 years of experience in the Texas criminal justice system. Contact us today and let our legal team put this knowledge and insight to work for you.

Call 214-696-9253 now for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and a case review.

Call or text or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

(214) 696-9253