Denton DWI Lawyer

Texas is particularly harsh on individuals who are found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While these laws are in place to protect other people on the roads, they can be detrimental to those facing DWI charges. If you are facing DWI charges, a Denton DWI lawyer from Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, can help you mount a strong defense. They can help you navigate the criminal defense process and leverage effective legal strategies to protect your driving privileges.

Denton County DWI Attorney

If you have been accused of DWI in North Texas, contact our law office for a free consultation.

Lawyers Spencer Robuck and Gina Morgan can assist with:

• DWI 1st, 2nd, 3rd or more,
• Intoxication Assault/Manslaughter,
• DWI with Child Passenger
• and other Intoxication crimes

Such crimes can sometimes result in a suspended license or other consequences, but they can also be expunged in certain circumstances.

What Is Driving Under the Influence in Texas?

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined in Texas as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, and also includes when a person does not have the normal use of mental faculties and/or the normal use of physical faculties. A DWI charge can arise when a person is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any drug. DWI crimes do not only apply to cars; they also extend to include those driving boats and planes.

What Are DWI Crimes Committed by Minors in Texas?

In Texas, DWI laws are even stricter for those under the age of 21, as Texas has a Zero Tolerance Law when it comes to driving under the influence. Therefore, drivers under the age of 21 who are found to be operating a motor vehicle with even a trace of drugs or alcohol in their system can be charged with a DWI crime. DUI Minor, which is different than DWI, is a Class C ticket.

Minors dealing with first-offense charges can have their license suspended for up to a year with a maximum of $500 in fines. They will also be required to enroll in an intensive Alcohol Education Program. There may be an option to get a lesser period of license suspension if the judge assigns community service and installation of an ignition interlock device.

If you or your child is facing a DWI crime charge in Texas, it is critical to work with an experienced lawyer who can defend their case. Having a criminal record can severely impact the ability of your child to pursue certain educational, employment, or immigration opportunities, which could have a long-lasting impact on their life. Therefore, it is critical to act quickly and speak with a dedicated lawyer from our team who can help you fight these charges.

What Criminal Penalties Can I Face for a DWI Crime in Texas?

For individuals who are at least 21 years old, DWI crime penalties are dependent on the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the charges, and whether there were any aggravating factors. People under 21 can be charged with DWI, however no one over 21 can be charged with DUI Minor. An experienced DWI criminal defense lawyer can analyze the details of your case and charges to help you understand the possible criminal penalties you may be facing. Depending on your case, your penalties can include the following:

• Jail or prison time. Jail time is required for all drivers found guilty of DWI crimes – regardless of their criminal history. While a first and second offense are misdemeanor charges that cannot amount to more than one year in jail, a third or greater offense is a felony offense in Texas, meaning those found guilty can face years in prison.
• Serious fines. Getting a DWI is expensive. For example, for a third DWI offense, you can be charged up to $10,000 in fines. Furthermore, the fines issued by the judge on your case are separate from the potential annual surcharge you may have to pay to be able to keep the driver’s license.
• License suspension. Even first-time DWI offenders can face up to one year of license suspension. This can be particularly jarring, as many Texans use their vehicles to get to work, school, and carry out other crucial activities. With public transport being limited in Denton, it’s crucial for those accused to defend their right to drive.
• DWI education program. Depending on the details of the case and the discretion of the judge, there may be alternative sentencing options available. A judge may order you to complete a DWI education program in replacement of periods of jail time or license suspension.
• Installation of Ignition Interlock Device (IID). A judge may order you to pay to have an IID installed in your vehicle as a condition of being able to drive again. This device is installed so that the driver must blow a certain blood alcohol level before the car can start. Blowing above the legal limit can lead to authorities being alerted. They can also receive alerts if the device has been tampered with or if anyone attempts to remove it.

An experienced lawyer can analyze the details of your case and work closely with you to fight for minimal sentencing. They can also help you explore options such as alternative sentencing, working to get you mandatory community service, or education programs to help avoid long periods of jail time or license suspension.

What Are Administrative Penalties for a DWI in Texas?

As Texas has an implied consent law, anyone who drives in the state is automatically consenting to a chemical test, such as a breath or blood test. Those who refuse testing after being pulled over can face administrative penalties in addition to criminal penalties. There are also general administrative penalties associated with DWI charges, known as Administrative License Revocation (ALR). ALR is overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

These administrative penalties mean that anyone who fails or does not submit to a drug test can be subject to license suspension. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer can help you successfully navigate the civil processes associated with receiving a DUI. They can also help you understand the potential civil penalties you may be facing based on your case and work to help you mount a strong defense.

Texas DWI With a Child Passenger Crimes

In Texas, DWI with a child passenger crimes are extremely serious, with more severe criminal penalties than other types of DWI crimes. This type of offense involves driving under the influence with a child who is under the age of 15 in the car. Even if the crime is a first-time offense, the defendant can be facing up to $10,000 fines and a maximum of two years in prison.

As DWI with a child passenger crimes are incredibly serious, it is important to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so they can start building your defense strategy. They can help you understand your charges and the potential penalties you could be facing. They can also work to protect your rights and ensure they are not breached before or throughout your criminal proceedings.

FAQs

Defend Your Right to Drive With a Fierce Denton DWI Lawyer

As being convicted of a DWI crime comes with serious multiple penalties, such as jail time, fines, revocation of your driver’s license, and other collateral consequences, it is important to work with an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer. A compassionate DWI attorney from Robuck Morgan Law Firm, PLLC, is ready to take on your case and fight to defend your rights and your interests. Contact us today to begin building your DWI defense strategy.