DWI 1st Offense in Georgetown

DWI first is a misdemeanor offense in Texas. Everyone arrested for DWI in Georgetown will face prosecution for a Class A or B misdemeanor, depending on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A first-time DWI charge becomes a felony if young children were in the vehicle, or if there was an accident and someone was seriously injured. 

• What is the penalty for DWI 1st in Georgetown?A first-time DWI charge in Georgetown is a Class B misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $3,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 6 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent, and results in a Texas driver’s license suspension. Learn more. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GEORGETOWN DWI ARREST?

It’s important to make a plan and take action. Many people arrested for a first-time DWI in Georgetown have never been arrested before. Immediately after release from the Williamson County Jail, you will need to retrieve your property, secure your driver’s license and privileges, and hire an experienced Georgetown DWI lawyer. Learn more.

• What happens when you get your first DWI in Georgetown?After a first-time DWI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety takes action to suspend your driving privileges, and the Williamson County Attorney begins working to convict and punish you for the DWI charge.
  
  

• How do I get a DWI dismissed in Georgetown?DWI charges are dismissed daily in Williamson county courtrooms. Charges are not dismissed through goodwill or luck, rather they are dismissed because a powerful defense forced the State prosecutors to dismiss the charge. Fight back with a high-powered defense. Learn more.
  
  

• How do you get out of a Georgetown DWI charge?Getting out of a DWI charge requires challenging the State’s evidence, applying relevant Texas law, and relentlessly looking for an opportunity to leverage a State weakness or error into a defense advantage. Learn more.
  
  
  
  Retaining the best possible DWI lawyer in Georgetown to challenge the State’s probable cause for arrest, attack the forensic analysis performed, and do everything possible to obtain a dismissal or reduction.

• What to do if you get a DWI 1st in Georgetown?The very first step to take after getting a DWI 1st charge in Georgetown is to contact a Georgetown DUI lawyer. While there are many attorneys in Georgetown, very few have a practice that focuses on DWI charges. Learn more.

HOW LONG DO YOU SIT IN JAIL FOR DWI IN GEORGETOWN?

The average time in the Williamson county jail for a first-time DWI charge is 18-24 hours. Magistrate judges will set a bond for release or approve a personal recognizance (PR) bond.

• How much is bond for a Georgetown DWI first charge?Williamson county magistrates typically set bond at $5,000.00 or less for DWI first offenses.
  
  

• How much is bail for a DWI in Georgetown?Typically bail bond companies will charge 10% or less of whatever the bond amount is. It usually costs less than $1,000.00 to pay a Williamson county bail bond company to post bond for a first-time DWI charge. Learn more.

WHAT ARE PENALTIES FOR DWI 1st IN GEORGETOWN?

In addition to a permanent criminal conviction and jail time, DWI negatively impacts student financial aid and college admissions. DWI convictions also restrict a person’s right to bear arms and travel outside of Williamson county. Driving privileges, especially those of commercial drivers, are subject to lengthy periods of suspension for DWI. Learn more.

• What are the penalties for Class B DWI charge in Georgetown?DWI with a BAC below .15 is a Class B misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $3,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 6 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent, and results in a driver license suspension.

• What are the penalties for DWI .15+ charge in Georgetown?DWI with a BAC of .15 or higher is a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $6,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 12 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent, and results in a driver license suspension.

• What are the penalties for DWI with Open Container in Georgetown?DWI with an Open Container is a Class A or B misdemeanor. A person convicted of DWI with an Open Container faces a minimum of 6 days in jail. Learn more.

• What are the penalties for DWI with Child Passenger in Williamson County?DWI with a Child Passenger is a State Jail Felony. The maximum fine is $10,000.00, and the maximum period of confinement is 24 months in a State Jail Facility. A conviction for this offense is permanent, and results in a driver license suspension as well other serious, collateral consequences associated with being a convicted felon.

• What are the penalties for Georgetown DUI Charges?A first-time DUI charge in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $500.00. A conviction for this offense is permanent and results in a driver’s license suspension. Defendants also face court-ordered drug and alcohol awareness classes, as well as community service, and driving safety courses. Learn more.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A COURT DATE FOR DWI IN GEORGETOWN?

The statute of limitations for DWI is 24 months. The first court date in Hays county for a DWI charge will typically be delayed until all forensic evidence is available. This can take multiple months depending on the case, and State workload.

• How long does a DWI case take in Williamson county courts?DWI cases take 8-10 months, on average, before a resolution is reached. There is no time limit imposed by law for how soon a case must be resolved.

• What happens if you refuse a DWI blood alcohol test in Williamson county?Williamson county is a no refusal jurisdiction. This means if you refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen, police will obtain a search warrant from a magistrate judge. After the warrant is signed, law enforcement will take blood, forcefully if necessary. Learn more.
  
  

• Is Texas a no refusal state?All drivers in Texas are required to provide a breath or blood specimen if requested by police. Not all jurisdictions will get a warrant for blood. In some jurisdictions and Texas counties, a refusal means the State will not have evidence of BAC.
  
  

• What is Texas Implied Consent Law?The Texas implied consent law requires Texas drivers to consent to one or more chemical tests to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) if an officer has probable cause to believe you are operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Refusing tests results in suspension of driving privileges. Learn more.

WHAT ARE DWI 1ST CONSEQUENCES IN GEORGETOWN?

DWI first-offense penalties across Texas are severe. The consequences of a DWI in Round Rock are serious, and can be permanent. The Williamson County Attorney seeks a conviction in every case. Everyone facing a DWI charge in Williamson county is facing jail time, loss of driving privileges and a permanent criminal conviction. Learn more.

• What is the punishment for 1st DWI in Georgetown?Punishment for a first DWI is either probation or jail time. There is no minimum probation period. The maximum period of probation for DWI 1st is 24 months. There is no minimum period of jail time, and 12 months is the maximum.
  
  
  
  The punishment a person receives is largely impacted by the representation they obtain. A powerful defense can make the difference between a dismissal and a conviction, or probation instead of jail time. Learn more.

• Is a DWI a felony in Georgetown?A first-time DWI charge is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by no more than 1 year in jail. However, aggravating factors like serious bodily injury or the presence of a child passenger under 15 years old can result in felony charges. Learn more.
  
  

• Is DWI in Texas a Class C Misdemeanor?DWI is not a Class C misdemeanor. In Georgetown, as elsewhere in Texas, DWI is either a Class A or B misdemeanor. However, after two convictions the third charge becomes a felony offense. 

IS JAIL TIME MANDATORY FOR 1ST DWI IN GEORGETOWN?

First-time DWI charges in Georgetown can result in up to 1 year in jail or 2 years of probation. Everyone charged with DWI, even first-time offenders with no criminal history, face incarceration. The likelihood of jail is based on a number of factors, including the strength and experience of the defense. Learn more. 

• How do I get a DWI dismissed in Georgetown?DWI charges can be dismissed in Georgetown by challenging the State’s evidence at every level through a focused and dynamic defense. Learn more.
  
  

• Can you go to jail for first-time DWI in Georgetown?You can be sentenced to jail for up to 12 months for a first-time DWI in Georgetown.
  
  People charged with DWI in Georgetown can put themselves in the best position possible to avoid jail time by mounting a forceful defense against their charges. Learn more.

DO YOU GET PROBATION FOR FIRST DWI IN GEORGETOWN?

Everyone charged with a first-time DWI in Georgetown is eligible to make an application for probation. Judges and juries have discretion when deciding whether or not to grant requests for probation when deciding punishment. Learn more. 

• Will I get probation for my first DUI?Probation is possible in all DWI cases. Jail time is possible as well. It’s critically important to put forward a powerful, comprehensive defense. Learn more.
  
  
  
  It is important to note that while DWI and DUI are used interchangeably, DUI is a different offense, only for minors in Texas. Learn more.
  
  

• Can you get deferred adjudication for DWI in Georgetown?Deferred adjudication is available in limited situations for first-time DWI offenders. Judges have sole discretion when granting deferred adjudication. Deferred adjudication guarantees a pathway to dismissal DWI charges. Learn more.

DO YOU LOSE YOUR LICENSE FOR FIRST DWI IN GEORGETOWN?

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) works to suspend the driving privileges of everyone charged with DWI. You can and should fight suspension. After a Georgetown DWI 1st arrest it is critical to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days. 

• What is ALR hearing for Georgetown DWI arrest?Everyone charged with DWI in Georgetown faces an automatic administrative license revocation (ALR). After an ALR suspension takes effect, it is illegal to drive. The suspension takes effect approximately 40 days from the date of arrest. The ALR hearing is the one and only chance to contest the suspension. Learn more.

CAN A DWI BE REDUCED IN GEORGETOWN?

An enhanced DWI offense can be reduced. A first-time DWI charge may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor or State Jail Felony. In Georgetown, the Williamson County Attorney’s Office has the power to “waive” the enhancement, and proceed on lesser charge.

• What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Georgetown?DWI charges are significantly worse than DUI in Georgetown and across Texas. DWI charges, even for first-time offenders, carry very serious consequences. DUI, on the other hand, is a Class C misdemeanor for minors under 21 years old, and punishable by fine only. Learn more.
  
  

HOW MUCH IS DUI IN GEORGETOWN?

Being charged with DWI is expensive. Being convicted can be financially devastating. It’s impossible to put a price on what it’s worth to avoid incarceration and the potential of a permanent criminal conviction. 

• What is the current average cost of a DWI in Georgetown?The maximum fine for a first DWI offense in Texas is $6,000.00. The total damage a permanent criminal conviction has on job opportunities and lost income is incalculable. Learn more. 

  An effective DWI lawyer can fight for dismissal and work to mitigate consequences, saving time and money, potentially preserving your career and reputation.

• How much does a DWI lawyer cost?Good lawyers are expensive. Good lawyers are attentive to communication, detailed and focused with strategy, and often get the best results for their clients. Learn more.
  
  

HOW LONG DOES A DWI STAY ON YOUR RECORD?

A conviction for DWI first in Round Rock will stay on your record forever. In Texas, arrest and disposition records are never automatically removed. There are two options to “clean up” the criminal record from a DWI arrest or conviction in Georgetown. Learn more.

• How to get a DUI off your record in Georgetown?Dismissed DWI charges may be deleted through the legal process of expunction. Charges not eligible for expunction may still qualify for an order of nondisclosure, which has the effect of sealing the record. Learn more. 

• Can you be a nurse with a DWI in Texas?A misdemeanor charge or conviction does not disqualify someone from obtaining a nursing license in Texas. However, criminal charges, even if dismissed, look bad and can hurt future job opportunities. Learn more.

• How do you beat a DWI case in Round Rock?DWI charges can be beaten in Williamson county. It is critical to take the additional step of expunging and deleting your record if your charge(s) have been dismissed. Learn more.
  
  

• How long does a DWI stay on your driving record?DWI charges stay on a person’s TxDPS driving history forever. In qualifying situations, the charge can be removed from the public record. Learn more. 

BEST DWI LAWYER IN GEORGETOWN

Driving While Intoxicated is a serious charge. If you are facing a DWI in Georgetown, even as a first offense, the stakes are high. DWI charges impact driving privileges, employment, and your ability to travel. DWI is a criminal misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of one year in jail.

Outcomes matter when liberty and livelihood are on the line. You can’t win if you don’t fight, and you cannot fight alone.

Trey Porter is a dynamic advocate, nationally recognized for his work in Criminal Defense. Voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015, Mr. Porter is recognized as a Texas SuperLawyer, and distinguished as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Porter holds a Superb rating from AVVO, where attorneys are rated based on skillful litigation, client satisfaction, peer endorsements, and positive results. Learn more.