How to beat a DWI in Texas
To beat a DWI charge in Texas, you must assert and protect your constitutional rights. You must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.
- What to do if you get a DWI in Texas? Hiring a defense attorney is the most important thing to do, and it’s the first thing you should do, when facing a DWI or DUI charge in Texas. There are fast-moving deadlines that require professional attention almost immediately after being arrested.Retaining the best DWI lawyer is going to place you in the strongest position possible. Experience matters. Results matter. Not all lawyers are equal in these fields. Learn more.
- What are chances of DWI dismissal? DWI charges are dismissed everyday in courtrooms across Texas. Charges are not dismissed through goodwill or luck, rather they are dismissed because a powerful defense forced the State prosecutors to dismiss the charge. Challenging evidence is a critical part of obtaining a dismissal.
- How do you get a DWI dismissed in Texas?Challenging evidence is the most effective way to dismiss a DWI charge in Texas, whether it’s a DWI first-offense, DWI 2nd, or even a felony DWI 3rd or more. DWI arrests are warrantless arrests, therefore everything must be challenged. If a judge suppresses evidence, the State cannot use it to prosecute.
Can a DWI be reduced in Texas?
Yes, an enhanced DWI offense can be reduced. A first-time DWI charge may be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor or, in some circumstances, a State Jail Felony. The State has the power to “waive” the enhancement, and proceed on a Class B Misdemeanor DWI. Learn more.
- How can I get a DWI lowered in Texas? Attacking the State’s evidence is the most effective way to get a DWI charge reduced. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Texas is 0.08, however, prosecutors are not required to prove a BAC when seeking a DWI conviction. If the forensic evidence supporting a BAC is successfully challenged, the result is an automatic reduction from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor.
- Is it better to take a DUI blood test or breathalyzer? Breathalyzer results have more scientific weaknesses, but are given voluntarily. Blood results present two opportunities for attack – the science and the probable cause for search.
- Can a DWI be dismissed in Texas? Yes, DWI charges can be dismissed in Texas. Obtaining a dismissal in a DWI case often involves challenging the reason for the stop and attacking the administration and results of the standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). If the reason(s) for arrest are invalidated, the arrest and all evidence that follows after, like a breath or blood result, are suppressed.
What happens when you get a first Texas DWI?
After being released from jail, a defendant facing a first-time DWI charge in Texas will receive a court date for arraignment. The arraignment setting is simply the first setting in a criminal case. Some courts will allow the setting to be “waived,” though it is best to consult with an attorney before waiving anything when facing criminal prosecution in Texas.
- Is it worth fighting DWI?Every DWI charge is worth fighting. There is no scenario where pleading guilty at the first court appearance is the best thing to do. There are constitutional and procedural defenses that can be developed and explored in every case, no matter the circumstances.
- How can I get out of my first DUI in Texas?
The best result in a DUI case is a dismissal. You can beat a DUI charge in Texas. No one charged with DUI should ever settle for a conviction. DUI is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas, and so there is an option for deleting the entire incident as long as a final conviction is avoided. Learn more.
- Which is worse – DUI or DWI?
DWI is worse than DUI. In Texas, the offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is reserved specifically for minors under 21 years of age. A minor can be charged as an adult with DWI, but an adult can never be charged with a DUI in Texas. Unlike DWI, there is no maximum penalty requiring incarceration for DUI. Learn more.
What can I expect from a DWI in Texas?
DWI charges are expensive and take time to resolve. While the local prosecutors pursue a conviction, the attorneys for the Department of Public Safety work to suspend driving privileges. This two-pronged attack requires a powerful defense. You cannot beat a DWI alone in Texas. It is critical to have an experienced, aggressive team standing between you and the Government.
- What is the statute of limitations on DWI in Texas? That statute of limitations for DWI in Texas is two years for a misdemeanor and three years for a felony.
- How long does a DWI case take? DWI cases in Texas can last more than two years. The clock on the statute of limitations stops when a case is filed. While delay can be frustrating and costly, it tends to favor the defense in almost all circumstances.
How bad is a DWI in Texas?
DWI is one of the most serious misdemeanor offenses in the Texas Penal Code. Depending on BAC, the maximum fine can be up to $6,000.00, and a first-time offender with no criminal history at all can still go to jail for up to 1 year. Many people ask how serious a DWI charge is, and the answer is very serious. This is the main reason it is critical to build a powerful defense in an effort to beat your DWI. Learn more.
- What does a DWI cost in Texas? 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. Learn more.
- Is a DWI in Texas a Felony? First-time DWI charges in Texas are Class B misdemeanors, though they can be enhanced by certain factors. DWI first-time offenders face jail time, permanent criminal convictions, thousands of dollars in fines, and driver license suspensions. Learn more.
- How long does a DWI stay on driving record in Texas? A DWI charge stays on the record forever. If the charge was dismissed without probation, it is eligible for removal and deletion through expunction If the charge resulted in a conviction, it may be eligible to be sealed through an order of nondisclosure. Learn more.
How likely is jail for first-time DUI in Texas?
First-time DWI offenders in Texas face up to 1 year in jail. Judges do not give credit for the time that passes while the case is pending. So, while jail may be less likely for first-time offenders, it is a legal possibility. This is why it’s critical to do everything possible to beat your DWI charge in Texas.
- How long is probation for Texas DWI? 2 years is the maximum period of probation for a misdemeanor DWI charge in Texas. 10 years is the maximum period of probation for a felony DWI charge. Learn more.
- How long can you go to jail for DWI in Texas?If convicted, the maximum period of incarceration for DWI in Texas is 1 year in county jail for misdemeanors, two years for state jail felonies, and 10 years in prison for felony DWI charges. Learn more.
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He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
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