DWI Defense

General Information:

• I Was Not Asked To Install An Ignition Interlock Device As A Condition Of My Bond. Why Is My Attorney Advising Me To Do So?
• Do Most People Assume They Have to Plead Guilty To DWI Charges?
• What Important Information Should I Share With My DWI Defense Attorney?
• Do You Advise Your Clients To Undergo Voluntary Counseling In DWI Cases?
• At What Point In A DWI Case Will I Have to Enter A Plea Of Guilty Or Not Guilty?
• What Happens After I Enter A Plea Of Not Guilty In My DWI Case?
• Will Refusing A Breath Or Blood Test Aid In Defending Against DWI Charges?
• What Is Deferred Adjudication Under Texas Law?
• When Does The New Law Regarding DWI Deferred Adjudication Go Into Effect In Texas?
• How Can This New Law Affect First-Time DWI Offenders In Texas?
• Will The New Law Impact Past DWI Convictions In Texas?
• How Do I Apply For A Non-Disclosure Of My DWI In Texas?
• How Can An Attorney Get A DWI Charge Dismissed?
• I Was Stopped And A Drug Dog Sniffed Out Drugs In My Car. Will The New Hemp Laws Affect My Case?
• Is It Possible To Get Deferred Adjudication On A DWI Charge In Texas?
• How Can My DWI Charge Be Reduced In Texas?
• How Long Does A DWI Case Take To Get Resolved In Texas?
• How Can An Ignition Interlock Device Impact My DWI Case?
• How Does A Prior DWI Arrest Impact My Current Case If There Wasn’t A Conviction?
• Is My Driver’s License Automatically Suspended After A DWI Arrest?
• What Does The Prosecution Have To Prove To Prosecute Me For A DWI?
• What Are Field Sobriety Tests And How Can I Pass Them?
• What Happens If I Refuse To Take A Field Sobriety Test In Texas?
• What Happens If I Refuse To Give A Breath Or Blood Specimen?

Being charged with a DWI in Austin Texas can be stressful and scary. Many people who get stopped and charged with a DWI are not sure of what exactly is going to happen with them. However, seeking help and guidance from an experienced Austin TX DWI defense attorney can alleviate some of their stress and take some of their troubles away.

The DWI defense attorneys in Austin, Texas at Blackburn Betts PLLC have been defending individuals facing a driving while under the influence charge in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas. Our attorneys know how to get a DWI charge reduced or dismissed. Our lawyers also understand the different situations and circumstances surrounding the DWI arrest that can impact your case. For example, if it was a repeat offense, you will face harsher sentencing, that will require a good Austin TX DWI defense attorney by your side. Similarly, if you had a minor travelling with you in the vehicle at the time of arrest, you will face an aggravated DWI charge which carries harsher penalties. Similarly, if you refuse to take a Field Sobriety Test at the time of the investigation, the penalties associated with the DWI charge will increase.

How Can A DWI Defense Attorney Help?

Most first-time offenders have no familiarity with the Texas criminal justice system. They also fail to understand that a DWI charge is a misdemeanor criminal offense, and once convicted, it will stay on their record for the rest of their life. Such people often feel scared and overwhelmed with what they may be up against, which is rightfully so because a criminal charge should not be taken lightly.

A DWI conviction is a criminal conviction which carries severe consequences. It impacts a person’s future employment options, their ability to pursue further studies and also impacts their social and personal life. However, the good thing is that with the help of an experienced Austin TX DWI defense attorney, you can have the charge reduced or dismissed. Our DWI defense attorneys in Austin, Texas make sure that you get your driving privileged back so you can go about your life and daily activities normally.

It is also important to understand that a DWI charge or arrest does not mean that you have been convicted of the crime. If you have an experienced and qualified Austin TX DWI defense attorney by your side to defend you, you won’t have to be worried.

What Is The Legal Limit For Alcohol In Austin, Texas?

In Texas, the legal limit for driving with alcohol in your system is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08. If your BAC is determined to have been 0.08 or higher when you were driving, you will be charged with the third degree misdemeanor of driving while intoxicated. If your blood alcohol content is determined to be over 0.15, it will result in the second degree misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated with a high BAC. This charge will result in enhanced penalties, including jail time, higher fines, and license suspension. If you hold a license to operate a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is 0.04, even if you are driving your person vehicle. If you’ve been charged with any variation of DWI in the Austin, TX area, your first move should be to contact an experienced DWI defense attorney.

What Is The Legal Limit For Marijuana In Austin, Texas?

The state of Texas has technically legalized marijuana use for medical purposes, but it is nearly impossible to obtain medical user status. It also remains illegal to drive while under the influence of any intoxicating substance, including marijuana, medicinal marijuana, and prescribed drugs. Texas holds a zero tolerance stance against marijuana, meaning that any amount in your system while driving will result in a DWI charge. As a result of this stance, a DUI charge can be filed against someone legally using marijuana for medical purposes, even if they are not actively impaired at the time they are driving. Immediately consulting a knowledgeable DWI attorney in Austin, Texas is your best bet for planning a successful defense.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested For DWI In Austin, TX?

If you’re arrested, make sure to remain calm. The police officer will be observing and recording your every move to use as evidence against you. The police will ask you many questions but you are not obligated to provide them with more than your name, proof of identification, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration. You are not required to answer additional questions or to perform field sobriety tests. Once you are brought to the jail or the police station, you will be questioned further and asked to submit to a chemical test. You should cooperate with the chemical testing but ask to speak to an Austin, TX DWI defense attorney before cooperating with any questioning.

What If I’m Arrested For DWI In Austin, TX And I Refuse To Take A Chemical Test?

Chemical testing is designed to check your BAC level. The most commonly used chemical test is the breathalyzer but you could also be asked to give a urine or a blood sample instead. A refusal to comply with testing, once you have been arrested, will result in penalties, including the immediate suspension of your drivers’ license. There are several circumstances under which a police officer can obtain a search warrant and force your cooperation. You should always consult your DWI defense attorney in Austin, TX before committing to any action in your DWI case.

Contact Our DUI Defense Attorneys

The DWI defense attorneys in Austin, Texas at our office have been representing clients facing DWI charges in Austin, TX. Our lawyers and attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to defend drunken driving cases. Our DWI defense attorneys can also answer any questions you may have regarding your arrest and the defense strategy that can be used to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Some common questions that are asked by someone who may be stopped and arrested for a DWI in Austin, Texas are listed above. Contact our DWI defense lawyers and attorneys to get answers to these and more questions.