There’s no question that driving while intoxicated on Texas roads puts lives at risk. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 934 alcohol-induced crashes caused 1,049 fatalities in 2017. As a result, police officers on traffic duty are quick to identify drivers under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair their faculties.
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Texas, you should know that you face a hostile criminal justice system that is eager to put you away for a long time. You deserve quality representation from an experienced DWI lawyer in Dallas who understands how the State typically resolves alcohol cases. Without proper representation, it is more likely that the court will find you guilty of DWI, which can have disastrous consequences.
Having a DWI conviction is a serious matter that may create obstacles in your everyday life, even after you’ve served your sentence. Employers who conduct background checks will see your DWI, which could hurt your chances of even being called in for an interview when you need a job. Your DWI can negatively affect other areas of your life in which your criminal history may be researched. A DWI will also impact your driving privileges, which could force you to rely on public transportation or the kindness of relatives and friends to get around. If you’re facing DWI charges, talk to Dallas DWI attorney Paul Saputo as soon as possible.
Potential Consequences of a First DWI in Dallas County, Texas
A first DWI in Dallas may be considered a Class A or B misdemeanor offense. Class A and B misdemeanors are less severe than felony offenses but more serious than Class C misdemeanors. Possible penalties of Class B DWI convictions include:
- Suspension of driver’s license up to one year
- Jail sentences of up to six months
- Fines up to $2,000 plus a mandatory “super fine” between $3,000 and $6,000
- Probation for up to two years
The potential penalties increase if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was above 0.15%. In this scenario, you could face up to one year in jail for a first DWI offense.
In addition to the above criminal penalties, you cannot completely erase a DWI conviction. It can become a stain on your criminal record that follows you for life, which is why The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense fights aggressively to avoid a conviction.
You may also face administrative penalties regarding your driver’s license. It is possible to have a license suspension of up to one year that is separate from your criminal license suspension.
Possible Penalties for an Under 21 DUI Case in Texas
If you’re under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any alcohol in your system. Under Texas law, a person under 21 who is pulled over with any detectable amount of alcohol may be charged with DUI (driving under the influence) rather than DWI (driving while intoxicated).
For your under 21 DUI in Texas, you could face:
- A fine of up to $500
- A 60-day driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory attendance in alcohol awareness classes at your expense
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
If you’re 17 or older with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you could face:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- 3 to 180 days in jail
- A driver’s license suspension of 90 to 365 days
Felony DWI Charges Deserve Top-Tier Representation
DWI can sometimes be charged as a felony offense, even if it’s your first DWI. Though rare, it all depends on the circumstances of the case. There are three scenarios which may lead to a felony DWI charge in Dallas:
- You caused a non-fatal injury in an accident while driving while intoxicated. If the driver was seriously injured or permanently disfigured, this may be charged as intoxication assault, a third-degree felony in Texas.
- You caused a death in an accident caused by your drunk driving. This may be charged as intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony in Texas.
- You had a child in your car while driving under the influence. If the child was younger than 15, you may be charged with driving under the influence with a child passenger, a state jail felony.
Why Should I Hire a Dallas DWI Lawyer?
At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, our DWI lawyer Paul Saputo understands the seriousness of the burden that usually follows a DWI arrest. Feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, and regret are common after alcohol arrests; however, not all hope is lost. Attorney Paul Saputo can investigate your charges and all the evidence the State has against you to gauge the strength of their case. He can inform you of a realistic outcome for your DWI and fight to have your charge dropped or reduced to a charge for a lesser offense.
When working with a knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer, don’t assume you have to agree to a plea bargain. Paul Saputo will guide you when deciding how to enter a plea for your charge. For instance, if you enter a guilty or no contest plea, a conviction is imminent and you risk voiding your rights. With Paul on your side, he will take every measure he can to protect your rights. Without a strong advocate, you could face the worst penalties possible, whether it’s your first or fourth DWI in Dallas. Take charge of your case by putting your trust in The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense.
Choose Saputo Law for Quality DWI Defense in Dallas, Texas
At The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, our lawyers represent individuals throughout Dallas who face severe criminal charges in state and federal court. A DWI is considered a serious misdemeanor offense, which may lead to a variety of criminal penalties. Additionally, you have just 15 days after you refuse or fail a breath test or refuse a blood test (and 20 days in the event that you fail a blood test). Don’t hesitate to contact senior DWI attorney Paul Saputo for a consultation regarding your DWI. With a 10.0 rating on Justia and Avvo, we’re sure we can provide you with the personalized service your case deserves.
To speak with a competent DWI defense lawyer about your case, schedule a consultation by calling 888-239-9305 or complete our contact form.
