Austin DWI Dismissal

Looking for a DWI lawyer in Austin? First, educate yourself here on the facts of Austin DWI defense and the Texas laws for drinking and driving.

First, it is easy to fall in the trap of feeling bad for yourself after getting caught for drinking and driving.  The instinct is to replay all the different times when you had the ability to change your decision.  No matter how you look at it though, saying, “I should have taken a cab,” or “I should have let my sober friend drive the car home,” is unproductive.  So, initially, get over the feelings of remorse and focus on the future. In short, get your defense together and learn the facts about your case.

Second, if you are under twenty-one and are a casualty of Texas’ “zero tolerance” policy, then you most likely were charged with a Driving Under the Influence unless the officer believed you were substantially intoxicated.  For more facts on DUI’s in Texas click here.

In the state of Texas a driver can be arrested for Driving While Intoxicated if a police officer can prove 1) he had reason to pull over the car and 2) had reason to believe the driver was intoxicated.   If the driver submits a blood, urine, or breathalyzer test with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of over .08%

POSSIBLE PUNISHMENTS

CIVIL COURTS

If convicted of a DWI offense for the 1st time the Department of Public Safety seeks to suspend the driver’s license for no less than 90 days and no more than a year.  If this is a second alcohol related incident, the DPS will seek license suspensions of no less than one year.

CRIMINAL COURTS

If this is a first time arrest for DWI, it will be classified as a Class “B” misdemeanor. The punishment range for a Class “B” DWI is not less than three (3) days in jail and a two thousand dollar ($2000) fine. As with DUI, alcohol education classes, community service, probation and court costs are all possibilities when facing a DWI conviction.

In addition, according to recent Texas laws, the DPS is required to collect a surcharge from individuals convicted of a DWI.  For those who either did not provide a sample or provided one of 0.15 BAC or less the surcharge is $1,000 per year for three years.  For those who had a 0.16 BAC or higher the surcharge is $2,000 dollars per year for three years.

To make sure you are as educated as possible have a defense attorney inform you of how to build a strong defense.

• Blood test plan draws crticism from civil rights group - FOX11AZ.com
2 Jul 2008 at 2:22pm

Blood test plan draws crticism from civil rights group
FOX11AZ.com, AZ - Jul 2, 2008
Acevedo wants to train DWI officers to draw blood from suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breathalyzer. It?sa proposal similar to what already exists in ...
• ICOP to Attend the First Annual Central Texas DWI Conference in ... - Earthti...
2 Jul 2008 at 10:10am

ICOP to Attend the First Annual Central Texas DWI Conference in ...
Earthtimes (press release), UK - Jul 2, 2008
WHO:Kenny James, Regional Sales Manager WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - Thursday, July 10, 2008 WHERE: Austin Airport Marriott South 4415 South IH-35 Austin, ...
• DWI patrols step up - Post-Bulletin
1 Jul 2008 at 9:58am

DWI patrols step up
Post-Bulletin, MN - Jul 1, 2008
The Austin Police Department and the Mower County Sheriffs Department will increase DWI patrols this month as part of a statewide enforcement sweep. ...
News Briefs ? July 3 Stillwater Courier
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• APD chief wants officers to draw blood on DWIs - KXAN-TV
1 Jul 2008 at 4:47am

APD chief wants officers to draw blood on DWIs
KXAN-TV, TX - Jul 1, 2008
"Folks that are exercising their right shouldn't be afraid, that by doing so, 'Bubba Police Officer' may stick them in the arm," said Austin DWI attorney ...
Austin Police Chief Fires Detective CBS 42
APD officer fired for insubordination News 8 Austin
APD chief fires another officer from the force KXAN-TV
KXAN-TV
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• DWI crackdown this weekend - Austin Herald
30 Jun 2008 at 12:34pm

DWI crackdown this weekend
Austin Herald, MN - Jun 30, 2008
By Herald staff (Contact) | Austin Daily Herald In the upcoming safe and sober campaign, local and county law enforcement will mobilize sweeps for drunken ...

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for your descriptions how to prepare my Austin DWI defense and hire a strong DWI attorney.  I was pulled over three months ago and arrested and to spend a few days in Travis County Jail, and, because the officer didn’t show up, I wasn’t convicted in court!”

-John H.

“I had no idea until I came to your site that the Field Sobriety Test can be refused.  A cop pulled me over on 15th street two weeks ago and asked me to take the test.  When I refused he even tried to persuade me into doing a demonstration of the test with myself as the subject.  Thanks for your help!”

- Ashley Y.

“Hey guys. Thanks for your help letting me know what the true penalties that result from a DWI conviction can be. It helped me get my defense quick!"

- Sam B.

“Thanks for the info on your site! My lawyer tried to make a big deal of the fact that he got the prosecutor to “allow me to plead no contest.” When I called him out on the fact that there is no actual difference between pleading no contest and not guilty in a case where no one was injured, he started putting actual time into getting a defense prepared for my case.  In the end I only received deferred adjudication from the Judge because of the great work my defense attorney did for me"

- Brian W.

“I made sure I learned about the facts of my case and Texas DWI laws BEFORE searched for a local defense attorney as you advised.  It really helped me make an educated choice on which lawyer to choose.”

- Cindy S.

“Wow.  Who knew that the Department of Public Safety was REQUIRED by new Texas laws to collect that surcharge?  That is $6,000 I didn’t have to spend because I pleaded not guilty and had the case dismissed. Thanks for your help!"

- Caitlin H