If you’ve been charged with your first DWI in Fort Worth, TX, it’s natural to feel uncertain about the process ahead and the potential consequences. Dealing with this situation can be quite scary and confusing without professional guidance. Fortunately, you have options.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we specialize in assisting individuals facing their first DWI charge and helping them figure out what steps to take going forward. Our experience and understanding of local courts give us insight into building a strong defense on your behalf. If you need help with a DWI in Fort Worth, Texas, contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth 1st time DWI lawyer.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For DWI
When you’re facing a DWI charge in Fort Worth, TX, reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference.
Here’s how we can help you:
- We ensure you understand your rights and any potential consequences you’re facing while managing court dates, motions, and hearings.
- We’ll scrutinize every detail of your case–from the traffic stop to any field sobriety tests conducted–to develop an effective defense strategy to try to reduce the charges or obtain a dismissal.
- Our team has strong negotiation skills that can be very advantageous in seeking reduced penalties or advocating for alternative sentencing options if applicable.
Dealing with a 1st time DWI in Fort Worth, Texas, requires experience in the legal field. Reach out to Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.
Overview of 1st Time DWI in Texas
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) encompasses all ages and refers to operating a motor vehicle while over the state’s legal blood alcohol content limit or while impaired by drugs and alcohol.
Driving under the influence in Texas specifically targets drivers under 21 years of age who are operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving; even if the young driver isn’t intoxicated or over the legal limit, they can still face DWI charges.
What Are the Penalties For 1st Time DWIs in Fort Worth, Texas?
If you’re under 21 and caught with alcohol in your system while driving, you might face a DWI charge, which is typically considered a Class C misdemeanor. This can result in fines of up to $500.
However, in some cases, the charge can be upgraded to a DWI. For example, if there’s proof of significant impairment due to higher blood alcohol concentration levels or the driver is under the influence of illicit substances, the charge may be changed to a DWI.
Collateral Consequences of a 1st Time DWI
A first-time DWI conviction doesn’t just involve legal penalties; it can also lead to numerous indirect consequences that affect various aspects of life.
- Employment consequences: Having a DWI charge on your record might limit future employment options. Certain professions are particularly sensitive to these violations, especially if driving is part of the job or if the industry requires character assessments.
- Increased insurance rates: Car insurance costs often skyrocket following a DWI conviction due to being deemed high-risk by providers. This can be a significant financial burden, in addition to any court costs, legal fees, and fines that may have already been imposed.
- Travel restrictions: Many countries have strict regulations about admitting visitors with criminal records. Your ability to travel internationally could be restricted, complicating both vacations and business trips.
These are just some of the additional consequences a defendant can face due to a DWI conviction.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For a DWI?
If you’re arrested for a DWI, it’s important to know that several defenses could be raised in your case. These defenses can challenge the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the evidence being used against you. Common ones include the following:
Unlawful Stop
One of the foundations of a solid DWI defense begins with whether law enforcement had probable cause to make the initial traffic stop. If they didn’t have a valid reason, any evidence and statements they obtained after the illegal stop can be suppressed, meaning they can’t be used against you in court. This would generally lead the prosecutor to dismiss the charges against you.
Improper Testing Procedures
Sometimes, the evidence against you may seem irrefutable–like BAC levels from breath or blood tests–but incorrect administration or calibration errors related to these tests could make the results inadmissible.
Not Driving
In some instances, your defense might center on the argument that you were not actually operating the vehicle at the time of arrest. The law requires proof that you were in control of a moving or operational vehicle to be charged with DWI, and if this element is lacking or debatable, charges could potentially be dropped, or you could obtain an acquittal.
These are just some of the defenses that can be raised to defend against DWI charges. To determine the best option, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Fort Worth 1st Time DWI Lawyer
Facing a DWI charge for the first time can be incredibly overwhelming, as the consequences can be severe in some cases. The best thing you can do is work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to determine the best way to fight the charges against you. Reach out to Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth 1st time DWI lawyer.
