DWI charges are some of the most serious when it comes to the law of the Texas roads. You almost always have to serve some kind of punishment, but when you have a dedicated lawyer by your side, you can expect to minimize the punishment. Nonetheless, it is important to understand how the law can affect you based on several factors. DWI punishments vary based on age, what exactly happened at the time of the accident, and the level of intoxication. Navigating these cases can be scary and we are here to help you get through this. We provide some FAQs regarding DWI defense to help you prepare for your case.
Does my DWI arrest stay on my record?
Depending on the facts of your case, your punishment, and what exactly happened at the time you were pulled over and arrested, you may be able to wipe the arrest from your record. Although, this means you will have to have your license suspended and you will have to fulfill your term of punishment, with no violations, to get your arrest taken off the record.
Do I have to do the field sobriety test?
By law, you are not required to do the field sobriety test. This test is made to test your mental and physical abilities at the same time. If you struggle with balance already, these tests can be tough. If you are confident in yourself, you can perform this test if it means being able to testify against an arrest.
Is my license automatically suspended if I am arrested for a DWI?
Being arrest for a DWI charge does not automatically suspend your license. It can depend on the circumstances. If you do, however, refuse a blood test, you are more likely to have your license suspended because that is indicative of you being untrustworthy on the road. Sometimes your license will be suspended even if you cooperate.
Can I get my license back if I work?
You will be required to request a restricted license, meaning the license is only for commuting to work and back home. Most of the time, a driver will receive this license quickly after their license has been suspended to make sure they can proceed with work. If you had a very high BAC, it may take a while for any license to come back into the picture.
Does a DWI account for drugs and not just alcohol?
A DWI does account for drugs as well. The word intoxication is defined as the loss of normal use of the mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a drug, or a controlled substance in the body. Prescription drugs can also result in DWI if they are not used as prescribed.
Can someone represent themselves in a DWI case?
People can definitely represent themselves in a case, but you are better off working with a lawyer because a lawyer almost always guarantees a lesser punishment. There’s no better method of defense than having a DWI defense lawyer in these cases. A lawyer will carefully review your case to ensure you don’t have to endure the extremities of the charge.
What happens if this is not my first DWI?
If this is not your first DWI, regardless of how long ago it may have happened, the penalties for the second time around are usually increased. A second offense typically calls for a $4000 fine, some jail time, and a longer suspension on your driving license, which can be up to two years. The punishment will vary.
What factors can make a DWI punishment increase?
Driving with a BAC at or above 0.15 is considered extremely dangerous, so the BAC can definitely affect your term of punishment. If you have other people in the vehicle, especially children, you could possibly face felony charges due to endangerment. If someone was injured or killed due to driving while intoxicated, serving time is almost always the punishment.
Choose Joseph Vasquez to Represent and Protect You Through Your Case
Joseph Vasquez works nonstop for his clients. One of Joseph Vasquez’s main fields of expertise is DWI defense, so you can rest assured that he will get you the least in terms of punishment and can wipe away the charge from your record. Contact us today to get started on your case.