do you need attorney when arrested for dwi

When to hire a DWI attorney?

May 29, 2021 · Do You Need a Lawyer If You Are Arrested for DWI? DWI. Every state prohibits intoxicated driving. Whether the crime is called “DUI” or “DWI” (driving while intoxicated) as it is called in Texas, the penalties can be harsh, even for a first offense. If you’re charged with DWI in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, take your case to a Dallas DWI lawyer.

How much does a DWI lawyer cost on average?

Nov 26, 2019 · If you’re ever arrested for DUI or DWI for a second time, it’s imperative that you hire a drunk driving lawyer as quickly as you can. If you go to court without an attorney, the judge might throw the book at you and there won’t be anything you can do about it without a lawyer’s help. You’re Overwhelmed by the DUI or DWI Court Process

Should I hire an attorney to fight my DUI charge?

Mar 24, 2018 · If you’ve had a DWI Arrest in the state of Texas, you may be wondering if you really need to hire a DWI lawyer. After all, once you’ve failed a breathalyzer it may not seem like there’s any point in fighting your charges. The reality is, though, that it’s crucial that you have an experienced DWI lawyer in your corner no matter how much evidence the prosecution has …

How to find a good DUI lawyer?

May 06, 2020 · For a DUI arrested, it can be challenging to choose what to do at each stage of the process. In the case of drunken driving, a person must need helpful advice. When a person is considering pleading not guilty, consulting with a lawyer who is …

Getting A Lawyer's Opinion About Your Case

It’s difficult for someone with no legal experience or training to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a DUI case. DUI law is complicated and co...

Cases Where Hiring An Attorney Might Not Be Worth It

Prosecutors usually have a standard first-offense plea offer. In other words, they offer everyone with a standard first DUI the same plea deal—whic...

You Need An Attorney to Go to Trial

Though you’re entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it’s almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usua...

DWI Arrest- Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

If you’ve had a DWI Arrest in the state of Texas, you may be wondering if you really need to hire a DWI lawyer. After all, once you’ve failed a breathalyzer it may not seem like there’s any point in fighting your charges.

The Advantages of Working with a DWI Lawyer

Experienced DWI lawyers are trained to look for errors in the way a DWI arrest is conducted and use those errors to your advantage in the courtroom.

How to Find the Right Lawyer for a DWI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, it’s essential that you work with a lawyer who specializes in DWI defense. At Townsend, Gebhardt & Eppes, PLLC, our experienced attorneys are experts at fighting DWI charges, and we work relentlessly to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Post navigation

Previous: Does Texas Allow Marijuana Possession to be Expunged From a Criminal Record?

Why do you have to take a chemical test after arrest?

First of all, you have to go for the chemical test after the arrest because it is also compulsory by law, and if you refuse the test, you will be punished. The chemical test will show your current blood alcohol level. The police officers would conclude your blood alcohol level at the time of the arrest. If you refuse the test, you will become more suspected in front of the police, so take the test.

How long does it take to get a DMV hearing?

You have limited time that is usually ten days to request a DMV hearing after your time of the arrest. The court will decide after this hearing that whether you can keep your driving license with you or not. So, requesting a DMV hearing is very important, and if your attorney does not file a request, your license will be suspended automatically.

Can you be released without bail?

After the arrest for DUI, posting bail is required. Although, most people can be released without bail, in some cases, a bondsman’s help is needed for the bond. The bondsman will charge a fee in advance, and when you pay them the money, they will post bail for you. Although it might be expensive, it makes you release in lesser time.

Can a DUI be plead guilty?

The culprits of DUI have the choice to plead either guilty or not at a prosecution. Most of the people are not familiar with the process before, and it might be challenging to know what plea is best for them. The attorney helps the DUI culprit about what to say at the time of prosecution based on the different situations. For instance, if a person failed, a field sobriety test has many pieces of evidence against his DUI arrest to plead not guilty. Still, someone who has witnesses who will attest to his or her sobriety may have enough evidence to dispute the charges.

How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer?

Hiring a private DUI lawyer will generally cost you between $1,000 and $5,000. If your case goes to trial, it can be even more expensive. (And there are cases where spending the money for a private lawyer won't get you a more favorable outcome than had you gone with the public defender.)

What does a private DUI lawyer do?

Private Lawyers. When you hire a private DUI lawyer, it's typically to represent you in DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period.

What is a public defender?

Public defenders handle a large number of criminal cases, including lots of DUIs. So, most public defenders are quite familiar with DUI law and defenses. Public defenders are generally well acquainted with the district attorneys and judges and know their tendencies—knowledge that can be beneficial for plea bargaining.

What is a standard first DUI?

Generally, an offense is considered a "standard first DUI" if the offender has no prior DUI convictions and the offense didn't involve any aggravating factors such as accidents, injuries, or a particularly high blood alcohol concentration ( BAC ).

Do all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney?

Generally, all criminal defendants have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford to hire your own lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. Appointed attorneys are normally from a public defender's office.

Should I have an attorney for a DUI?

The bottom line is you don't want to try a DUI case on your own—if you're going to trial, you should have an attorney. Protect Yourself. Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case. Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area. Practice Area.

Can you represent yourself in a DUI trial?

Though you're entitled to represent yourself in a DUI trial, it's almost never a good plan. The learning curve for trial practice is steep and usually comes only with considerable experience. A lack of legal knowledge and trial skills will put you at a severe disadvantage in court. And judges typically have little patience for self-represented defendants who don't know the rules of court. The bottom line is you don't want to try a DUI case on your own—if you're going to trial, you should have an attorney.

What is a wet reckless DUI?

In some states prosecutors can reduce the charges to something called a wet reckless. This is a reckless driving charge where alcohol played a factor.

How to get a public defender?

If your income is too high to qualify for a public defender, you’ll need to hire a private attorney if you want representation. For the best chance of success, keep a few things in mind: 1 An attorney who handles DUI cases regularly is more likely to get you a good outcome than a generalist. 2 Make sure you find out up front how much your case is likely to cost, including factors that might increase the cost. 3 If possible, talk to at least 2 or 3 lawyers to find one you are comfortable with.

What is a plea bargain?

With a plea bargain, you agree to plead guilty in exchange for lesser charges from the prosecution.

Can a DUI lead to jail time?

Causing injuries. These and other factors are serious and can lead to a year or more in prison, among other penalties. An experienced DUI attorney may have a better chance of reducing your plea or sentence than you would on your own.

Do I need an attorney for a DUI?

Some attorneys do charge for the initial consultation but will apply the fee to the cost of your case if you hire them. In many cases you won’t need an attorney for a first offense DUI. But if your case isn’t straightforward, an attorney may be able to get a better outcome for your case than you could alone.

Is a first time DUI a felony?

If your case is more than just a misdemeanor DUI, having an attorney becomes more important. Some situations can turn even a first-time DUI into a felony: These and other factors are serious and can lead to a year or more in prison, among other penalties.