experienced dwi attorney who has been there a long time in austin tx

by Kyla Dooley 5 min read

When to hire a DWI attorney?

Contact the law firm of Stephen T Bowling, PC, by e-mail or call us at 512-599-9000 to schedule your free consultation with an Austin DWI lawyer to discover some strategies we pursue in defending Austin Driving While Intoxicated cases.

How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texas?

Affordable DWI Attorney Austin. Jarvis, Garcia & Erskine Law has the experience representing clients in danger of losing their driver’s license and will fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact our office to set up your free consultation and decide if Jarvis, Garcia & Erskine Law is the right DWI attorney in Austin for you.

Can you beat a DWI without a DWI attorney?

Russell D. Hunt, Jr. Top Rated DUI-DWI Lawyer Law Office of Russ Hunt Jr. Serving Austin, TX (Georgetown, TX) Russell D. Hunt, Jr. has multiple years of experience in helping clients with their dui-dwi needs in Austin, TX. Call.

Do you need a lawyer for a DWI?

Contact An Experienced Austin Drug DWI Attorney. If you are charged with a drug DWI, it is especially important to have a good defense attorney, because there are a number of areas where only a close inspection of the evidence will reveal holes in the State’s case.

Is there a statute of limitations on DWI in Texas?

The statute of limitations for DWI in Texas is 2 years. If eligible, a petition for expunction may be filed immediately once the statute has run.

Can a DWI be dismissed in Texas?

It's free. Texas DWI charges especially for a first-time offense, can be dismissed entirely or lowered to a less serious charge such as reckless driving.3 days ago

How many DWI cases get dismissed in Texas?

Of the approximately 53,000 who did not plead guilty, prosecutors only convicted 37,000 – about 70 percent – on the original charges. Prosecutors convicted another 16,000 – about 30 percent – on lesser charges and approximately 7,000 – about 13 percent – had their charges dismissed.

How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texas?

In short, your DWI lawyer costs are highly dependent on your particular lawyer and the facts of your case. However, you can expect to easily pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for a simple case that doesn't go to trial, and up to $10,000 for a case that does go in front of a judge.

Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Texas?

Yes. Texas has some of the harshest penalties in the nation for DWI and other intoxication offenses. If you have been charged with DWI it is critical to hire an attorney. Your choice in representation can make the difference between a temporary inconvenience and a lifelong criminal conviction.

What can a DWI be reduced to in Texas?

Examples of reducing a DWI charge include: Getting a Felony DWI Reduced to a Misdemeanor like Obstruction of a Highway or Obstruction of a Passageway. Reducing DWI Charges to Reckless Driving. Filing a Pretrial Motion to Remove Illegally Obtained BAC Evidence.Mar 1, 2018

How do you beat a DWI in Texas?

To beat a DWI charge in Texas, you must assert and protect your constitutional rights. You must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can't win if you don't fight.

How long is probation for first time DWI in Texas?

6 months to 2 yearsIn Texas, probation for a first DWI may last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on a wide range of factors. Any probation violation is taken very seriously and will likely result in jail time.Aug 23, 2021

What is an ALR hearing in Texas?

An ALR hearing (or the Administrative License Revocation Hearing) is the process by which a license can be saved from suspension after an arrest for driving while intoxicated. ... If the judge finds that DPS has proven its case, the judge will authorize the suspension of the individual's driver's license.Nov 6, 2020

How long do I need sr22 in Texas for DWI?

Under Texas law, you must maintain special proof of auto liability insurance for at least two years following a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction and pay additional fees to the Texas Department of Public Safety for three years.

How much does it cost to expunge a DWI in Texas?

How Much Will It Cost to Expunge My Criminal Record in Texas? As a general rule, it costs more to expunge a felony than a misdemeanor. The expungement of a felony will customarily cost a minimum of $1,000, but may cost upwards of $2,500 or even more. Misdemeanors can usually be expunged for $1,000 or less.

How much is a bail bond for DWI in Texas?

In first-time DWI cases, bail will usually be between $200 and $1,000. Bail will usually be higher for a second DWI or any additional drunk driving arrests. In felony DWI cases that involve an accident that caused serious injuries or death, bail could be $5,000-$10,000.Oct 15, 2020

Does a DWI stay on your record in Texas?

A Texas DWI conviction will stay on your record permanently. Although some states will not use a previous DWI/DUI to enhance a charge after a period of time; in an Austin DWI arrest a past conviction for DWI will always be used to enhance your DWI charge.

What happens if you get convicted of a DWI?

If convicted of a DWI, individuals can face a range of serious consequences, including a criminal record that will impact them for life.

How many steps do you need to take to pass the HGN test?

This test requires that our client walk nine steps, heel to toe along a straight line, turn in a specified manner, and return to the starting point. The officer gives the person instructions to perform the test and provides an abbreviated example of the test (taking three steps instead of nine). Much like the HGN test, the officer doesn’t let you know what clues they are looking for. The eight possible clues the officer looked for are losing your balance during the instructional phase, starting too soon, stepping off the line, stopping during the test, taking the wrong number of steps, turning incorrectly, missing heel to toe, and using your arms for balance. This is another test that is prone to mistakes. The intake packet we have our clients fill out gathers information that may disqualify you as a candidate for the exam. This recollection will provide the clues for us to use when we face the officer at your DMV hearing and in court.

What is the reason for a DWI arrest in Texas?

A Texas DWI arrest requires the officer to have “reasonable suspicion” to make contact with the driver of the vehicle. Reasonable suspicion is what the officer will use to justify that the stop was legal.

What does it mean to be drunk in Texas?

The Police Officer must determine if he believes you are “Intoxicated” before a DWI arrest is made. “Intoxicated” in Texas doesn’t just mean a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher. It can also include driving under the influence of prescription medication, an illegal drug, or a combination of alcohol and drugs.

What is the HGN test?

The term “HGN” refers to the quick movement (or jerking) of the eye back and forth by the driver when instructed to follow an object that is held by the arresting officer.

What is a DWI charge in Texas?

A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Texas is defined in the Texas Penal Code 49.04 as: DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. In a public place.

Mark Thiessen

Rated Top 100 Attorney in Texas by Super Lawyers 2019-2021. Triple Board Certified, DWI Specialist. We Do Not Back Down!

David Hardaway

Good People Get Arrested Too. This is a Different Kind of Law Practice. Call Me ASAP to Discuss Your DWI Case.

David C. Hardaway

Connect with a local Austin, TX attorney with proven experience helping clients with Texas dui-dwi issues.

Russell D. Hunt, Jr

Russell D. Hunt, Jr. has multiple years of experience in helping clients with their dui-dwi needs in Austin, TX.

Christopher M. Perri

Connect with a local Austin, TX attorney with proven experience helping clients with Texas dui-dwi issues.

Daniel H. Wannamaker

Connect with a local Austin, TX attorney with proven experience helping clients with Texas dui-dwi issues.

E.G. Morris

E.G. Morris represents clients in dui-dwi cases on behalf of Austin, TX area clients.

Is a second offense a misdemeanor?

This means a second offense is a Class A misdemeanor and a third offense is a Felony. The same “enhancement” applies to other criminal charges, including family violence and domestic violence cases. If you are arrested you want to ensure you hire the best criminal defense attorney in Austin.

Why is it so hard to find a job with a criminal record?

Criminal convictions can make it more difficult to find a job because most employers have a criminal background check. Criminal convictions often lead to financial troubles for this reason.

What is criminal defense?

Criminal Defense Lawyers will work to defend your freedom. With all of the implications and negative effects that come with a criminal charge, a defense lawyer will work tirelessly so you can keep your privileges and livelihood.

How to avoid incarceration?

If you want to avoid incarceration, your only reasonable option is to hire a criminal defense lawyer. When charged with a criminal conviction, many people will immediately think they can represent themself in a court of law to save the money of paying an attorney. This is NEVER as good of an idea as it sounds.

Can a police officer read Miranda rights?

For instance, in a DWI arrest the officer will likely not read you Miranda Rights; whereas in a criminal investigation, if you are arrested, you must be informed of these rights prior to law enforcement asking you any questions. A police officer will start with an attempt to gather “probable cause” to make an arrest.

What does it mean to work with an attorney?

Working with an attorney, on the other hand, you will get someone to explain your rights and explain how your own case may affect your options. They can leverage their skills, team, and experience to determine what you can expect from the prosecuting side, and what options you have.

Can you represent yourself without a lawyer?

This is NEVER as good of an idea as it sounds. While you may be legally allowed to represent yourself without a lawyer, you never should represent yourself, or try “do-it-yourself (DIY) lawyering” in a real court of law. Some defendants may be studying law, and use their court case as an opportunity to practice.

What is a DWI in Austin Texas?

The law defining the basic offense of driving while intoxicated is section 49.04 of the Texas Penal Code. You commit an offense if you drive/operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.

Penalties You Can Face if Charged with DWI in Austin, TX

It’s very important that you understand the situation if you’re facing a DWI charge, our lawyers will assist you all the time.

Work with an Experienced DWI Defense Attorney in Austin TX

Being charged with drunk driving, or with another intoxication-related offense, can lead to life-altering consequences. That’s why it is so important to choose the right attorney to defend you. Defenses do exist in these cases, including illegal stops, illegal search and seizure, faulty breath tests, and invalid field sobriety tests, among others.

Texas DWI Offenses

Being convicted of a DWI in Austin, TX puts your reputation, career and freedom at risk. You may even have trouble finding housing due to your criminal record. Here are some statistics to know about driving while intoxicated:

Speak with a DWI lawyer in Austin Today. Our Travis County DWI attorney will fight for your rights!

If you have been charged with drinking while intoxicated in Austin then contact us today. Our experienced and dedicated dwi lawyer will work with you to ensure you are able to make it through this process. Our team will handle all of the hard work and try to make this as easy as possible for you.

What are the penalties for a DWI?

Many factors go into the punishment of a DWI charge if you are convicted. These factors can include: 1 Your age 2 Your physical health 3 Your employment background 4 Professional licenses that you may hold 5 Prior criminal history 6 Whether or not an accident was involved 7 Whether or not the charge involved dangerous driving 8 Whether or not you injured anyone as a result of your driving

How long do you have to go to jail for a DWI in Texas?

For a first offense DWI in Texas, you may be sentenced up to six months in jail and fined up to $2,000. You may also lose your driver’s license for up to 180 days and be subject to additional fines and court costs, commonly around $10,000. Many factors go into the punishment of a DWI charge if you are convicted.

Can you be charged with DWI in Texas?

Texas charges anyone over the age of 21 arrested for impaired driving with DWI. If you’re a minor and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you can be charged with a DUI. The penalties for minors charged with DUI are much less harsh than being accused of a DWI. BOOK A CONSULTATION.

How long is community supervision?

Being placed on community supervision for a term up to two years. Standard terms of community supervision include performing community service hours, attending classes on alcohol and intoxication, and/or having some form of alcohol monitoring device either equipped on your vehicle or person.

Can a minor get a DWI in Texas?

It’s important to note that a minor can be charged with either a DUI or DWI, but only an adult can be charged with a DWI in the state of Texas. Other states like Arizona have DUIs for adults, which corresponds to a BAC level greater than zero but below 0.08.

How long does it take to get a DWI conviction expunged?

If negotiations between your lawyer and the state result in a dismissal of DWI charges, you would be eligible to expunge the charge from your record after waiting a predetermined time of two years (the statute of limitations regarding expunging the case).

Can a DWI be expunged?

Getting DWI Charges Reduced Or Dismissed. However, all hope is not lost, as there are four specific ways in which a DWI charge can be expunged from your record. If you are eligible and the county where you were arrested offers it, a pre-trial diversion program is an option. If completed, the pre-trial diversion would allow the DWI to be dismissed, ...