how much does an attorney in texas charge for a dwi

How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texas? In short, your DWI lawyer costsare highly dependent on your particular lawyerand 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 doesgo in front of a judge.

Full Answer

How much does a DWI lawyer cost on average?

Oct 06, 2021 · The total cost for a DWI including direct and indirect costs can add up, costing you anywhere from $2,000 to well over $20,000. While hiring a lawyer may feel like yet another expense, hiring a DWI lawyer can help you fight your charges and avoid the indirect financial burden of living with a DWI charge on your record.

What is the difference between DUI vs. DWI in Texas?

Texas state law establishes maximum fines for a DWI. Depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DWI record, and other aggravating factors, maximum fines start at $2,000 and can cost as much as $10,000.

What is the cost of a DWI in Texas?

The maximum fine for a first or second DWI offense in Texas is $6,000.00. The maximum fine for a Felony DWI is $10,000.00. Learn more. An effective DWI lawyer can fight for dismissal and work to mitigate consequences, saving time and money, potentially preserving your …

What happens when you get a second DWI in Texas?

Aug 10, 2018 · According to Nolo.com Consumer Reports, the median legal fee for a lawyer was around $1,500. However, because this was the median price, there were equal amounts of cases where people paid more than $1,500 and less. Nolo.com also notes that if your case goes to trial your DWI lawyer costs might be $2,000-$3,000.

What is the average cost of a DWI in Texas?

The Texas Department of Transportation estimates the average cost of a DWI to be $17,000. In a press release issued six years ago the Texas Department of Transportation stated: “Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver's license for up to a year, and serve 180 days in jail.”

Do I need an attorney for a DWI in Texas?

If you're charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Houston, Texas, you could face serious consequences. Even if it's your first DWI offense, you may still spend time in jail or get your license suspended. Therefore, it's typically in your best interest to hire an attorney to help with the case.

How much can a single DWI conviction cost in Texas?

Texas DWI fines and expenses for adult offenders For a first DWI offense, a person 21 years old or older can face such DWI penalties as: Jail time of 3 days to as much as 180 days (6 months). A fine of up to $2,000. Driver's license suspension for up to 2 years.

How much is a DWI fine in Texas?

What are the penalties for a DWI? Up to a $2,000 fine. Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days. Loss of driver license up to a year.

How long is probation for first time DWI in Texas?

The state of Texas defines probation as “community supervision,” which means the probationer remains in the “community” and is “supervised” by a probation officer. The length of probation can be from as little as six months to as long as two years for a first-offense DWI conviction.

How much is a bail bond for DWI in Texas?

How much is bail for DWI in Texas? Bail for first-time DWI charges in Texas rarely exceeds $5,000.00. This is the first of many costs associated with the Texas DWI process. Judges have total discretion over bond amounts.

How much can a single DWI conviction cost aceable?

about $10,000Drunk driving isn't just dangerous, it's incredibly expensive. Being convicted of a DUI can cost about $10,000, plus the possible loss of your freedom. Take your friends on an amazing vacation.

Can a DWI be reduced in Texas?

Fortunately, it is possible to get a Texas DWI reduced. A criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution or petition the court to lessen the charges and/or penalties—or even dismiss your case entirely—before a case goes to trial.Dec 12, 2018

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.Mar 6, 2022

How long does a DWI stay on your record in Texas?

A DWI charge stays on the record forever. If the charge was dismissed without probation, it is eligible for removal and deletion through expunction. If the charge resulted in a conviction, it may be eligible to be sealed through an order of nondisclosure.

How can a Lawyer Help You Build the Strongest Case Possible?

In Texas, the cost of a DUI or DWI conviction can be staggering and leave you struggling to keep up financially. That is why you need an attorney w...

When Court Fees and Penalties are Already so Expensive, How Could You Afford to Hire a Lawyer?

Lawyer fees vary, and some firms will charge a flat fee to cover all the work performed for standard DWI cases. Other attorneys have an hourly rate...

What are the Maximum Fines for a DWI in Texas?

Texas state law establishes maximum fines for a DWI. Depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DWI record, and other aggravating f...

How does the SR-22 Requirement Work?

After a DWI conviction, you must obtain an SR-22 before your license is reinstated. This certificate is proof of Financial Responsibility Insurance...

Types of direct and indirect costs of a DWI conviction

For most drunk driving offenses in Texas, common direct and indirect costs include:

Texas DWI costs & penalties for minors

Specific DWI costs and penalties apply to minors in Texas, and also to persons 18 to 20 years old who technically aren’t minors.

Texas DWI fines and expenses for adult offenders

When it comes to adults, DWI costs and penalties are more severe and can include jail time.

DWI costs & penalties for drunk driving with a child in Texas

An adult who is arrested for DWI while having a child under age 15 in the vehicle can face such DWI costs and penalties as:

Total DWI costs are high

As you can see, the various penalties and costs for DWI, when added up, mean that total DWI costs can be extremely high, even for a first-time conviction.

Court Costs, Fines, and Restitution

The fines prescribed by law for a DWI conviction can really add up. The fines for a DWI could be as much as $2,000 for a first-time offense and go all the way up to $10,000 for intoxication assault or manslaughter charges.

Alcohol Treatment and Interlock Devices

Upon a conviction for DWI, the court could order you to attend alcohol treatment courses or install an interlock device on your vehicle. You are expected to front the costs for both. An Alcohol Education Program course can run between $70 and $200. An interlock device allows you to operate a motor vehicle as long as you pass a breathalyzer test.

Raised Insurance Premiums

While this cost is not directly related to a DWI court conviction, you can count on your premiums going up once you get your driver’s license back. The state requires proof of minimum insurance coverage, which is significantly higher for anyone with a DWI conviction on their record.

Towing Costs

One cost you might not consider is the expense of having your car towed and impounded. For safety reasons, the police will not leave your vehicle on the side of the road. Not only will they tow and impound your car, but you must pay the impound bill before you can get your vehicle back.

Legal Fees

Attorney fees can be a significant cost depending on the complexity of your case. Every attorney evaluates a case differently, and there is no set fee schedule for defending a DWI charge.

The Value of a North Texas DWI Lawyer

With the right DWI defense attorney, you have the chance to prevail at trial and avoid the costs of a conviction entirely. The cost of a qualified defense attorney is an investment in keeping your criminal record clean and avoiding the more expensive cost of a DWI conviction.

How long can you lose your license for DWI in Texas?

In this situation, you can get hit with a fine of $10,000. You can lose your license for up to 180 days. Also, you will lose significant income if the judge sentences you to time in the state jail, which can be for up to two years. Additional Costs of a DWI in Texas.

How much is a third DWI?

A third DWI conviction can result in a fine of up to $10,000. Your prison sentence can be two to 10 years, which is a massive amount of lost wages. You will continue to suffer financial losses for the rest of your working life from low-paying jobs.

How long can you go to jail for a DWI?

The first DWI conviction can result in a fine of up to $2,000. You can go to jail for a period from three to 180 days, which will cost you in lost income. You can lose your driver’s license for up to a year. The state will charge you fees to reinstate your license.

How long can you keep your driver's license in Texas?

You can lose your driver’s license for up to two years and have to pay reinstatement costs and annual fees for three years to keep your license. Texas law considers driving while intoxicated as child endangerment if you have a passenger under the age of 15 in your vehicle.