Have you recently been arrested for a DWI in San Antonio, TX? Whether it’s your first DWI charge or your fourth, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced San Antonio DWI Attorney immediately. Facing a DWI charge is a serious matter that can have lasting impacts on your life. That’s where Ernest Acevedo Law Group steps in. Reach out to us at our San Antonio office by calling 210-226-5656 to begin your defense with a skilled DWI attorney.
For years, Ernest Acevedo Law Group has been committed to defending the rights of those accused of drunk driving in San Antonio. We recognize that the legal system can often seem biased towards a conviction. Our goal is to ensure your side of the story is heard, and your rights are protected. With our legal expertise, we aim to challenge the charges against you effectively.
Contact Ernest Acevedo Law Group in San Antonio, TX, for a free case evaluation today. We’re here to offer the dedicated and strategic legal representation you need to navigate this challenging time.
How Ernest Acevedo Law Group Can Help if You Are Facing DWI Charges in San Antonio, Texas
In San Antonio, Texas, if you’re confronted with DWI charges, having a competent and dedicated legal team to support you is vital. Ernest Acevedo Law Group, a San Antonio DWI attorney, offers comprehensive legal representation to clients. With over 45 years of practice in criminal law and DWI defense, Ernest Acevedo Law Group is well-equipped to handle your case.
The law office at Ernest Acevedo Law Group can assist with:
- DWI charges
- investigations
- advice on the best course of action
- aggressive DWI defense strategies
- avoiding DPS surcharges
- safeguarding your rights throughout the legal proceedings
Having our expertise at your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands at the law firm.
What Is DWI?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense in Texas that occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In San Antonio, DWI charges can be issued if an individual is considered to be too impaired to drive or if an open alcohol container is discovered in the vehicle. Texas drunk driving law is strictly enforced to ensure the safety of all road users.
What does it take for a person to be considered intoxicated? In Texas, a person is considered intoxicated if they no longer have normal control over their mental or physical faculties due to the consumption of drugs, alcohol, or the combination of those substances. If a chemical test shows a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, commonly tested by field sobriety tests, they could be considered intoxicated. This means that a police officer may issue a DWI charge if they suspect an individual is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they discover an open alcohol container in the vehicle.
Overview of the DWI Laws in Texas
Texas DWI laws are strict and have severe consequences for those who do not comply. Penalties for DWI offenses in Texas include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- License suspension
- Mandatory drug or alcohol education programs
Understanding these laws and their potential repercussions is vital to prevent landing in a challenging legal predicament.
In Texas, a person can be found guilty of driving while intoxicated if they operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Law enforcement officers in Texas can use a variety of chemical tests, such as breath, blood, or urine tests, to determine if a person is under the influence.
If a driver refuses to submit to a chemical test when they are arrested for a DWI, their driver’s license will be suspended automatically. Once a driver’s license is suspended, they are entitled to an administrative license revocation hearing, where they may contest the suspension.
Being conversant with these laws and potential repercussions is vital for your protection and rights. It is important to make sure that you have a San Antonio DWI attorney to aide you in your criminal defense.
Types Of DWI Cases We Defend
The Law Office of Ernest Acevedo Law Group provides legal specialization in handling various types of DWI cases in the San Antonio area, including:
- First-time DWIs
- Multiple DWIs
- DWI drugs
- Felony DWIs
- Intoxication assault
- Intoxication manslaughter
Each type of DWI case carries its own set of penalties and challenges, making it crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side.
First-time DWIs:
First-time DWIs in Texas can result in jail time, fines, Texas driver’s license suspension, and mandatory drug or alcohol education programs. A first-time DWI conviction may lead to a criminal record, higher insurance premiums, and potential difficulty in securing employment.
However, several defenses may be available for a first-time DWI charge, such as questioning the legality of the stop, contesting the reliability of the breathalyzer test, and asserting that the driver was not intoxicated.
Aggressive legal counsel for a first-time DWI is critical, as an experienced attorney can help understand your rights, options, and build a strong defense. Schedule an initial consultation with our San Antonio law office at (210) 226-5656 for a free consultation.
Multiple DWIs:
Multiple DWIs in Texas can lead to increased penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions. A person with multiple DWIs on their record may face even more significant challenges in terms of employment, housing, and other aspects of their life.
The potential consequences of multiple DWIs in Texas may include:
- Incarceration
- Financial penalties
- License revocation
- Other sanctions
Comprehending the repercussions of multiple DWIs and the importance of seeking expert legal advice, in Bexar County, is paramount to mitigate long-term effects.
DWI drugs:
DWI drug cases refer to instances in which an individual is driving while under the influence of drugs, with potential penalties comparable to those associated with alcohol-related DWIs. Consequences for DWI drug cases may include:
- Fines
- Incarceration
- Revocation of license
- Other penalties
When facing DWI drug charges, it’s critical to have an informed legal team on your side given the severe and enduring consequences.
Felony DWIs:
Felony DWIs in Texas can lead to severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. A conviction for this offense is permanent, necessitating a 10-day jail sentence even if probation is granted.
Additionally, it results in a driver’s license suspension and the severe collateral consequences associated with being a convicted felon. When facing felony DWI charges, having assertive legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and reduce potential consequences.
Intoxication assault:
Intoxication assault is an offense that occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes serious bodily injury to another person. The penalties for such a conviction may include jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Given the potential for severe consequences, having Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s criminal defense team by your side for intoxication assault charges is imperative.
Intoxication manslaughter:
Intoxication manslaughter is an offense wherein an individual is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle and consequently causes the death of another person. The corresponding penalties for such convictions may include incarceration, financial penalties, and license suspension.
Intoxication manslaughter cases carry high stakes, necessitating an experienced law firm to safeguard your rights and guide you through the complex legal process.
The Impact Of A DWI Conviction
A DWI conviction in Texas can have lasting consequences on an individual’s life. Apart from the immediate penalties such as jail time, fines, and license suspension, a DWI conviction can lead to a criminal record. This criminal record can negatively impact an individual’s future job prospects, housing opportunities, and other aspects of their life.
Moreover, a DWI conviction can result in higher insurance premiums, as insurance companies may view the conviction as a potential risk. Understanding the long-term impact of a DWI conviction is vital, as it highlights the importance of seeking aggressive legal counsel to defend against DWI charge and minimize potential consequences.
Administrative License Revocation Hearings
When faced with a DWI arrest in Texas, one of the immediate concerns is the potential suspension of your driver’s license. An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing provides individuals with the opportunity to contest the suspension of their driver’s license that was issued following a DWI arrest. Understanding your rights and the ALR hearing process is crucial for safeguarding your driving privileges.
The deadline for filing a request for an administrative hearing following a DWI arrest in Bexar County or the Texas Hill Country is 15 days. If a request for an administrative hearing is not filed within 15 days of a DWI arrest, the driver’s license will be automatically suspended.
Having an experienced DWI attorney by your side during the ALR hearing can significantly improve your chances of retaining your driving privileges, as they can present evidence and arguments in your favor.
What are the Penalties for DWI Cases in San Antonio, TX
Penalties for DWI cases in San Antonio, TX vary based on factors such as the level of impairment, number of offenses, and presence of aggravating circumstances.
In this section, we will explore the specific penalties related to various DWI cases, including general impairment, high BAC, and penalties based on the number of offenses.
GENERAL IMPAIRMENT DUI PENALTIES
General impairment DUI penalties in Texas vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. For a first-offense general impairment DUI, the driver may be subject to six months of probation and a fine of $300.
In addition to these penalties, the individual may face license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and increased penalties for subsequent convictions.
HIGH BAC DUI PENALTIES
In San Antonio, TX, the penalties for DWI cases with a high BAC can include:
- Jail sentence ranging from three to 180 days
- Fine of up to $2,000
- License suspension of between 90 to 365 days
- Additional sanctions for driving with a high BAC or with a child passenger.
Being cognizant of these penalties and the potential consequences of driving under the influence with a high BAC is crucial.
HIGHEST BAC DUI PENALTIES
The most severe BAC DUI penalties in Texas involve a fine of up to $2,000, incarceration of up to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of up to two years.
The consequences for a first offense, a second offense, a third and fourth offense are also severe, with fines, jail time, and license suspensions increasing with each subsequent offense.
PENALTIES BASED ON NUMBER OF OFFENSES
Penalties for DWI offenses in Texas depend on the number of offenses on the individual’s record. Consequences for DWI offenses can include:
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Mandatory alcohol assessment and treatment
- Community service
- License suspension
For a first offense, the penalties may include a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a license suspension of up to one year.
For a second offense, the penalties may include a fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years.
For a third offense, the penalties may include a fine of up to $10,000, up to 10 years in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years.
First Offense:
A first-time DWI offense in Texas may result in the following consequences:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Incarceration for up to 180 days
- Revocation of the driver’s license
- Community service
- Probation
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- Increased penalties for subsequent convictions
It is crucial to understand the penalties associated with a first offense DWI in Texas and to seek experienced legal counsel to defend against the charges.
Second Offense:
A second DWI offense in Texas is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with the following penalties:
- Maximum fine of $6,000.00
- Maximum jail sentence of 12 months
- Permanent conviction
- 3-day jail sentence even if probation is granted
- Driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock device requirement as a bond condition for all DWI 2nd charges.
Understanding the penalties for a second DWI offense and the importance of seeking knowledgeable criminal defense is essential.
Third Offense:
A third DWI offense in Texas is classified as a felony of the third degree, with the following penalties:
- Maximum fine of $10,000
- Maximum prison sentence of 10 years
- Permanent conviction, necessitating a 10-day jail sentence even if probation is granted
- Driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock device requirement as a bond condition for all DWI 3rd+ charges.
Comprehending the severe penalties for a third DWI offense in Texas is crucial, and seeking experienced legal counsel is vital to protect your rights and mitigate the potential consequences.
Fourth Offense:
A fourth DWI offense in Texas is a serious charge with severe penalties. The consequences for a fourth DWI offense may include a fine of up to $10,000, up to 10 years in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years.
Like other DWI offenses, comprehending the penalties and the necessity of seeking expert legal advice is crucial to safeguard your rights and navigate the intricate legal process.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested on DWI Charges?
If you’ve been arrested on DWI charges, be aware that there are several defenses that can be used to challenge the charges. An experienced DWI defense lawyer can help identify potential issues with the traffic stop, the chemical tests administered, and the field sobriety tests. Successfully challenging these aspects of the case can lead to evidence being excluded from the case and potentially result in a dismissal of the charges.
Some common defenses in a DWI case include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Questioning the accuracy of the breath or blood test
- Asserting that the officer lacked probable cause to effect the arrest, which could potentially reduce dwi arrests
- Challenging the performance or interpretation of field sobriety tests
An experienced San Antonio DWI attorney, who is also a skilled criminal defense attorney at a criminal defense law firm, can safeguard your rights and potentially lessen the consequences of a DWI charge by raising criminal defense strategies tailored to your case.
Schedule a Free Case Review With an Experienced DWI Attorney in San Antonio, TX
Should you or a loved one face DWI charges in San Antonio, TX, seeking legal counsel promptly is crucial. By scheduling a free case review with a San Antonio DWI lawyer, you can discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. An experienced DWI attorney can help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties, and the most effective defense options available.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact an experienced DWI attorney at Ernest Acevedo Law Group today to schedule your free case review and begin the process of defending your rights and protecting your future.
