DWI Defense

A DWI violation in the Dallas or Richardson area can take a toll. A normal DWI violation is a class B misdemeanor but there are many exceptions that may increase the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor or even a State Jail Felony. It is important to remember there is no deferred adjudication for a DWI and if convicted the misdemeanor stays on your permanent record.

A DUI violation pertains to anyone under the age of 21. Texas makes a distinction between minors and adults regarding DWI violations within Dallas county. There is a “Zero tolerance” policy for minors. This means that any detectable traces of alcohol found when a minor is operating a motor vehicle may constitute a DUI violation. The penalties are less severe than a DWI but may lead to a suspension of license. A minor convicted of DUI in the Dallas and Richardson area may face a Class C misdemeanor with a $500.00 fine, 90-day suspension of license with an ignition interlock device, and a 12-hour long alcohol education program.

If pulled over for a DWI assess your options and refuse to blow if you fear your BAC is over .08. If you blow into the Breathalyzer and your BAC is above .015 then your punishment goes from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor. Do not be foolish make the right choice. Police in the Dallas and Richardson area know the procedure and will attempt to get an admission from you when pulled over. You have every right to (1) refuse to blow and (2) refuse to answer any questions presented by the police. The first step to enforcing your rights is knowing your rights.

A normal DWI in the Dallas and Richardson area is a class B misdemeanor with up to a $2,000.00 fine and a minimum confinement of 72 hours but no confinement to exceed 180 days.

If you committed a DWI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15 or greater than it is a Class A misdemeanor with up to a $4,000.00 fine with confinement not to exceed 1 year. The Dallas District Attorney can charge either the fine, the confinement, or both.

If you committed a DWI with a child that is 14 years old or younger in the vehicle than it is a State-Jail Felony with a fine up to $10,000.00 and a minimum confinement of 180 days but not to exceed 2 years.

It is important to remember that if you are in the Dallas and Richardson areas and a police officer pulls you over for a DWI assess your situation, do not admit to anything, and if you believe your BAC is over .08 do not volunteer to use a breathalyzer.