San Antonio DWI Second Offense Attorney
Overview of DWI – Second Offense in Texas
A DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated and is an offense taken very seriously in the state of Texas. It involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for drivers over 21 years old in Texas is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%, meaning if caught driving with this amount or greater any individual could be charged with DWI in Texas. Intoxication can also be defined as the loss of the normal use of your mental and physical faculties.
A second DWI offense in Texas will result in an even more severe punishment than a first offense, as the state places emphasis on deterring people from repeat offenses. A second DWI is considered a class A misdemeanor and carries a minimum jail sentence of 30 days, with the potential for up to one year in jail or prison. Additionally, you’ll face fines up to $4,000, loss of your driver’s license up to two years and the requirement that you attend an alcohol awareness program. You may also be required to equip your vehicle with an ignition interlock device at your own expense. The Texas criminal justice system takes DWI very seriously; if you are convicted of this crime, the penalties are extreme and long-lasting.
Penalties associated with a DWI conviction can be harsh so it’s important to stay informed by consulting your lawyer or researching local laws if you ever find yourself facing a charge.
FORMER VEHICULAR CRIMES PROSECUTOR
As a member of the District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Team, in the county with the most roadway fatalities in the State, Brad Thornton was regularly dispatched to the worst types of DWI cases involving serious bodily injury or death. His years of experience and training on the most serious types of intoxication charges allows him to protect your rights! When you are looking for a DWI Lawyer in San Antonio DWI attorney, Brad has the experience you need on your side.
Request a Free Consultation
Defenses to DWI – Second Offense in Texas
In the state of Texas, there are several defenses that can be used to fight a DWI charge. Common defenses may include lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop, inadequacy of field sobriety tests, errors in breathalyzer testing procedure, or other objectional evidence. Additionally, it is possible to challenge the arresting officer’s experience and time within their given position as a credible witness. Exploring all available options for defense could make all the difference when trying to fight a DWI charge in Texas.
HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED FOR DWI?
You may only have 15 days until you Driver’s License is suspended
If you have been arrested for DWI, your license may be in jeopardy. In certain circumstances, you have just 15 days to request an administrative hearing with DPS to save your license. These hearings are highly technical and you need an experience attorney to request a hearing right away and begin the process to save your license.
SAVE YOUR LICENSE
Ignition Interlock Requirement
If you are convicted of DWI in Texas, you may be subject to the state’s interlock requirement. This requires that a device is installed on your vehicle that requires the driver to provide a breath sample each time the vehicle is started. The breath sample must meet certain standards before the engine will start, preventing someone who has been drinking from operating the vehicle. In addition, other measures like random rolling retests and photographic confirmation of service may also be required in order for the driver to keep their license. Any violation of these requirements can result in severe legal consequences.
Attorney Brad Thornton
Attorney Brad Thornton is an experience DWI attorney in San Antonio and South Texas and is Board Certified in Criminal law. He has extensive experience trying DWI cases to a jury and is familiar with every type of case, defense, and way the state might try to prove their case. If you are charged with DWI, call Brad Thornton for a free consultation.
