El Paso DWI Attorney

Texas takes driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) seriously. If you are convicted, on top of criminal penalties, your driver’s license could be suspended. This can impact your ability to get to work and earn a living. When you need a skilled El Paso DWI Lawyer, call Joseph Veith Law. Our experienced trial attorney provides dedicated legal representation. Visit our DUI lawyer reviews to see why clients choose our El Paso law firm when they need a DWI attorney.

Please contact us at (915) 600-6045 to set up an appointment for a consultation with a DUI lawyer in El Paso. 

What is the Difference Between a DUI & DWI in Texas?

In Texas, DWI is a more serious crime. Under the Texas Traffic Code, DUI charges are only available to minors. However, because a DUI is charged for any amount of alcohol in a person's system, it's much easier to be found guilty. Under the Texas Penal Code, DWIs are serious crimes.

Is a DWI in Texas a Felony?

In Texas, a DWI is usually a felony if it is your third offense. You could still be charged with a felony DWI in your first or second DWI if someone was injured as a result of your DWI. If someone was killed as a result of your DWI, you will be charged with a second degree felony charge called intoxication manslaughter.

How Long Does DUI Affect Insurance in Texas?

A DUI will affect your insurance for two years and you will be required to have SR-22 coverage from the date of your conviction. If your policy lapses the insurer is required to inform the State of Texas when they cancel your policy.

Penalties for DWI in Texas

The consequences of a DWI conviction depend on whether this was your first conviction or a subsequent offense and the circumstances of your arrest, such as whether or not you caused an accident. Because you could be facing a jail sentence, hefty fine, and driver’s license suspension, it is important to get in touch with an experienced El Paso DWI attorney.

Texas DWI penalties may include:

• First offense: A jail sentence of 3 to 180 days, $2,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 1 year
• Second offense: 30 days to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000, and a driver’s license suspension from 180 days to 2 years
• Third offense: 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a driver’s license suspension from 180 days to 2 years
• DWI with a child passenger: Having a passenger under 15 years of age can result in a jail sentence of up to two years and up to $10,000 in fines

If your DWI charge resulted from an accident, you might be facing additional legal consequences, either in criminal court, civil court, or both. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, the driver and passengers in the other vehicle may file a personal injury lawsuit against you. If the accident resulted in a death, you could be facing up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a felony conviction on your record.

Possible Defenses for DWI Charges

Because a DWI conviction can have serious consequences and a lasting impact on your life, it is crucial to contact an experienced defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, there may be a variety of possible defense strategies for DWI charges.

Our El Paso DWI lawyer may challenge:

• The traffic stop and your arrest
• How breath or blood testing was conducted
• The way you were questioned
• Results of field sobriety testing

Law enforcement officers often base DWI arrests and the decision to conduct breathalyzer testing on observations and field sobriety testing. This could include claiming that you smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, had slurred speech, or had reduced coordination. These can be subjective and there can be many other reasons for the symptoms. We evaluate possible defense strategies and develop the most effective for the situation.

What To Do If You Get A DWI In Texas

If you have been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas, it's essential to take specific steps to address the situation and protect your legal rights. Here's a general guide on what to do if you get a DWI in Texas:

• Cooperate with Law Enforcement: Follow the instructions of the arresting officer. Be polite and respectful, but remember that you have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination.
• Understand the Administrative License Suspension: In Texas, if you fail or refuse a breath or blood test, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can suspend your driver's license. You have a limited time (usually 15 days) from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension. Consult an attorney to determine if this is advisable in your case.
• Consult an Attorney: It is highly advisable to hire an experienced DWI defense attorney. They can help you understand your rights, assess the evidence against you, and guide you through the legal process. Your attorney can also assist in requesting an ALR hearing and represent you in court.
• Appear in Court: Attend all court appearances as required. Failure to appear can lead to additional legal troubles. If you hire an attorney, they will represent you in court and guide you through the legal process.
• Review the Evidence: Your attorney will work with you to review the evidence in your case, which may include breathalyzer or blood test results, police reports, and witness statements. They will determine if there are any legal challenges or defenses that can be raised on your behalf.
• Consider Legal Options: Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to explore possible plea deals or reduced charges. If appropriate, they may pursue a trial to challenge the evidence against you.
• Be Prepared for Penalties: If you are convicted of DWI in Texas, you may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, community service, or even jail time, depending on the circumstances and any prior convictions.

Texas has a Zero Tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, with strict penalties for individuals under 21 found driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.

Remember that the specifics of your case may vary, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in DWI defense to assess your situation and develop the best legal strategy for your defense. DWI laws can be complex, and having legal representation is essential to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

Why Hire Our DWI Lawyer in El Paso 

To avoid conviction or serving any time behind bars, one of the most important steps you must take is to hire a criminal defense attorney who specializes in DWI cases. Having a DWI lawyer on your side can increase the chances of obtaining a favorable result in court.

Here are several benefits of hiring our DWI lawyer in El Paso:

• Our knowledge and experience help us understand the intricacies of DWI law in Texas. Our legal team can assess your case and determine all your legal options.
• After we listen to your story, our firm can develop a solid defense strategy tailored to your case's specifics. We can challenge the evidence against you, identify procedural errors, and find weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
• Our El Paso DWI attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charges or penalties, such as community service, probation, or alcohol treatment.
• DWI cases involve complex legal procedures and paperwork, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming. We can handle all the paperwork and represent you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
• You can trust that our El Paso DWI lawyer is working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on moving forward.

Contact us today at (915) 600-6045 to let our DWI attorney in El Paso fight for you inside and outside the courtroom!