Criminal Defense Lawyer Answers Denton DWI FAQs
If you have been charged with a DWI in Texas, you may feel like you do not have any options. However, consider the possibility that you were improperly questioned by the arresting police officer, or maybe the equipment used to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) was not functioning correctly. These types of scenarios happen more often than people realize, and they can be grounds for decreasing the penalties of a DWI charge or even dismissing it altogether.
Attorney Adame has over 25 years of experience defending hundreds of clients against DWI charges. You need that kind of experience on your side. Here, he answers some frequently asked questions to help prepare you for your case.
When do I need to go to court?
If your case is a misdemeanor, you will be assigned a court date after the police officer files the case with the court. This could range from about six weeks to four months after your arrest took place. In any situation, make sure you have hired an attorney well before your first court appearance. You will want to be familiar with all your options before standing in front of the judge.
My driver’s license was confiscated. Does that mean I can’t drive?
No. After you receive a Notice of Suspension, you have 15 days to request an ALR hearing regarding your driving privileges. If the notice comes from the Department of Public Safety, however, you have only 10 days to request a hearing. If you fail to make a request, your license will be automatically suspended after 40 days.
Does a conviction automatically mean jail or prison?
No. The punishment for a DWI conviction depends on the circumstances of the case, including whether you are a first-time offender or have prior convictions. Penalties can include probation, fines, community service, driver’s license suspension, and others. Your best chances of preventing jail time or avoiding a conviction altogether are in hiring skilled, experienced legal counsel to fight the charges aggressively.
How will an attorney defend my case?
A criminal defense lawyer will seek to protect your rights and challenge the lawfulness of the evidence against you. For example, your attorney might raise questions about the way in which your field sobriety test was conducted or whether or not your Miranda rights were stated to you properly. In any situation, your attorney will be at your side every step of the way, including all court appearances and during trial if your case goes that far.
Get Started With A Free Case Evaluation
Having a DWI conviction on your record can make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, attend college, or get a loan. Your best chance of escaping these life-long challenges is with the help of a qualified attorney. Contact Derek A. Adame, Attorney at Law, today to begin your free case evaluation and discover the options available to you.