After a long week, you’ve gone out for drinks with a few friends and are ready to end your night. Suddenly on your way home, red and blue lights flash behind you. Pulling over to the side of the road, you cannot help but feel your heart racing as the officer comes to the side of your vehicle. The police officer asks you to perform a few tests, and after a few minutes, they inform you that you are being charged for driving under the influence of alcohol.
If this is your first DWI offense, you may question whether an experienced DWI lawyer is necessary for your case. However, without a highly-qualified lawyer on your side, your rights may be at risk. Even first-offenders may suffer long-term consequences of a DWI, so it’s essential for you to discuss your best options with a knowledgeable individual.
How Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Can Impact Your DWI Case
When an officer measures your breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they look at the amount of alcohol in your blood. If you have a BAC level of 0.08% or higher, you are considered too impaired to drive properly and will be arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Your BAC level significantly impacts your DWI case and may cause you to suffer harsher penalties. The higher your BAC level, the more likely you will cause severe, life-threatening damage to yourself and others around you. If you have a high BAC level, you may be at serious risk of harsh legal consequences.
What Are the Possible Consequences of a First-Offense DWI in Texas?
Texas law takes driving under the influence very seriously, and even first offenders can face harsh legal penalties. The following are punishments you may receive if convicted of a first-offense DWI in Texas:
- Probation
- DWI education programs
- Possible ignition interlock device
- With a BAC<.15: Up to $2,000 in fines and from 72 hours to 6 months in county jail
- With a BAC.15 or higher: up to $4,000 in fines and from 0 to 1 year in county jail
- License suspension
Much of your conviction depends on your level of blood alcohol concentration. The higher your percentage, the more likely you will suffer severe penalties.
Why You Should Contact a Texas DWI Lawyer
Your first offense is where you have a lot of room to argue for a lesser sentence. While your penalties depend on the severity of your case, a lawyer will know how to argue that your mistake should not affect your life and opportunities. A lawyer will also be able to provide you with the following:
- Review legal documents
- Analyze information for potential legal issues
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Answer case-related questions
- Guide you through the legal processes
- Negotiate the possible consequence
The sooner you can speak with an attorney, the more time they have to offer you advice and guidance through your case. An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and tools to protect your rights throughout the process.
Contact a Texas DWI Attorney at Sophia Martinez Law
Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez understands the intricate details of a DWI case in Texas and will do everything she can to provide you with reliable legal representation. She has many years of experience and knowledge in successfully handling DWI cases. Offering her services in English and Spanish, she strives to make sure her clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. When you work with Sophia Martinez Law, you can place your trust in your legal representation. We have years of experience protecting the rights of our clients.
Call (210) 226-3000 or fill out our contact form to learn how we can help you today.