All drivers hold a duty of care to themselves and everyone else who is on the road with them to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. However, when a driver gets behind the wheel while they are intoxicated, it is impossible to uphold this duty. Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that can result in legal repercussions. If you are an out-of-state driver who has been charged with a DWI in Texas, you may be unsure what your next legal steps should be.
After being charged with a DWI as an out-of-state driver, it is vital that you partner with our skilled criminal defense lawyer Sophia C. Martinez. You can rely on former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to construct a solid strategy and use her more than 25 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney to assist with your out-of-state DWI defense case.
What Happens When an Out-of-State Driver is Charged With a DWI in Texas?
If you are an out-of-state driver that has been charged with a DWI and you assumed that, since you are not in your home state you may evade some of the legal consequences, you are incorrect. It does not matter if you are a resident of another state and are only visiting or passing through the state. Because you still allegedly committed an offense in Texas, Texas jurisdiction prevails.
This means that your DWI case will be heard and tried in Texas criminal courts. In Texas, like many other states, there are two processes that result from a DWI charge. These processes are as follows:
Criminal Process
If you were charged with DWI in Texas, you must take care of the criminal charges in Texas. The results of your criminal case can be a factor in the administrative process and its effect on your driving privileges in the future.
Administrative Process
If you are convicted of DWI in Texas, Texas will report it to the licensing department in your home state. If your driver’s license would have been suspended in accordance with your home state laws, then your license will be suspended when you return home.
After being charged with a DWI in Texas as an out-of-state driver, it is in your best interest to hire a Texas criminal defense lawyer who can assist you with your case. When you work with a Texas lawyer, they can negotiate with the court to potentially allow you to return home while charges are pending. They may also be able to negotiate for dismissal of the case or a reduction of the charges against you by helping gather key evidence to build your defense case.
Get Help From a Texas Out-of-State DWI Lawyer
Being charged with a DWI as an out-of-state driver in Texas can be confusing and stressful as you try to understand what your next steps should be. To ensure your rights and interests are protected, contact Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to get help building your defense case. Attorney Sophia C. Martinez has over 25 years of experience helping clients protect their rights and interests.
To schedule a free evaluation with Attorney Sophia C. Martinez regarding your DWI defense case, contact Sophia Martinez Law today by completing our contact form or calling (210) 226-3000. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also speak Spanish.