Driving is a privilege that many people use to carry out tasks essential to their daily lives. When you get behind the wheel, you may be on your way to run errands, visit loved ones, go to work, and more. Getting pulled over for suspected driving while intoxicated could jeopardize your privilege to do those things. After an initial DWI charge, subsequent convictions have even more severe consequences.
You may benefit from the help of a DWI attorney with experience handling cases involving a defendant who already has one DWI on their record. While driving while intoxicated is a dangerous practice that could put people’s lives at risk, there are certain principles and standards that the law must adhere to when seeking to convict people of this charge. Reach out to an experienced San Antonio multiple DWI lawyer like Sophia Martinez to ensure you have someone in your corner defending your rights.
What Is a DWI in San Antonio, Texas?
Although the terms driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are frequently used interchangeably in Texas, DWI is the official description of this offense. Driving while intoxicated refers to any activity involving operating or being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point where the driver cannot do so safely.
You are typically considered to be intoxicated if drinking alcohol, using drugs, or using any other substance impairs your usual mental or physical faculties. When your breath or blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08%, you are considered legally drunk in Texas. However, you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol impair your ability to drive.
Different restrictions apply to drivers under 21 and those operating commercial trucks. Texas has “zero tolerance” regulations that make it illegal for drivers under the legal drinking age to operate a vehicle while having any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. The legal limit for driving a tractor-trailer truck or other commercial vehicle is 0.04% blood alcohol concentration.
What Are the Penalties for Multiple DWI Convictions in San Antonio?
It’s crucial to be informed of the punishments you could receive for repeated DWI offenses to defend your freedom. It would help if you also had guidance for defending yourself against DWI accusations. The penalties for DWI offenses grow as you receive more convictions. The following punishments could be imposed on you if you are found guilty of a DWI:
- First offense: For a first DWI offense with a BAC <.15, you could be penalized with a fine of up to $2,000 and a minimum of three days in jail with a potential of up to 180 days. You could also lose your driver’s license for up to a year. With a BAC.15>, you could be penalized with a fine up to $4000 and a minimum of 0- 1 year in county jail.
- Second offense: After an initial DWI offense, the following offense is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. You may be forced to pay a fine of up to $4,000 and imprisonment ranging from 30 days to 1 year. Also, your driver’s license may be suspended anywhere from 180 days to 2 years.
- Third or further offenses: Your third DWI offense or any DWI offense hereafter will be charged as a third-degree felony with a fine of up to $10,000. At this level, you could face a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a driver’s license suspension ranging from up to 2 years.
Avoiding a conviction is the greatest strategy to avoid the most severe criminal penalties for a DWI. A skilled San Antonio multiple DWI defense lawyer can assist you in developing a strong defense plan and pursuing a more favorable resolution to your case.
Will Multiple DWI Charges Affect My Commercial Driver’s License?
If You Have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the consequences could have a long-term impact on your profession. Receiving a DWI in your own car will also impact your CDL. The penalties for testing higher than the legal limit are the same regardless of the vehicle you were operating at the time of your DWI arrest.
The consequences for a repeat DWI conviction worsen considerably. In fact, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) will permanently suspend your CDL if you receive a second DWI conviction.
Hire a Proven Multiple DWI Lawyer in San Antonio to Fight Your Charges
When you are accused of more than one DWI offense, it could have negative implications for your reputation, family, and career. Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez knows that accusations of driving while intoxicated are grave and must be addressed seriously. Still, she also has the empathy to understand clients’ worries and anxiety when facing harsh penalties. Get in touch with Sophia Martinez Law right away to work with a lawyer who has spent more than 25 years defending the rights of Texans who have been charged with crimes.
You can reach out to us at (210) 226-3000 or fill out our contact form. We also speak Spanish.