Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious crime. If you’re charged with a DWI, the resulting conviction can be severe. Being convicted of a DWI in Texas could mean hefty fines, losing your license, or jail time. The worst part is that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could cause injury to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other motor vehicle operators.
Additionally, DWI convictions can negatively impact your employment opportunities, driving privileges, and even college admissions. Convictions for driving while intoxicated can be permanent and almost impossible to expunge. When criminal charges are imminent, an experienced Harris County DWI attorney can assist with a DWI arrest.
Napier Law Firm, is a leading law firm fighting DWI charges in Harris County, Texas. Our experienced team of attorneys offers skillful legal representation for individuals charged with driving while intoxicated offenses. Sit down with us for a free consultation to discuss how we meet our client’s needs, provide impeccable attention to detail, and use our comprehensive understanding of DWI and criminal law to build your DUI defense.
Harris County DWI Laws and Regulations
Harris County, Texas’ DWI laws reflect the state’s commitment to tackling drunk driving and its personal injury consequences. Understanding these legal matters helps residents avoid criminal charges. Professional legal services can also help visitors navigate the legal system and make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and driving.
DWI Laws in Harris County
Texas law defines DWI as operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated by either having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two.
Law enforcement officers in Harris County enforce drunk driving laws according to the following Texas DWI regulations:
- Texas DWI laws have zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. This means individuals under the age of 21 with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving can result in a drunk driving charge.
- The penalties for a DWI offense in Harris County vary depending on the number of offenses, the driver’s BAC level, and whether a minor was in the vehicle.
- Drunk driving with a passenger under 15 years old is considered a felony
- Drunk driving penalties range from fines and license suspension for a first offense to significant jail time, fines, and long-term license suspension for multiple offenses
- Drivers caught with a BAC of 0.15% or higher face steeper penalties, even for a first offense.
- A DWI arrest triggers an administrative license revocation (ALR) process that could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Harris County DWI Convictions
Being convicted of drunk driving will have extensive effects, especially if not addressed by a DWI lawyer. The consequences of a DWI conviction vary based on the specifics of the case, the severity of the offense, and previous criminal record. These are some of the most common repercussions that Harris County DWI lawyers have helped their clients fight to avoid a conviction:
Legal and Financial Penalties
Some of the immediate consequences of DWI arrests are large fines. Harris County, TX DUI/DWI fines range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the offense. Convicted individuals are also responsible for court costs and fees associated with mandated programs or probation.
Here’s a general overview of the fines and fees associated with a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction in Texas:
- A first-offense DWI comes with fines up to $2,000, variable court fees, and additional costs that may include probation, mandatory alcohol education classes, increased auto insurance rates, and the installation and monthly service fees for an ignition interlock device if required.
- A second-offense DWI carries fines up to $4,000, variable but higher court fees, and similar costs as a first offense but may also include higher costs for repeat offender programs and longer periods with ignition interlock devices.
- A third offense incurs fines up to $10,000, increased variable court costs, and additional penalties associated with longer probation periods, more extensive alcohol education or treatment programs, and extended use of an ignition interlock device.
- If convicted of driving while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 15, it’s considered a state jail felony charge. This could come with fines of up to $10,000 and additional costs associated with felony charges, which often include severe legal implications.
Anyone convicted of a DWI will have to pay a fee of $100 to $2,000 to reinstate their suspended driver’s license. For the remaining two years after a DWI conviction, convicted DWI drivers will be financially responsible for SR-22 Insurance which proves you have the minimum amount of auto insurance required by your state and can result in more expensive insurance premiums.
DWI Arrest and Incarceration
Jail time is a potential outcome of a DWI conviction, especially for repeat offenses or cases involving aggravating factors, such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or accidents causing injury or death. The length of incarceration can vary from a few days to several years. A Harris County DWI lawyer can assist in reducing your jail time or fighting for a case dismissal.
Convicted individuals could be sentenced to probation, during which time they are legally obligated to comply with specific conditions set by the Montgomery County, Galveston County, or Harris County court. Probation terms include regular check-ins with a probation officer, attendance at alcohol education or treatment programs with a DWI specialist, and avoidance of further legal trouble.
Driving Privileges
A DWI conviction is a criminal offense and results in the revocation of your Texas driver’s license. The duration of this penalty can range from a few months to several years. Contact our law office for quality legal representation and a skilled defense lawyer ready to fight for your driving privileges.
Many jurisdictions under the Texas board require individuals convicted of DWI to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle to prevent their car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. If you want to avoid a criminal charge and lengthy criminal cases, consider hiring an adept Harris County DWI lawyer.
Employment and Educational Impact
Any profession requiring driving or security clearances can become off-limits after a DWI arrest. Many employers view DWI convictions unfavorably and this may affect employment opportunities. Students could also face disciplinary action from their educational institution, lose scholarship opportunities, and face problems getting into the university of their choice with a DUI on their record. Napier Law Firm always recommends working with a knowledgeable criminal law DWI attorney.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance rates often skyrocket after a DWI conviction, and increased premiums may last for several years. In some cases, especially for repeat offenders, insurance companies may refuse to insure those convicted of drunk driving.
Long-Term Consequences
A DWI will appear on criminal background checks and some countries may even deny entry to those found guilty of driving while intoxicated. DWI attorneys fight to help their clients avoid the implications of a DUI, like loss of future employment opportunities, rejected housing applications, and lack of eligibility for certain licenses or certifications. The social stigma of drunk driving can strain your relationships, impact your mental health, and harm your reputation.
The consequences of a DWI conviction are substantial and multifaceted, affecting nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. From legal penalties and financial burdens to personal and professional setbacks, the impact of a DWI conviction underscores the importance of seeking competent legal representation to navigate the charges and mitigate potential penalties.
Texas DWI Dismissal
If you plead guilty to a DUI it may lead to a driver’s license suspension. However, our law offices have won or dismissed thousands of DWI cases. When you work with our Harris County DWI lawyers, dismissal is possible in every DWI case. Every case is different, but an aggressive, relentless criminal defense lawyer uses their steadfast commitment to get positive results.
Can a Driving While Intoxicated Charge Be Dismissed in Texas?
Yes, DWI charges can be dismissed by challenging the State’s evidence and police officers’ reasonable suspicion and probable cause. If a police officer breaks the law, a Harris County DWI lawyer can have your case dismissed. Also, by addressing the reasonable cause cited by the police officer, a determined criminal defense lawyer can beat a DWI in Texas.
How Can I Win My DWI Case In Texas?
A Harris County DWI lawyer can help you to win your case by doing the following:
- Challenging the evidence
- Demonstrating the police officers’ mistakes
- Showing discrepancies in the forensic analysis
Fighting DWI Charges in Harris County
Criminal defense lawyers work to reduce the significant impact a DWI conviction can have on your life. Seeking legal representation with a free consultation if you’re facing DWI charges in Harris County could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Qualified Harris County DWI attorneys guide you through the legal process, challenge the charges and evidence against you, and work to mitigate the consequences of a conviction.
Criminal defense attorneys are especially important in Harris County because they can question each arresting police officer, agency, and prosecutor to deter potential DWI offenses. Experienced defense lawyers will use their knowledge of local regulations to advocate on your behalf to make sure that your legal rights are protected. The Napier Law Firm takes its attorney-client relationship very seriously by defending its clients from erroneous criminal cases.
Harris County’s drunk driving statutes were designed to deter drunk driving and enhance public safety. Your legal specialization professional knows the power of reasonable doubt and understands the laws you face and the potential penalties for DWI. Legal representation is important because it can help arrested individuals make informed decisions and seek appropriate support when facing a criminal conviction.
When facing a criminal charge in Harris County, your choice of legal representation can significantly impact your case. Napier Law Firm stands out by providing an exceptional defense for each client they serve who’s been charged with DWI.
Napier Law Firm Can Offer DWI Support
Napier Law Firm focuses on DWI defense throughout Harris County, and the surrounding Texas community. Napier Law Firm is at the forefront of DWI defense in the region because of our commitment to placing the best lawyer available on your case, challenging the arresting officer, and building a criminal defense to combat each DWI charge.
Strengths of Napier Law Firm
Napier Law Firm serves its clients in the following ways:
- Knowledgeable in Harris County DWI law.
- Ample experience handling complex DWI cases.
- In-depth understanding of the technology and procedures behind breathalyzer and field sobriety tests and readiness to challenge their reliability.
- Extensive experience negotiating plea bargains that may result in reduced penalties for our clients.
- Meticulously review the details of each case to identify and challenge procedural errors and flaws in the evidence-collection process.
- Develop personalized defense strategies that address the specific aspects of your DWI charge.
- Provide skillful courtroom representation by leveraging litigation skills to advocate effectively for our clients.
FAQs Related to DWI Cases in Harris County
Choosing a trained and skillful legal team is crucial to overcoming DWI charges in Harris County. Napier Law Firm specializes in using our comprehensive knowledge of DWI laws and DWI defense, to provide personalized client representation. Whether challenging the evidence, negotiating a plea, or fighting for your rights in court, Napier Law Firm can explain how we can support your claim in a free consultation.
Here are some of the most common questions our Harris County, TX criminal defense attorneys answer each day:
What Constitutes a DWI Offense in Harris County?
Harris County, Texas law considers it to be driving while intoxicated when operating a motor vehicle in a public place while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Impairment is defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to the consumption of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test in Harris County?
Yes, you can refuse to participate in a breathalyzer test or field sobriety examination in Harris County; however, refusing to do so can have immediate consequences due to Texas’s implied consent laws. Refusing a breathalyzer in Harris County could lead to the automatic suspension of your driver’s license for up to 180 days for a first offense and may be used against you in court.
What Are the Penalties for a First-Time DWI Conviction in Harris County?
A first-time DWI conviction in Texas may result in a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, loss of driver’s license for up to a year, and an annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain your driver’s license. The penalties you may face can vary based on the specifics of your case and any mitigating or aggravating factors.
How Will a DWI Affect My Driver’s License?
A Harris County DWI can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. How long that suspension lasts varies depending on the specifics of your case, the number of previous offenses, and the amount of alcohol in your blood at the time of arrest. The reinstatement of your license, and even the eligibility for an occupational license, involves court approval and may be subject to restrictions.
Can a DWI Conviction Be Expunged in Harris County?
Typically, DWI convictions cannot be expunged in Texas, and that’s why it’s important to work with a DWI attorney. However, if your DWI case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be eligible for expunction or nondisclosure, which seals your DWI from public view. A knowledgeable DWI attorney can help you know if you may qualify for DWI expungement.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device, and Will I Have To Use One?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer made for vehicles. This device requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the engine starts. When alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath sample, the vehicle will not be able to start. If the court requires the installation of an IID as a condition of probation or as part of the terms for the reinstatement of your driver’s license, you’ll be forced to oblige.
How Can a DWI Lawyer Help Me With My Case in Harris County?
A DWI lawyer focusing on Harris County drunk driving cases will evaluate the evidence against you, identify legal or procedural errors, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, penalties, or dismissal, represent you in court, and advise you on the best course of action to positively affect the outcome of your DWI case. An experienced DWI lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Napier Law Firm and discuss your options today.