What to Expect When You Get a DWI in Houston

It can be frightening and confusing when you are arrested for DWI, particularly if this is your first time. You will have to navigate a legal process that can result in serious penalties and collateral consequences, including jail, fines, ignition interlock, loss of driving privileges and more.

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Your first step is to contact a Houston DWI defense attorney who has the experience and knowledge to defend your case effectively. You need an attorney who is dedicated to staying current on all aspects of DWI law, science and procedure.

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A Houston DWI attorney is also trained in preparing cases for trial, and this is often the best way to achieve an outcome favorable to you.

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The first thing that an experienced Houston DWI lawyer will do is to review the details of your case and determine whether there are any potential issues. This includes reviewing police reports, the arresting officer's notes, the video of the traffic stop and obtaining a breath test or blood draw.

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This will help your attorney know exactly what evidence they need to investigate and build a strong DWI defense.

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You might not be aware of this, but your driver's license can be suspended immediately following your arrest unless you request an Administrative License Revocation Hearing within 15 days. If you do not request this hearing, your driver's license will be automatically suspended for a period of time that can range from 90 days to 2 years.

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When your license is suspended, you may be given a notice called a DIC-25. This notice tells you that the Texas Department of Public Safety has initiated the suspension of your license. The DIC-25 is deceptive at best, because it makes you believe that you do not have any options, but in reality, there are many ways to challenge your driver's license suspension.

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For example, you could contest the arresting officer's note of probable cause for your arrest, argue that you are under the influence or even show up at your license reinstatement hearing with a valid driver's license.

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Another option is to contest the results of a breath or blood test. This is usually more difficult to do, but your Houston DWI lawyer can use this as leverage to help you negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you.

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If you are charged with a second DWI in Texas, this is considered a Class A misdemeanor and the penalties you face are much more severe than they would be for a first-time DWI charge. For instance, the fine is typically doubled, and you could face up to a year in jail.

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In addition, if there is an accident and another person is injured or killed because of your actions, you may be charged with a felony. Intoxication manslaughter is a Class B felony, and it is punishable by up to 2 to 20 years in prison.