Houston DWI Lawyers

Being charged with a DWI can be a devastating and traumatic experience. Here at the Sparks Law Firm, we understand that getting a DWI doesn’t make you a bad person, and most people who get them are in fact good people who made a simple mistake. Whether you’ve made a mistake or are being falsely accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, our Houston DWI lawyers are here to fight for you. Contact the Sparks Law Firm today so we can get started working on your case.

DWI Lawyers | Fighting for Clients in Houston, Texas

Whether you are accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol are drugs, you need our competent Harris County criminal defense lawyers in your corner. That’s right, driving under the influence of drugs (even legally-prescribed drugs) is considered a violation of the law that can result in severe penalties. No matter the type of DWI charges you’re facing, it is paramount that you retain the services of a seasoned attorney who can fight for you and your rights, every step of the way.

First-Offense DWI in Texas

As previously mentioned, first-offense DWI charges are typically treated as Class B Misdemeanors. That said, the penalties you may face for one can still shape your life for years down the road. Some of the penalties you may face for first-offense DWI charges in Texas are as follows:

• A potential $2,000 fine
• Anywhere between three and 180 days of incarceration
• A potential one-year driver’s license suspension
• A $2,000 fee each year for three years to retain your driver’s license
• Community service
• Enrollment in a DWI education or alcohol treatment program

Second-Offense DWI in TX

If you are charged with a second-offense DWI in Texas, you can expect to face even harsher penalties. They are as follows:

• A potential $4,000 fine
• Between one month and one year of incarceration
• A driver’s license suspension for anywhere between one and two years
• A potential $2,000 fee every year for three years
• Community service
• Enrollment in a DWI education or alcohol treatment program
• Potential use and installation of the ignition interlock device, at your own expense

Third or Subsequent DWI in Texas

If you are accused of driving while intoxicated for a third or subsequent time in Texas, you will face the following penalties:

• A potential $10,000 fine
• Anywhere between two and 10 years of incarceration
• A one or two-year driver’s license suspension
• A potential $2,000 fee every year for three years
• Potential installation and use of the ignition interlock device, at your own expense

Underage DWI Charges in Texas

In the state of Texas, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws are particularly stringent for underage individuals, and for good reason. Alcohol-related accidents pose significant dangers on the road, especially when the driver is underage and potentially inexperienced. The legal penalties for underage DWIs in Texas include:

• Zero Tolerance Policy: Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. This means that any detectable amount of alcohol in drivers under 21 years old is a violation.
• Driver’s License Suspension: A first-time underage DWI offense can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to a year.
• Fines: Financial penalties can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the offense and if it’s a repeat occurrence.
• Community Service: Court-ordered community service is often a part of the penalty for underage DWIs, potentially ranging from 20 to 40 hours.
• Alcohol Awareness Course: Offenders may be required to attend an alcohol awareness course.
• Additional Consequences: For higher BAC levels or repeat offenses, there might be further legal implications, including jail time.

Beyond the immediate legal penalties, an underage DWI can have profound repercussions on a young person’s future. A DWI conviction can leave an indelible mark on an individual’s record, potentially impacting employment opportunities, college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and even personal relationships. This is a pivotal time in their lives when young individuals are laying the foundation for their future, and such an offense can shift their trajectory in unfortunate ways. It’s essential to approach this topic with compassion and understanding, recognizing the weight of the consequences while also emphasizing the importance of learning and growing from mistakes.

CDL DWI Charges in Texas

For many CDL holders, driving is more than just a means of transportation; it’s their livelihood. A DWI conviction can be devastating, as it directly threatens their ability to earn an income and support their families. The repercussions go beyond legal fines and penalties, extending into their professional lives, possibly resulting in job loss or the inability to secure future employment in the transportation sector. It’s a painful reminder that one momentary lapse in judgment can have long-lasting consequences. The ripple effects can touch every facet of their lives, including their mental and emotional well-being.

In Texas, individuals holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are held to a higher standard regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For a first-time DWI offense, CDL drivers face a one-year disqualification of their CDL, irrespective of whether they were driving a commercial or personal vehicle at the time of the offense. The stakes are even higher for second-time offenders, as they face a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL, with the possibility of reinstatement after 10 years under certain conditions. Additionally, these penalties come on top of the standard criminal and administrative penalties faced by all drivers convicted of a DWI in Texas.

Breathalyzer Refusal Charges

Breath test refusals in Texas can have significant legal consequences. When an individual is stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and declines to take a breath test, they can face penalties in addition to those for a DWI charge itself:

• License Suspension: Refusing a breath test can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension for 180 days for first-time offenders. Subsequent refusals can result in longer suspension periods.
• Administrative Penalties: Before even going to court, an individual can be subjected to an administrative license revocation, which is separate from any criminal penalties they may face later.
• Mandatory Installation of Ignition Interlock Device: In some cases, individuals who refuse a breath test may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if the driver has consumed alcohol.
• Enhanced Penalties in Court: If an individual is subsequently convicted of DWI after refusing a breath test, they might face steeper fines, longer probation periods, and extended jail sentences, especially if they have prior DWI convictions.

Don’t face refusal charges on your own. Speak with a competent team of DWI lawyers who can effectively represent your interests at every turn.

Contact Our Texas DWI Lawyers Today

The Sparks Law Firm has fought on behalf of those facing DWI charges for years, and we are prepared to fight for you as well. Contact our seasoned DWI lawyers today for a free consultation so we can begin devising a strategy to best protect your future and freedom.