If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas, a DWI lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm can provide the defense you need. Facing a DWI charge in Texas is serious and can lead to significant fines, jail time, and other severe penalties. Whether you’re in Central Texas or anywhere else in the state, our experienced DWI attorneys are ready to help.
Up to a $2,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, and a 90–365 day license suspension are the possible penalties.
Up to a $4,000 fine, up to a year in jail, and a possible 180- to 2-year license suspension are all possible penalties.
Fine up to $10,000, two to ten years in prison, and/or a two to two year suspension of your driver’s license.
In Texas, a first-time DWI offense with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher carries significantly harsher penalties compared to lower BAC levels. If convicted, you may face the following penalties:
These penalties underscore the seriousness with which Texas treats high BAC levels in DWI cases. A conviction can have long-lasting impacts on your personal and professional life, making it crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Texas Penal Code, Section 49.04, which outlines the penalties for driving while intoxicated.
A DWI lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm can help navigate these complex legal issues, working to mitigate the impact on your life and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
In Texas, the law imposes particularly severe penalties for those convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child passenger. This offense is considered especially serious due to the heightened risk posed to the child’s safety. If you are arrested and convicted of DWI with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle, you could face the following penalties:
In addition to these criminal penalties, a conviction for DWI with a child passenger can lead to other significant consequences, such as losing custody of your child, increased insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record that can affect your future employment opportunities.
The State of Texas takes the protection of children very seriously, and the penalties reflect this priority. If you are facing such charges, it is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable DWI lawyer immediately. The Carlson Law Firm is prepared to defend your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work towards the best possible outcome for your situation.
Facing a DWI charge in Texas can be overwhelming, especially when the criminal justice system is focused on securing a conviction. A skilled DWI lawyer can make a crucial difference in how your case is handled. They understand the complexities of DWI laws and the tactics used by prosecutors, and they can challenge the evidence against you, such as questioning the accuracy of breathalyzer results or the legality of the traffic stop.
When you contact our criminal defense team, we will immediately begin investigating your alleged crime. For example, we will review official police reports and other documents, examine physical evidence and interview witnesses. Our goal is to ensure you are protected from the system by searching for holes inconsistencies and other discrepancies that may give rise to reasonable doubt.
In many cases, we represent clients who have had their rights unjustly violated during an arrest or while officers were gathering evidence. It’s important that you cooperate with the police so that additional charges aren’t added. If you believe officer misconduct occurred, explain this during a free consultation and let our attorneys look into this for you.
When you are arrested, there are laws and procedures that govern how criminal defendants are treated. It creates an incredibly complicated system that is impossible to navigate alone. It’s important that you have an experienced, professional and trusted attorney on your side. Your attorney will assert your rights and fight for a fair resolution.
Several defenses can be mounted in a criminal case. Do you have an alibi? Are the charges based on the testimony of an unreliable witness? Did you act in self-defense? Your attorney will work with you to present the facts of your case in a coherent theory of defense.
The Carlson Law Firm trial attorneys are ready to represent you in a courtroom. Our experience has given us the skills to select a jury, scrutinize improper evidence and testimony, cross-examine the witnesses and present your defense to the jury.
Accepting a plea deal or going to trial can change the trajectory of your life. A knowledgeable DWI defense lawyer can offer wise counsel based on decades of experience to help you make strategic decisions in the criminal court process.
Our criminal defense attorneys are firm but compassionate. We know that a criminal charge will be difficult for everyone in your family. Our team will act as an intermediary between you and your family to ease their anxiety about your case.
Our approach to DWI defense includes a thorough investigation of every detail of your case. From challenging the validity of the traffic stop and the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood tests to scrutinizing police procedures and identifying any violations of your rights, we leave no stone unturned. Our goal is to minimize the impact of a DWI charge on your life, whether that means negotiating reduced charges, exploring alternative sentencing options, or fighting for a full dismissal.
Having an attorney who is well-versed in courtroom procedures and who knows how to effectively present your case can make all the difference. Our lawyers have successfully represented countless clients in DWI cases throughout Texas, earning a reputation for being formidable advocates in court. We understand the strategies that prosecutors use and know how to counter them with compelling arguments, expert testimony, and a meticulous examination of the evidence.
Whether it’s a first-time DWI or a more complex case involving repeat offenses or aggravating factors like high BAC levels or DWI with a child passenger, our attorneys have consistently delivered favorable outcomes. We’ve secured dismissals, reduced charges, and alternative sentencing that have allowed our clients to move forward with their lives with minimal disruption.
The length of time it takes to resolve your criminal case depends on several factors, including the following:
It can take time to mount a proper defense and coordinate the schedules of the parties involved in your case. Criminal cases can take months to resolve.
In Texas, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is typically used for cases involving adults who are driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) generally refers to drivers under the age of 21 who are caught driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system due to Texas’ zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
For a first-time DWI offense in Texas, penalties can include fines up to $2,000, a jail sentence ranging from 3 to 180 days, a driver’s license suspension for up to a year, and an annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain your license. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, the penalties can increase significantly, including fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
A DWI lawyer can help by reviewing the details of your arrest, challenging the evidence against you, and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, seek alternative sentencing options, or work to have the charges dismissed altogether. An experienced DWI lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
The chances of getting a DWI charge dismissed depend on various factors, such as the circumstances of your arrest, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of your attorney. In Texas, skilled DWI lawyers have successfully had charges dismissed due to procedural errors, insufficient evidence, or violations of their client’s rights. While there are no guarantees, having an experienced DWI attorney can increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Generally, yes. A criminal justice attorney will look out for your interests, review the evidence, answer your questions, and ensure you get the best result.
Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Texas, but it comes with consequences. Under Texas’ “implied consent” law, refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension for 180 days for a first offense, and longer for subsequent refusals. Additionally, your refusal can be used against you in court. However, a DWI lawyer can challenge the suspension and work to protect your driving privileges.
In Texas, a DWI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. It can affect your ability to obtain employment, housing, and even insurance rates. Unlike some other states, Texas does not allow for the expungement of DWI convictions, which is why it’s critical to fight the charge with the help of an experienced DWI attorney.
If you are arrested for DWI in Texas, it is crucial to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement. Do not make any statements without your attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you. Request to speak with a DWI lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and to begin building your defense.
If you are facing criminal charges in Bell, Coryell, or Lampasas County and need a legal team, call a DWI Lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm. The best legal representation comes from lawyers who care about you and care about your situation. Our attorneys and legal assistants will treat you with the respect you deserve and give your case the attention you deserve.
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be facing either a misdemeanor or felony charge. Criminal charges can significantly impact your life, potentially requiring you to seek help from a military, family law or injury lawyer. Hiring a Carlson Law Firm Criminal Defense Lawyer means that you get a team of attorneys experienced in securing your rights—no matter what.
Attorney Kyra Leal is part of a team with all your bases covered.
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.
100 E. Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 526-5688
11606 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 346-5688
135 W. Slaughter Ln, Ste A
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 804-7277
6243 I-10 #550
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 696-8600
618 SW Military Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78221
(210) 923-7700
1109 W. Baker Road, Ste A
Baytown, TX 77521
(832) 806-6155
1121 Briarcrest Drive, Ste 200
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 260-5688
653 Everhart Rd, Ste 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361) 336-3317
301 Junction Highway, Ste 100
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 257-7575
5112 McPherson, Ste 106
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 712-2588
10101 Quaker Ave
Lubbock, TX 79424
(806) 401-0500
900 Lp 250 Frontage Rd b
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 247-6611
1717 N. I-35 Ste 305
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-7277
4282 S Jackson St.
San angelo, TX 76903
(325) 238-4322
2010 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Ste 201
Temple TX 76504
(254) 771-5688
2420 I-35 South
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 772-5653
2909 Garnett Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 285-6333
1500 Rosecrans Ave Ste 500
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(254) 516-3570
33rd Ave N Ste 220
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 373-4655
100 E. Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 526-5688
11606 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 346-5688
135 W. Slaughter Ln, Ste A
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 804-7277
6243 I-10 #550
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 696-8600
618 SW Military Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78221
(210) 923-7700
1109 W. Baker Road, Ste A
Baytown, TX 77521
(832) 806-6155
1121 Briarcrest Drive, Ste 200
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 260-5688
653 Everhart Rd, Ste 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361) 336-3317
301 Junction Highway, Ste 100
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 257-7575
5112 McPherson, Ste 106
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 712-2588
10101 Quaker Ave
Lubbock, TX 79424
(806) 401-0500
900 Lp 250 Frontage Rd b
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 247-6611
559 S I-35 Frontage Rd Ste 250,
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-7277
4282 S Jackson St.
San angelo, TX 76903
(325) 238-4322
2010 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Ste 201
Temple TX 76504
(254) 771-5688
2420 I-35 South
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 772-5653
2909 Garnett Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 285-6333
1500 Rosecrans Ave Ste 500
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(254) 516-3570
333 33rd Ave N Ste 220
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 373-4655
