Jourdanton, TX DWI Defense Attorney
Reliable Defense Lawyer for Clients Accused of Drunk Driving in Jourdanton
A charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) can jeopardize your present and future, carrying strict penalties for even a first offense. After your arrest, you should take measures to protect yourself by seeking legal representation as soon as possible. A Jourdanton DWI defense lawyer can go over the details of your case with you and work with you to build your defense.
At Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, our criminal defense lawyer has over 25 years of experience representing clients accused of serious offenses. When you work with our firm, we will fight hard to demonstrate your innocence and pursue the most optimal outcome to your case.
What Is DWI?
In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) means operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. That threshold is measured via chemical tests, such as breath or blood analysis. However, you can still face DWI charges even if your BAC registers below 0.08 percent if the state can prove that you lacked the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or other substances.
Texas treats a firstātime DWI as a Class B misdemeanor. Upon conviction, you may face various penalties, including up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. If convicted, your license will also be suspended for several months, and you may be ordered to participate in an alcohol education program as part of your sentence.
You will face increased Class A misdemeanor penalties if your BAC was measured at or above .15 percent. Moreover, if you were accused of DWI with a passenger under 15, you can be charged with a state jail felony, which can carry a sentence of incarceration between 180 days and two years, as well as up to $10,000 in fines.
Underage DUI Offenses in Texas
Drivers under 21 are subject to a zero tolerance policy. Any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to underage DUI charges. Under Texas law, a person under 21 with a BAC between 0.02 and 0.07 percent faces administrative and criminal penalties, including the loss of driving privileges and fines.
If a minor's BAC reaches or exceeds 0.08 percent, the offense is prosecuted as a standard DWI, bringing the same misdemeanor consequences as described above. Potential penalties for offenders under 21 include a license suspension, a fine of up to $500, mandatory community service, and alcohol education.
How Can I Fight a DWI Charge in Jourdanton?
Challenging a DWI requires careful review of how the stop, arrest, and testing procedures were conducted. A skilled attorney can scrutinize police reports, video evidence, and lab results to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Our firm can cite different defenses to a DWI charge, including:
- An unlawful traffic stop based on insufficient reasonable suspicion
- Inaccurate or improperly administered field sobriety tests
- Faulty calibration or maintenance of breathalyzer equipment
- Medical conditions or environmental factors that could mimic intoxication
- Lack of evidence
Our firm will review the unique circumstances of your arrest to build a clear case. You should know that our first priority will be to seek a full dismissal of charges, rather than resorting to a plea bargain early on. If necessary, we are prepared to enter negotiations to get the charges against you reduced, seeking favorable outcomes such as minimal jail time.
Meet With a Jourdanton, Texas DWI Defense Lawyer
At Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we understand just how damaging a DWI conviction can be, so we will work hard to fight the charges against you. To schedule an initial consultation, call us at 210-226-0965 or contact our Jourdanton drunk driving defense attorney today.