Is this your first DWI? A Sullo & Sullo Houston DWI Attorney Can Help.

Being charged with DWI in Texas can be a frightening experience, however having an experienced Houston DWI Lawyer by your side can help you get through this difficult time. You want to avoid Harris County Criminal Records and Harris County Jail following your DWI in Texas, and a good Houston DWI Attorney will want to help you do that. Perhaps you were enjoying happy hour with your friends, and really did not think you were too impaired to drive. Being stopped for a DWI in Texas—if it is your DWI in Texas First Offense—may leave you with a false sense of security. You may even believe that so long as you answer the police officer’s questions politely, you will be on your way home shortly. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. If a police officer felt he or she had cause to pull you over on suspicion of DWI in Texas or that you have violated Texas DWI laws, then the odds are fairly high that you will soon be experiencing a Harris County Arrest for DWI in Texas.

The officer will ask for your driver’s license and your registration, and may ask that you perform a series of Field Sobriety Tests. What you may not know is that not only are Field Sobriety Tests not mandatory, they are also essentially designed for you to fail. Those who are taking prescription medications, have an illness or medical condition, or even simply have balance issues or ear problems are highly likely to fail the field sobriety tests. Next, you will be asked to take a Breathalyzer Test. While you do not necessarily have to agree to a Breathalyzer Test, if you refuse, you could find your driver’s license privileges revoked. Like most people who are involved in DWI in Texas First Offense cases, you are probably wondering what lies in store for you, and what you need to do to minimize the long-term effects of your Harris County Arrest. You may be worried about Harris County Criminal Records, whether you will find yourself in Harris County Criminal Court, whether you will lose your job, and whether you will find yourself locked behind bars. You will find that while the answers to these questions depend on the circumstances of your case, a little knowledge can go a long way.

Facing DWI in Texas First Offense Cases - DWI stands for “driving while intoxicated,” although DUI (driving under the influence) is also sometimes used. If the results of your breathalyzer show you were driving over the legal limit of 0.08 percent, then it is a sure bet you will be under a Harris County Arrest, and will soon face the Harris County District Attorney. Lest you think you must drink a significant amount for your BAC to reach 0.08 percent, think again. BAC depends on many different factors, including size, gender, and whether you have had something to eat recently. For some people, two mixed drinks can easily put them over the 0.08 percent limit.

Most people facing a DWI in Texas First Offense cases wonder whether their DWI in Texas will be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Fortunately, in most cases, a DWI in Texas First Offense will not result in felony charges, rather will result in a Class B misdemeanor charge. While this is serious enough, it is unlikely you will face more than a few days of jail time for a DWI in Texas First Offense, unless your BAC is particularly high, you had a minor in the car, you injured another person or you were traveling at an excessive speed. Most likely your license will be suspended for a period of three months up to a year and you will pay a fine which could be as high as $2,000. That being said, even DWI in Texas First Offense cases can potentially escalate in the hands of an over-eager Harris County District Attorney. The complexities associated with your DWI in Texas First Offense require  the skills of a highly experienced Houston Criminal Defense Attorney to minimize the negative consequences.

Other Consequences of DWI in Texas - As far as criminal penalties for your DWI in Texas, in addition to possible jail time, a fine and the loss of your driving privileges, you could be required to attend a DWI in Texas intervention or education program, may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, and could pay an annual surcharge of up to $2,000 each year for three years to keep your license. In addition to the criminal penalties you could face following DWI in Texas, there are many other negative consequences of a DWI in Texas conviction. It is important to remember you are essentially fighting two battles regarding your DWI in Texas. Under Texas DWI Laws, you not only face criminal penalties, you face administrative penalties—also known as license revocation penalties.

Further, you may be facing repercussions from your DWI in Texas that you had not even thought of. These can include the loss of your current job, the inability to get a job you are well-qualified for in the future, the inability to obtain a professional license, the inability to obtain a student loan for college, and even, in some cases, the inability to rent a home or apartment. You may even lose your social standing in certain situations, your friends, or even loved ones because of your DWI in Texas. Because of the number of impaired drivers in the state of Texas, many who have caused serious or fatal accidents, police officers and the Harris County District Attorney are aggressive in their prosecution of DWI in Texas. Texas DWI Laws are strict, requiring a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney who has a wide range of Texas DWI experience to help you achieve the best outcome possible.

Why You Need an Experienced Houston DWI Lawyer to Defend your DWI in Texas - Because the penalties for DWI in Texas are harsh, it is always a mistake to attempt to represent yourself or to hire an inexperienced Houston DWI Attorney. Do not wait until your case has gone too far to hire an experienced Houston DWI Attorney. Sullo & Sullo has Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers with Payment Plans. Our Houston Criminal Lawyer Free Consultations can help you get your life back on track following a Harris County Arrest. We will work hard to help you avoid Harris County Criminal Records, and if you must appear in a Harris County Criminal Court, we will be there by your side to help alleviate your fears. As your Houston DWI Lawyer, we will explain all your options carefully, helping you determine the best course of action for your future.