First DWI Offense in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
Oftentimes people getting their first DWI have never been in trouble with the law before. They are unfamiliar with the court system, are afraid of the penalties they face and are concerned about the effects on their future. If this sounds like you, you should contact an experienced DWI defense lawyer in Dallas and Tarrant County today.
Depending upon the facts of your case, you face penalties up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000 (if you get jail time), or up to 2 years of probation with a fine of up to $2,000 plus court costs. If you are on probation for another conviction, you will likely have to attend an alcohol education class and perform many hours of community service.
Beyond the criminal penalties and possible loss of your drivers’ license, a DWI conviction can have a huge impact on your car insurance. Your carrier could increase the cost of your insurance or they could drop you.
Depending upon your job, being convicted of drunk driving could also have employment implications. If driving is a daily requirement of your job — if you are a truck driver, a taxi driver, a nanny or chauffer, or if you drive a company car — you may find your career sidelined or your insurance shooting sky high.
At Crain ◊ Lewis, LLP our defense attorneys provide aggressive representation to people facing drunk driving charges, from a first offense DWI to minor consumption/DUI to felony DWI. Our firm is recognized for effective and successful strategies to fight the toughest penalties. Whatever legal challenges you face, we are here to help.
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Underage Drinking (DUI)
Regardless of whether this is your first DUI offense or you have several, if you are under 21, you could face two different criminal charges:
- DUI (also commonly called “minor consumption”) is a Class C misdemeanor for minor-aged persons (those 18 or younger). You can be charged with if you are driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system. You face fines ranging from $500 to $2000, face up to 180 days in jail, could be forced to perform up to 60 hours of alcohol-education community service, could be placed on probation and you will likely have your driver’s license suspended for a period of time.
- If you are over 18 but less than 21, you could be charged with DWI. In that case, you face the same penalties as an adult.
Contact our Dallas law office as soon as possible after you've been arrested. You have only 15 days to request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing by the Department of Public Safety hearing (commonly referred to as a “driver’s license hearing”) in order to save your drivers' license. You need a lawyer on your case as soon as possible to protect your rights.
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