A DWI arrest can affect your freedom, driver’s license, job, and family. Still, an arrest does not mean you will be convicted. Our Sugar Land criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of David A. Breston can explain your rights, review the evidence, and help you respond to the charge.
A DWI case involves both criminal charges and possible action against your license. Our firm offers:
Texas law allows a DWI charge when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Intoxication can include having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or alcohol, drugs, or both that affected the person’s normal mental or physical abilities.
Police do not need a breath or blood result to make an arrest. They may rely on driving behavior, statements, field sobriety tests, and other observations. Our defense lawyers can examine whether that evidence is reliable and strong enough to prove intoxication.
A DWI arrest can start a separate Administrative License Revocation (ALR) case. In many cases, you have only 15 days after being served with a suspension notice to request a hearing.
An ALR hearing gives our lawyers a chance to challenge the license suspension. This process is separate from the criminal case, so it is important to act quickly even when your first court date is weeks away.
A first DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor. It may carry three to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a license suspension. Probation, classes, community service, and an ignition interlock device may also be required.
The charge can become more serious when you have prior DWI convictions, had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.15%, drove with a child passenger, or caused serious injury or death. A conviction may also affect insurance rates, employment, and professional licenses.
A strong defense begins with a close review of the traffic stop and arrest. Our attorneys may examine:
Medical conditions, poor lighting, uneven pavement, fatigue, or nervousness may affect roadside tests. If police violated your rights or the testing process was unreliable, our team may seek to keep evidence out of court or use those problems in negotiations or at trial.
A DWI charge does not automatically mean you are guilty. The Law Office of David A. Breston is here to stand up for you and guide you through the Fort Bend County court system. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start building your defense.