DWI Lawyers in The Woodlands, TX
Minimizing the Penalties or Helping You Avoid DWI Conviction
Drinking and driving is a criminal offense, yet people choose to drink and drive every day. Some DWIs result in vehicle damage, property damage, or, in more serious cases, severe accidents and fatalities. DUI is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and a constant danger to the public.
First-time and repeat offenders with a DWI charge on their record face devastating consequences, including loss of driving privileges, hefty fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can haunt them for decades. Many individuals facing DWI charges are looking for a resolution to these and other lingering negative consequences.
When faced with DWI charges and other profound implications, Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law will help you minimize the penalties and avoid a DWI conviction. When you want a blank slate and a more favorable outcome, turn to our DWI lawyers. Call 713-766-3733 to schedule your free consultation.
What are DWI Charges in Texas?
In Texas, a driver is considered legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level reaches .08 percent. A DWI is a very serious offense in Texas and is charged under the Texas Penal Code, whereas a DUI is only charged to minors under the Texas Traffic Code.
A first offense of DWI may result in a $2,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail (and three mandatory days), and loss of your driver’s license for up to a year. A second offense DWI can lead to a $4,000 fine, one month to a year in jail, and loss of your driver’s license, and a third offense typically results in a $10,000 fine, two to 10 years in prison, and a loss of your driver’s license for up two years.
When a DWI includes aggravating factors such as accidents, injuries, a high blood alcohol concentration BAC level, or a child passenger, additional fines and jail time may increase.
How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost?
Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others use a flat rate depending on the case. Based on multiple sources, a flat fee DWI attorney might charge $1,000 to $5,000 to manage a case through to resolution, while another attorney might bill $100 to $500 per hour. Trials are the most time-consuming aspect of criminal cases and, as such, are expensive. Lawyers indeed avoid going to trial if a trial is not necessary, which is also a benefit for clients. A DWI lawyer might charge an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for a DWI charge if it goes to trial.
Many different matters can come up in DUI cases that force the need for a trial, including physical control issues, the ability to prove the defendant was driving the car, blood testing issues, or if the defendant is not satisfied with the plea offer. Having a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side can help ensure you get the best results possible, which is comforting when facing the multiple potential outcomes of DUI/DWI cases. Call our experienced DWI lawyer in The Woodlands immediately to learn how we can help.
How Do You Win a DWI Case?
Believe it or not, “winning” your case starts at the time of your arrest. Like any criminal defense case, it is crucial that you remain silent when speaking to law enforcement and avoid oversharing any details without an attorney present. You have the Constitutional right to remain silent and get help from an experienced DWI attorney before answering law enforcement questions. Stay calm and say as little as possible, as the less the prosecution has against you, the better for your case.
When it comes time to challenge your DWI charge, you need the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who understands Texas law and is not afraid to fight for you. At Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, we use various defense strategies available through evidence (or lack thereof), mistakes, errors, omission of information, lab tests, law enforcement protocol, and much more.
The last thing you want to do to accept a lousy plea deal when an attorney can spot opportunities to turn your case around. Get help navigating the complex Texas criminal justice system by calling our DWI lawyer in The Woodlands today.
Can I Represent Myself in a DWI Charge?
Everyone has the right to represent themselves in court, no matter the charge, and DWIs are no exception. However, there is a steep learning curve regarding legal representation—especially if a case goes to trial. Without the legal experience or training to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case or the tools to negotiate and build a case, representing yourself is not in your best interest. It will almost always put you at a disadvantage compared to the bench strength against you.
Some advantages to hiring a criminal defense lawyer include:
- Legal advice based on decades of experience
- Help identifying whether your DWI arrest was illegal
- Assistance in developing defense strategies to minimize your penalties or avoid conviction altogether
- Legal representation for other crimes, including drug crimes, weapons crimes, and more
- Confident representation if your case goes to trial
Should You Hire Our The Woodlands DUI Attorneys?
Taking a “wait and see” approach can be incredibly risky. With the potential negative consequences of a DWI or DUI conviction, you have too much at stake to take that risk.
Our attorneys will do all the heavy lifting, from the investigation to negotiations and much more, to get the results you’re after and leave you in a better place than where you started. Call 713-766-3733 today to discuss your unique DWI defense with our caring, capable attorneys.