how much does a dwi lawyer cost in el paso texas

by Adeline Daugherty 10 min read

How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Texas?

In short, your DWI lawyer costs are highly dependent on your particular lawyer and the facts of your case. However, you can expect to easily pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for a simple case that doesn't go to trial, and up to $10,000 for a case that does go in front of a judge.

How much does it cost for a DWI in Texas?

In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation estimated in 2019 that for a first-time DWI offense, total costs could range from $5,000 to $24,000. With that in mind, it's vital that you engage an experienced DWI defense lawyer if you face a DWI charge in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County or Montgomery County.

Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Texas?

Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Texas? Technically, you don't. However, if you do opt to represent yourself in a DWI case and skip hiring a DWI defense attorney, you could end up in a very bad spot.

Can a DWI be dismissed in Texas?

It's free. Texas DWI charges especially for a first-time offense, can be dismissed entirely or lowered to a less serious charge such as reckless driving.

How much is a first DWI in Texas?

A first-time DWI charge in Texas is a Class B Misdemeanor. The maximum fine is $3,000.00, and the maximum jail sentence is 6 months. A conviction for this offense is permanent and results in a driver's license suspension. Learn more.

Is jail time mandatory for 1st DWI in Texas?

If you do end up being convicted for a 1st offense DWI in Texas, unless you are granted probation, you are probably looking at the mandatory three days in county jail. The other possibility is community supervision, which usually means you will be sentenced to some form of community service.

How long is probation for first time DWI in Texas?

6 months to 2 yearsIn Texas, probation for a first DWI may last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on a wide range of factors. Any probation violation is taken very seriously and will likely result in jail time.

How long do you stay in jail for DWI in Texas?

Everyone charged with DWI in Texas, even first-time offenders, faces a minimum of 6 months in jail. Texas DWI Penalties are severe. First-time DWI offenders face up to 1 year in jail, a $6,000.00 fine, court costs, a driver license suspension, and a permanent criminal conviction.

How long is a DWI on your record in Texas?

A DWI charge stays on the record forever. If the charge was dismissed without probation, it is eligible for removal and deletion through expunction. If the charge resulted in a conviction, it may be eligible to be sealed through an order of nondisclosure.

What happens on first DWI in Texas?

DWI 1st Offense: A first offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction carries a maximum fine of $2,000 as well as a jail sentence of up to 180 days. A first offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor if your BAC at the time of driving was . 15 or more.

How do you beat a DWI in Texas?

To beat a DWI charge in Texas, you must assert and protect your constitutional rights. You must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can't win if you don't fight.

Is a DWI in Texas a felony?

Yes. DWI is illegal in Texas pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 49.04. Depending on the circumstances, it can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. According to the statute, it is illegal for an intoxicated person to operate a motor vehicle in a public place.

Stages of the DWI Process in Texas

DWI cases are labor-intensive. To understand how much a DWI lawyer will cost you in Texas, these are some of the activities we might need to engage in for you, depending on the facts of your situation:

How to Get Help from a DWI Lawyer in Texas

The DWI lawyers in Texas from Eddington Worley Attorneys are standing by to be your strong representation in your DWI case. We understand that it can seem frightening to think about how much a DWI lawyer will cost you in Texas, but we urge you to think of the consequences you face fighting with no one on your side.

Don't Be Intimidated

Our attorneys are here to help you. A DWI doesn't have to be the end of the world. We can help you navigate this scary situation.

What to do if you are charged with DWI in Texas?

If charged with DWI in Texas, you will certainly want to hire a lawyer specializing in DWI cases to handle your defense. The exact cost of this lawyer, however, can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.

What is the maximum fine for DWI in Texas?

First-time offenders arrested with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.15 face a maximum fine of $2,000, though the exact fine is based on either the plea arrangement made with the prosecution or the judge’s discretion (if the case goes to trial). Aggravating factors increase this statutory maximum fine amount. For example, a second-time offender can be fined up to $4,000, and third-time offenders or those that commit intoxication assault or manslaughter can be fined up to $10,000.

Why does bail increase in Texas?

The required bail amount typically increases significantly if there are aggravating factors or if the charge is elevated due to additional circumstances. In such cases, many Texas counties maintain a predetermined bail schedule that outlines the precise amount of bail required to be posted by the defendant.

How much does alcohol education cost in Texas?

This 12-hour course typically costs $70.

How long does a driver's license surcharge last in Texas?

In order to have a license suspended for DWI reinstated, the driver will be required to pay an annual surcharge to the state for three years.

How much does it cost to tow a car in Texas?

Costs vary by jurisdiction within Texas and the exact size of your car. However, a towing fee of $250 to $450 and an impound fee of $20 is typical, and most impound lots charge an additional $5 to $20 dollars per day as a daily storage fee.

How much insurance do you need to have in Texas?

Texas requires that all such drivers carry insurance that meets the following minimum requirements: $30,000 for bodily injury or death of a single person in a car accident. $60,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in a car accident. $25,000 for property damage in a car accident.

What happens if you get charged with DWI in Texas?

A conviction for a DWI in Texas will have long lasting consequences. A criminal record can affect your employment , your future and your personal freedom.

What is a DWI in Texas?

Alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses, commonly known as driving while intoxicated (D WI), are frequently prosecuted criminal offenses in Texas. They are also subject to administrative penalties. If the alcohol concentration in a person’s blood, breath or urine is .08 percent or higher, the person is considered intoxicated by law.

What is considered intoxication in Texas?

With some circumstances under the Texas DWI laws, the legal definition of intoxication is met even if a person’s alcohol concentration is lower than .08 percent. Having alcohol, a drug or a controlled substance in one’s body that causes loss of normal use of mental or physical faculties also is considered intoxication. If the person is operating a vehicle, vessel or even water skis in a public place, he or she is considered to be driving while intoxicated, which is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. Boating or operating an aircraft while intoxicated also are crimes in Texas.

How long does a DWI suspension last in Texas?

In addition to jail time, a person who is convicted of Texas DWI the first time will have his or her driver’s license suspended for 90 days to one year. Even if there is no conviction, the positive indication of alcohol from a blood, breath or urine test will result in automatic suspension of the person’s driver’s license. The person also may be required to complete an alcohol educational program for those who have operated motor vehicles while intoxicated. A person who fails to complete such a program when sentenced to do so may lose his or her license. A subsequent DWI conviction will result in driver’s license suspension for another 18 months. In order to get the license back after the suspension period is over, the person must pay $125. Additionally if convicted of DWI you will be enrolled in the Texas Surcharge Program.

How long do you have to wait to get your license suspended for DWI in Texas?

WARNING YOU ONLY HAVE 15 DAYS. from the date of your DWI arrest to request an administrative hearing about your driver's license. If you do not, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. For help call a Texas DWI attorney at 800-852-8005.

How long can you go to jail for driving while intoxicated in Texas?

The minimum amount of jail time in Texas for driving while intoxicated is 72 hours, unless there is an open container of alcohol in the person’s possession, in which case the jail time is at least six days. Consuming any amount of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle also is an offense in Texas.

Can you be arrested for DWI in Texas?

Please remember that just because you have been arrested for a DWI in Texas, it doesn’t mean you are guilty. For instance with a DWI in Houston, the police will arrest you for a DWI even if your breath test results are under the legal limit of .08.

Who is the best DUI attorney in El Paso?

The Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz has been serving the El Paso community with DUI counsel for almost 20 years. The firm’s website explains challenging field sobriety tests, a client’s rights being violated, multiple DUIs, and other factors in such cases. The practice’s knowledgeable DUI attorneys in El Paso also represent clients in a range of criminal defense cases, personal injury, immigration, and family law. Attorney Ruben Ortiz has been named by El Paso’s What’s Up Entertainment Weekly as “The Best Lawyer To Get You Out of Trouble” from 2007 until 2012. Attorneys speak Spanish, and free consultations are available.

Where is Joe Lopez?

Joe Lopez Law is a bilingual personal injury law firm located in El Paso , Texas, and has served surrounding communities since 2015. Speaking both English and Spanish, Mr. Lopez represents clients in cases of wrongful death or injuries from DWI accidents. The esteemed DWI lawyer in El Paso also represents those suffering from car, burn, commercial, and medical malpractice accidents. Working with his team, Joe Lopez fights for financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.

Who is Joseph Law?

The firm represents clients facing driving under the influence or driving while impaired charges, including those involving felony or misdemeanor charges, drivers under 21, DUI with a child passenger, accidents with bodily harm, and intoxicated manslaughter. Attorney Joseph is a member of the El Paso, Dallas, and Texas Bar Associations. The firm also handles cases dealing with drug possession, family violence, and theft.

What is the DWI number in Texas?

Texas DWI Penalties. Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law, P.C. 888-630-8030. If you have been arrested for DWI in Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston or San Antonio please select the city for more information.

How long can you be in jail for a DWI in Texas?

If a person presents a DWI, fourth offense or beyond, the typical punishment is confinement in the penitentiary from two (2) to ten (10) years without probation being granted.

What is required to drive a car in Texas if arrested for a DWI?

It is important to note that if arrested and accused of a DWI Second or greater offense, Texas law now requires the Court to Order as a CONDITION OF RELEASE FROM JAIL ON BOND, that the person install and maintain a deep lung air device on the car that the person intends to drive and operate while charges are pending. The device requires a breath sample before it will allow you to start your car. They also require periodic breaths while driving to monitor and insure sobriety. New technology has made these devices “user sensitive” so that someone else cannot blow into the device for the driver.

How long is DWI probation?

The general length of DWI probation is from 1-2 years. There are also conditions of community supervision ordered that are fairly standard in most courts.

What is a third degree felony in Texas?

Third degree Felony “A person commits an offense if the person, by accident or mistake, while operating a …. motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, by reason of that intoxication causes serious bodily injury to another” {Texas Penal Code §49.07}. ” ‘Serious Bodily Injury’ means injury that creates a substantial risk of death or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ”.

How long can you be in jail for a container of alcohol?

Open Container – If there was an open container of alcohol in your car when arrested, the minimum term of confinement is six (6) days in the county jail. Community Service – Texas law mandates that a judge order not less than 24 hours nor more than 100 hours.

How long is a prison sentence in Texas?

Jail Time – Confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division (Penitentiary) for a term of not less than 2 year nor more than twenty (20) years.

image