Harris County First DWI Offense Lawyer
All instances of drunk driving are taken very seriously in Harris County and a conviction for a first offense will result in at least three days in jail. After being charged, you may panic and start to worry about what your future holds. However, it is important to remain calm. There are many defenses available and individuals that have been charged with a first offense have the best chance of a positive outcome. A Harris County first DWI offense lawyer can advise you of your legal options and give you the best chance of beating the charges.
Our Harris County First Offense Lawyer Knows the Law on DWIs
Before police officers can make an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), they must prove that the motorist had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08 percent. If a police officer can prove that a driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol, either mentally or physically, they can also make an arrest, even if the driver’s BAC is below the legal limit.
Police officers must have probable cause that a driver is intoxicated before they can make an arrest. However, they must also have reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle. Certain behaviors that could provide law enforcement with reasonable suspicion include running red lights, speeding, swerving, and otherwise driving erratically.
Our Harris County First Offense Lawyer Explains the Penalties of a DWI
The penalties for a DWI are always serious, even when it is your first offense. You will be sentenced to at least three days in jail, and that could increase to 180 days, depending on the facts of the case. If you had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle at the time, the minimum mandatory sentence is increased to six days. A conviction will also result in a $2,000 maximum fine. Your driver’s license could also be suspended for as long as two years.
The above penalties may apply if a motorist was simply driving while intoxicated and no one became hurt and there was no property damage. However, charges for even a first offense can be upgraded to something much more serious in certain situations. For example, if there is an accident and the driver injures or kills someone, they may face charges of intoxicated assault or DWI manslaughter. Additionally, if someone drove while intoxicated and they had someone under the age of 15 in the car, the penalties are between six months and two years in prison.
Call Our First Offense Lawyer in Harris County for a Free Case Review
All DWI charges in Texas are taken very seriously, even when they are for a first offense. At Ayson Law Firm, our Harris County first offense lawyer will devise the defense strategy best for your case so you have the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us today at 832-209-2297 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
