Overcoming Your Odessa DWI Charges
When you face a DWI charge, it is crucial to understand the specifics of the law and the potential penalties that could affect your life. DWI laws state that having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08% or higher is illegal. When charged with a DWI, the penalties can result in fines, license suspension or even imprisonment. Instead of hoping for the best while representing yourself, let a skilled lawyer defend your rights and future.
At Don R. Fletcher, Attorney at Law, I have committed myself to providing personal and honest legal services since 2014. As a former prosecutor with a good rapport with local prosecutors and extensive legal research skills, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a realistic approach to your DWI defense. I believe in educating and advocating for my clients, ensuring that you are fully aware of your situation and options.
Building Effective DWI Defense Strategies
Defending against a DWI charge requires a thorough understanding of both the law and the details of your case. Over the years, I have been defending the Odessa community, and I have effectively created personalized strategies to defend my clients. Based on the unique needs of your case, I can explore defenses such as:
- The traffic stop was illegal
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of probable cause
- Your BAC was legal at the time of the arrest
Every DWI case carries its own set of circumstances and challenges. I dedicate myself to examining the evidence in your case, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. My goal is to provide a strong defense that is not only thorough but also tailored specifically to the needs of your case. I keep in constant communication with my clients to provide them with the information they need about their cases and to help them understand the process of defending them.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Defense Strategies
I always aim to make sure my clients understand their rights and potential DWI defense options as much as possible. Here are the answers to some frequent questions:
What happens if I refuse a field sobriety test?
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are used by patrol officers to informally gauge a driver’s possible impairment by drugs or alcohol. They typically include the one-leg-stand test, the walk-and-turn test and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test.
Under Texas law, you are under no obligation to comply with an officer’s request to perform these tests. Since whether you “pass” or “fail” these tests is largely subjective, agreeing to the test generally only provides the officer with more probable cause to conduct chemical testing.
Will a Texas DWI affect my insurance?
A DWI conviction can affect your insurance coverage for at least three years – and possibly up for as long as a decade. Many insurance companies will refuse to continue to cover you. If you do retain coverage or can secure regular coverage, you will face significantly higher high-risk premiums. You may also be required to carry an SR-22 policy, which can cost thousands more per year than typical insurance.
What are the penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas?
Typically, a first-time DWI offense is punished as a Class B misdemeanor (so long as your blood alcohol content is 0.15% or lower and there are no other aggravating factors, such as having a child passenger). This can involve a combination of:
- A maximum fine of $2,000
- Up to 180 days in jail, with three mandatory days
- A suspended license for a minimum of 90 days and up to one year
In some cases, you may also face mandatory alcohol education or assessment and treatment, vehicle confiscation or the imposition of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. The penalties for an “enhanced” or “aggravated” DUI are much more severe, as are the penalties for second and third offenses.
Ready To Discuss Your Case?
If you are facing a DWI charge and need a defense attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely concerned about your well-being, contact me today. For a Texas criminal defense lawyer you can depend on, call me at 432-999-5926 or email me here to schedule your initial consultation today.