Midland DWI Lawyers
The Aggressive Representation You Need, Serving Odessa & throughout West Texas
After you have been pulled over by a police officer, arrested, and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), it’s important to consider your legal rights. A DWI conviction has serious consequences including jail time, probation, fines, a driver’s license suspension, and possibly an alcohol monitoring device in your vehicle. As a former Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Aaron E. Eckman knows firsthand how prosecutors approach these cases. Our skilled DWI lawyers in Midland are prepared to fight for your case. Let our knowledge work for you!
DWI Penalties in Texas
In Texas, a first or second DWI is a misdemeanor offense.
Possible consequences under the law for a misdemeanor DWI include:
- A maximum fine of $2,000 or $4,000
- Maximum jail time: up to one year if your blood alcohol concentration is .15 or higher
- Maximum jail time: up to 180 days if your blood alcohol concentration is between .08 and .149
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years
- DPS driver’s license surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years
However, a third DWI is considered to be a felony offense and carries higher penalties, such as:
- A maximum fine of $10,000
- Jail time: between 2 years and 10 years of confinement in prison
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to two years
- DPS driver’s license surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years
The consequences for a DWI are serious and require serious legal representation.
DWI & Driver’s License Suspension – You Have 15 Days
If you are arrested for a DWI, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended if you do not request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Typically, you have fifteen days from the date of the DWI arrest to request a hearing. Failure to request a hearing will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 2 years. The suspension typically begins 40 days from the date of arrest.
The ALR hearing is an important part of the DWI process. There are actually two types of legal proceedings an individual accused of DWI is facing. One is the DWI criminal matter. The other is a civil proceeding seeking to suspend your Texas driver’s license. If you have been arrested for DWI, our DWI lawyers in Midland can contest the suspension of your Texas driver’s license at the ALR hearing.
Texas Occupational Driver’s License
If your driver’s license is suspended for a DWI, you might qualify for an occupational license. An occupational license, also called an essential need license, is a special type of restricted license issued to individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended. This license will allow you to drive to work, to school-related activities, and will allow you to drive in order to perform essential household duties. At the Law Office of Aaron E. Eckman, we can petition a court for an order seeking approval of a Texas Occupational Driver's License. If successful, we can apply on your behalf for a Texas Occupational Driver's License through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
For more information, please call (432) 223-9427 to schedule your initial consultation with our team. We have extensive experience and can help you to maintain your rights!
