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PLANO DWI
LAWYER / DUI LAWYER
Plano Texas, McKinney, Allen, Frisco,
Collin County, Denton, and Dallas
Aggressive, Trial
Experienced, Former Prosecutor
Drunk Driving
Defense (DWI / DUI)
Punishment
Range for DWI Conviction in Texas
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1st Offense:
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a Class B Misdemeanor,
punishable by not less than 72 hours or more than
180 days in the county jail, and/or a fine not to
exceed $2,000.
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2nd Offense:
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a Class A Misdemeanor,
punishable by not less than 30 days or more
than 365 days in the county jail, and/or a fine
not to exceed $4,000
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3rd (or more) Offense:
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a Third Degree Felony,
punishable by not less than 2 years or more than
10 years in prison, and/or a fine not to exceed
$10,000.
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Community Supervision
(probation):
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In most cases, a person
convicted of DWI in Plano is eligible and will receive Community
Supervision, allowing that person to carry on with
the significant activities of their life and avoiding
incarceration. However, the conditions of Community
Supervision can be time-consuming, expensive, and
will require some changes in personal lifestyle.
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DWI Conviction Surcharges for Driver's License
DPS will assess a surcharge
on the license of each person who during the preceding 36-months,
has been convicted of an offense relating to the operating
of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
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1st DWI Conviction:
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$1,000 per year for
3 years (total $3,000)
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2nd DWI Conviction:
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$1,500 per year for
3 years (total $4,500)
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Breath/Blood Alcohol
Concentration 0.16 or greater:
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$2,000
per year for 3 years (total $6,000)
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Practical DWI Resolution
There are only two practical ways
to resolve a DWI in Plano. A person can plead guilty, in which case they
will have a final conviction and will face a multitude of penalties
to retain their driving privilege. OR a
person can exercise their constitutional right to a trial and
force the State to meet its burden of proving the offense beyond
a reasonable doubt. Although there are times and circumstances
that dictate the State to dismiss a DWI charge, the overwhelming
majority of DWI arrests result in formal criminal charges and
prosecution. It is only through the trial process that a person
accused may be found not guilty. With a conviction resulting
in jail time or probation, fines, loss of driving privileges,
or assessed surcharges, a person accused of DWI has little to lose by trying their case.
Contact the Tidwell Law Firm Today
If you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer or family law attorney, please contact The Tidwell Law Firm. We are dedicated to providing quality legal representation to clients throughout the Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, including Dallas, Collin, Tarrant and Denton counties (Plano, McKinney, Allen, Denton, Arlington, Richardson, Carrollton, Grand Prarie, Irving, Southlake, Coppell, etc).
Once retained, I gather information about your case. This includes speaking with witnesses, examining the offense reports, and speaking with the prosecutor.
I then advise you about your case, including possible defensive strategies and the existence of any plea bargain offer by the prosecutor. You and I will chart a course of action for the case.
Finally, I represent you in court, seeing your case through to disposition.
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