San Antonio DWI Attorney

Drunk Driving Defense Attorney Representing Clients in San Antonio, TX

The consequences of DWI and DUI charges in the state of Texas are very serious, including jail time, license suspension, and hefty fines. The domino effect of DWI and DUI can be the worst part for many people: you go to jail, you miss work, you lose your license, and then you miss more work and eventually lose your job. Then, because you have a criminal record, it can be difficult to gain future employment, since most employers investigate applicants for criminal history.

The Law Offices of Sam H. Lock aggressively fights against charges of DWI, DUI, and other intoxication offenses, including:

• Intoxication Assault
• Intoxication Manslaughter
• Breath Test Failure
• Breath Test Refusal
• Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
• Administrative License Revocation

DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, is defined as anyone driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. DWI is a crime punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, and possible license suspension for the first offense. Those with prior convictions for DWI face even stiffer penalties. Even bonding subsequent offenders out of jail before the initial court date becomes a dicey proposition in some cases. A third DWI offense may even be charged as a third degree felony, and a conviction may include penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, applies to drivers under the age of 21 who are suspected of operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Texas has a "zero tolerance" policy toward minors who drink and drive, and DUI is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, 20 to 40 hours of community service, and a 60-day license suspension. Minors caught with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be subject to the same penalties as drivers over the age of 21.

Newly enacted laws sanction those convicted of DWI with surcharges that must be paid in order to maintain a driver's license. These DWI conviction surcharges are added to any court-imposed sanctions. It is now more important than ever to avoid costly DWI convictions.

Texas DWI Penalties

The penalties for DWI are significant. With each conviction for DWI, the fines, jail time, and license suspension increase significantly:

• First offense: $2,000 maximum fine, jail sentence from three to 180 days, license suspended from three to 12 months; Class B Misdemeanor.
• Second offense: $4,000 maximum fine, jail sentence from 30 days up to 365 days, license suspended for from 6 to 24 months; Class A Misdemeanor.
• Third offense: $10,000 maximum fine, prison sentence from two to 10 years, license suspended for 6 to 24 months; Third Degree Felony.

Should I Refuse a Roadside Sobriety Test?

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DWI, a police officer may request that you take a breathalyzer or step out of your vehicle can take field sobriety tests to determine whether you may be intoxicated. You are allowed to refuse these tests. This may be more favorable for your case as a whole, as a breathalyzer indicating that you had a .08% BAC or higher could be used as evidence against you in court.

As a resident of Texas, you should exercise your right to speak with an attorney while remaining polite and cordial with the officer. Refusing a roadside test may be a good idea, but refusing to take a chemical test after your arrest will result in penalties such as the automatic suspension of your driver's license. Securing representation from a Bexar County DWI defense lawyer as soon as possible can ensure that you will take the right steps during your case. Attorney Sam Lock will work with you to defend against DWI charges and address sobriety tests and other evidence.

Contact Our Bexar County DWI Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Sam H. Lock proudly serves clients in Central and South Texas (San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Pecos, and Waco). You can reach our San Antonio office at 210-226-0965. You may also get in touch with our DWI attorney through our online contact form.