He was on his way home from the business dinner when flashing lights appeared behind him. He agreed to a breathalyzer test, and the results showed he was over the legal limit. Within minutes, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated, loaded into the back of a squad car, and headed for county lockup. Situations like this happen to good people every day. If it happens to you, there are a few things you need to know after a DWI arrest in Texas.
The hours and days following an arrest can feel chaotic. Many people also do not realize that the legal process begins almost immediately. In this post, we will examine how a DWI charge can affect both your personal and professional life, and the key things you should understand immediately after an arrest.
How a DWI Can Affect Your Life
A charge of driving while intoxicated can influence a lot more than simply the evening of your arrest. It causes ongoing financial burdens, continued stress, and future career issues, particularly to those whose occupation or career involves background checks or professional licensing.
Even a first offense in Texas can carry fines, possible jail time, and suspension of your driver’s license. If a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.15 or higher, the charge may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, which carries more serious penalties. Your vehicle may be impounded after the arrest. And long after the case is resolved, you could still face higher insurance costs, required financial responsibility filings, or other issues resulting from a felony on your record.
The good news is that early action and guidance from a skilled criminal law attorney can often reduce penalties or even challenge the case itself.
Important Things to Know After a DWI Arrest
The period immediately after an arrest is critical. Several rights and deadlines apply, and missing them can only make your situation more difficult.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
You are required to provide identification, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration when asked by an officer. Beyond that information, you are not required to answer questions that could be used against you.
Field Sobriety Tests are Voluntary
Balance and coordination tests are typically optional. However, officers may still decide to arrest you due to other observations, such as the smell of alcohol or difficulty speaking clearly.
Refusing Chemical Tests Does Have Consequences
Declining field sobriety tests is one thing, but refusing a blood test or a breathalyzer can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension under Texas law. However, your decision may still play a role in a legal defense strategy. Understanding your rights ahead of time can help you make informed decisions if you ever find yourself in that situation.
Documentation Matters
As soon as possible, document everything you remember about the stop. Details about the officer’s instructions, the location, anything you said, and any testing procedures can become important later.
A Short Deadline Applies to Your Driver’s License Suspension
Your driver’s license may be subject to suspension after a DWI arrest. In most cases, the officer will confiscate your license and provide a temporary driving permit. You generally have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing to challenge the suspension.
Conversations and Social Media Matter
Anything you say about the incident could be used as evidence. That includes casual conversations and any posts you make online.
Understanding these points can make a significant difference as your case moves forward. The most important thing to remember is to retain an experienced criminal litigation attorney as early as possible after your arrest.
Call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for Your Legal Needs Today!
Christman | Daniell has been voted as one of the Top 3 Law Firms in Denton County, and we have handled numerous civil and criminal disputes. Our seasoned attorneys are here to advocate for and protect your interests.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish is informational in nature and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your circumstances.
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