Trey Porter Law - Texas DWI Lawyer (2024)

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How to beat a DWI in Texas

Trey Porter Law - Texas DWI Lawyer (2)

To beat a DWI charge in Texas, you must assert and protect your constitutional rights. You must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.

  • What to do if you get a DWI in Texas? Hiring a defense attorney is the most important thing to do, and it’s the first thing you should do, when facing a DWI or DUI charge in Texas. There are fast-moving deadlines that require professional attention almost immediately after being arrested.Retaining the best DWI lawyer is going to place you in the strongest position possible. Experience matters. Results matter. Not all lawyers are equal in these fields. Learn more.
  • What are chances of DWI dismissal? DWI charges are dismissed everyday in courtrooms across Texas. Charges are not dismissed through goodwill or luck, rather they are dismissed because a powerful defense forced the State prosecutors to dismiss the charge. Challenging evidence is a critical part of obtaining a dismissal.
  • How do you get a DWI dismissed in Texas?Challenging evidence is the most effective way to dismiss a DWI charge in Texas, whether it’s a DWI first-offense, DWI 2nd, or even a felony DWI 3rd or more. DWI arrests are warrantless arrests, therefore everything must be challenged. If a judge suppresses evidence, the State cannot use it to prosecute.

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Can a DWI be reduced in Texas?

Yes, an enhanced DWI offense can be reduced. A first-time DWI charge may be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor or, in some circ*mstances, a State Jail Felony. The State has the power to “waive” the enhancement, and proceed on a Class B Misdemeanor DWI. Learn more.

  • How can I get a DWI lowered in Texas? Attacking the State’s evidence is the most effective way to get a DWI charge reduced. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Texas is 0.08, however, prosecutors are not required to prove a BAC when seeking a DWI conviction. If the forensic evidence supporting a BAC is successfully challenged, the result is an automatic reduction from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Is it better to take a DUI blood test or breathalyzer? Breathalyzer results have more scientific weaknesses, but are given voluntarily. Blood results present two opportunities for attack – the science and the probable cause for search.
  • Can a DWI be dismissed in Texas? Yes, DWI charges can be dismissed in Texas. Obtaining a dismissal in a DWI case often involves challenging the reason for the stop and attacking the administration and results of the standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs). If the reason(s) for arrest are invalidated, the arrest and all evidence that follows after, like a breath or blood result, are suppressed.

What happens when you get a first Texas DWI?

After being released from jail, a defendant facing a first-time DWI charge in Texas will receive a court date for arraignment. The arraignment setting is simply the first setting in a criminal case. Some courts will allow the setting to be “waived,” though it is best to consult with an attorney before waiving anything when facing criminal prosecution in Texas.

  • Is it worth fighting DWI?Every DWI charge is worth fighting. There is no scenario where pleading guilty at the first court appearance is the best thing to do. There are constitutional and procedural defenses that can be developed and explored in every case, no matter the circ*mstances.
  • How can I get out of my first DUI in Texas?
    The best result in a DUI case is a dismissal. You can beat a DUI charge in Texas. No one charged with DUI should ever settle for a conviction. DUI is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas, and so there is an option for deleting the entire incident as long as a final conviction is avoided. Learn more.
  • Which is worse – DUI or DWI?
    DWI is worse than DUI. In Texas, the offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is reserved specifically for minors under 21 years of age. A minor can be charged as an adult with DWI, but an adult can never be charged with a DUI in Texas. Unlike DWI, there is no maximum penalty requiring incarceration for DUI. Learn more.

What can I expect from a DWI in Texas?

DWI charges are expensive and take time to resolve. While the local prosecutors pursue a conviction, the attorneys for the Department of Public Safety work to suspend driving privileges. This two-pronged attack requires a powerful defense. You cannot beat a DWI alone in Texas. It is critical to have an experienced, aggressive team standing between you and the Government.

  • What is the statute of limitations on DWI in Texas? That statute of limitations for DWI in Texas is two years for a misdemeanor and three years for a felony.
  • How long does a DWI case take? DWI cases in Texas can last more than two years. The clock on the statute of limitations stops when a case is filed. While delay can be frustrating and costly, it tends to favor the defense in almost all circ*mstances.

How bad is a DWI in Texas?

DWI is one of the most serious misdemeanor offenses in the Texas Penal Code. Depending on BAC, the maximum fine can be up to $6,000.00, and a first-time offender with no criminal history at all can still go to jail for up to 1 year. Many people ask how serious a DWI charge is, and the answer is very serious. This is the main reason it is critical to build a powerful defense in an effort to beat your DWI. Learn more.

  • What does a DWI cost in Texas? Being charged with DWI is expensive. Being convicted can be financially devastating. It’s impossible to put a price on what it’s worth to avoid incarceration and the potential of a permanent criminal conviction. Learn more.
  • Is a DWI in Texas a Felony? First-time DWI charges in Texas are Class B misdemeanors, though they can be enhanced by certain factors. DWI first-time offenders face jail time, permanent criminal convictions, thousands of dollars in fines, and driver license suspensions. Learn more.
  • How long does a DWI stay on driving record in Texas? A DWI charge stays on the record forever. If the charge was dismissed without probation, it is eligible for removal and deletion through expunction If the charge resulted in a conviction, it may be eligible to be sealed through an order of nondisclosure. Learn more.

How likely is jail for first-time DUI in Texas?

First-time DWI offenders in Texas face up to 1 year in jail. Judges do not give credit for the time that passes while the case is pending. So, while jail may be less likely for first-time offenders, it is a legal possibility. This is why it’s critical to do everything possible to beat your DWI charge in Texas.

  • How long is probation for Texas DWI? 2 years is the maximum period of probation for a misdemeanor DWI charge in Texas. 10 years is the maximum period of probation for a felony DWI charge. Learn more.
  • How long can you go to jail for DWI in Texas?If convicted, the maximum period of incarceration for DWI in Texas is 1 year in county jail for misdemeanors, two years for state jail felonies, and 10 years in prison for felony DWI charges. Learn more.

TREY PORTER NAMED BEST LAWYER IN DWI DEFENSE

Trey Porter is a dynamic advocate, nationally recognized for his work in DWI Defense. He has been voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015. Recognized by SuperLawyers, Mr. Porter has also been distinguished as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Porter holds a Superb rating from AVVO, where attorneys are rated based on skillful litigation, client satisfaction, peer endorsem*nts, and positive results. Learn more.

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Trey Porter Law - Texas DWI Lawyer (6)

Trey Porter

Trey Porter is one of the highest-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Nationally recognized, Mr. Porter relentlessly fights to protect and assert his clients’ constitutional rights in and out of courtrooms across the state.

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Trey Porter Law - Texas DWI Lawyer (2024)

FAQs

What is the best case scenario for a DWI in Texas? ›

The best result in a DUI case is a dismissal. You can beat a DUI charge in Texas. No one charged with DUI should ever settle for a conviction. DUI is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas, and so there is an option for deleting the entire incident as long as a final conviction is avoided.

How to get DWI dismissed in Texas? ›

How to Get a DWI Dismissed in Texas
  1. Reasonable Suspicion. The police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. ...
  2. BAC Mistakes. ...
  3. Not Following Protocols. ...
  4. Inconsistent Video Evidence.
Jan 16, 2024

What is the best outcome for a DWI? ›

Finally, if you are acquitted of a DUI after a trial, or the charges against you are dropped, then you certainly have achieved the best-case scenario. However, most clients would consider a prosecutor's offer of a careless driving guilty plea in exchange for withdrawing the DUI charges to be an absolute win.

How much does a lawyer cost for a DWI in Texas? ›

A DWI Can Cost Up to $17,000 in Fines and Fees

Bail: up to $1,000. Court costs: up to $500. Attorney fees: varies, but average is up to $9,400. Probation fees (12 months): up to $1,200.

What is the best case scenario for a DWI? ›

Best Case. The best-case scenario you may hope for if you were stopped for allegedly driving while intoxicated is that the officer(s) didn't collect enough evidence against you or made procedural, technological, or legal errors prior to, during, or after your arrest.

What are the odds of getting a DWI dismissed in Texas? ›

Statistics show that people who plead guilty to DWI have almost no chance of getting their case dismissed and are more likely to be convicted of the original offense. However, if you plead not guilty, you have a 15% chance of dismissal and nearly a 30% chance of a conviction for a lesser charge.

What is the necessity defense for DWI in Texas? ›

If a defendant is only slightly above the legal limit, driving no further than necessary, and doing so only because it is the only way to avoid serious harm, then it is possible that the defense of necessity could be successfully employed in a DWI trial.

Can a DWI be reduced in Texas? ›

To get a DWI reduced in Texas, you or your DWI lawyer must negotiate with the prosecutor or petition the court to have the charges reduced or thrown out.

Can a first offense DUI be dismissed in Texas? ›

Can a DWI Be Dismissed in Texas? Texas courts regularly dismiss DWI charges, especially for first-time offenders. Therefore, depending on the circ*mstances in your case, your charge could be dismissed entirely or reduced. For example, in some counties, the prosecutor may agree to reduce your charge to reckless driving.

What is the most common sentence for a first DUI? ›

First-time DUI offenders will likely face misdemeanor criminal charges unless there are extenuating circ*mstances such as causing an accident or having a child in the car. In most cases, offenders will have their licenses suspended and be sentenced to probation.

What can result from first offense DWI in Texas answers? ›

A first-offense DWI in Texas is usually a Class B misdemeanor. If you are convicted of this charge, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 180 days in jail and up to a $2000 fine. The mandatory minimum jail time that you will have to serve is three days unless you are granted probation.

What is the first offense DWI in Texas can result in choose one? ›

In Texas, a first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, which has a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.

How much does insurance go up after a DWI in Texas? ›

On average, you will pay 49 percent more than you would for full coverage with a clean driving record. The average annual cost of car insurance in Texas for a driver with a clean record is $2,613. After a DUI, however, the average cost of full coverage increases to $3,901 per year.

How long does a DWI case take in Texas? ›

How Long Does the DWI Criminal Process Take? As a general rule, it can be anywhere from 3-6 months before you must make a decision to plead guilty or set your case for trial. If you decided to set your case for trial, it can be anywhere from 4 months to over a year before your trial date.

What is the average bail for DWI in Texas? ›

For a first-time DWI conviction in Texas (a class B misdemeanor), bail often falls within the range of $1,000 to $3,000. However, it can be higher depending on various factors. A second DWI conviction typically results in bail costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000, as the charge is elevated to a class A misdemeanor.

What can a DWI be reduced to in Texas? ›

Can I Get My DWI Charge Reduced in Texas?
  • Get your case dismissed for lack of evidence;
  • Drop charges based off illegally obtained BAC tests;
  • Negotiate a fair plea deal based off the defendant's lack of criminal record; or.
  • Provide evidence to lower felony charges to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of a highway.

What is the plea bargain for a DWI in Texas? ›

If you elect to accept a plea bargain for DWI from the state of Texas, this is essentially a way of agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced punishment. By taking a plea bargain, you are allowing the state to make the final decision on your DWI case rather than going through the process of a trial by jury.

What do first time DWI offenders face in Texas? ›

Charges and Penalties for 1st Offense DWI in Texas

First offense DWIs are deemed to be Class “B” misdemeanors by the state of Texas. This means that if you are convicted, you will most likely be looking at a fine of up to $2,000, as well as up to 180 days in county jail.

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