Austin DWI Lawyers
Austin DWI/DUI Attorneys
Have you been charged with a DWI/DUI in Austin, Texas? Or maybe you have a teenager charged with minor in consumption? Or boating while intoxicated?
DWI and DUI charges are very serious and can have grave and lasting repercussions on your life. If convicted of drunk driving in Austin, you could face unfavorable consequences that include license suspension, large fines and even jail time. In the long run, a DWI or DUI conviction on your record can hamper your ability to get a job, a promotion, credit and even housing. It is crucial that you find an experienced Austin DWI defense lawyer to help you aggressively fight these charges and keep the negative impact of them to an absolute minimum.
Even though we all know the dangers of drinking and driving, mistakes happen and good, hard-working people frequently find themselves facing these charges. In fact, DWI is the most commonly committed crime by ordinary people (like yourself). Don't let a DWI or DUI conviction relegate you to a second-class citizen. Some cases can be beaten if your Blood Alcohol Content ("BAC") was lower than what the officer anticipated, if there were Constitutional violations, or if your case involves "physical control" issues wherein you were found napping in your car. This is why you should contact the Austin DWI/DUI attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC, immediately after being stopped for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence.
Depending on the circumstances, and number of repeat offenses, DWI/DUI can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Let the Austin criminal defense attorneys help you to achieve a favorable outcome by calling us today! We defend DWI cases not only in Austin, but throughout Texas.
Call Briggle & Polan, PLLC, for Jail Release. If you or your loved one has been arrested on DWI/DUI charges, call us at 512-472-1926 now to talk to a lawyer.
Texas DWI/DUI Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation:
• In 2010, there were 1,075 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. This is 35.6% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
• During 2010, more DWI - alcohol crashes were reported in the hour between 2:00 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. than any other hour of the day. Also, more alcohol related crashes occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week.
• Friday, January 1st was the deadliest day in 2010 with twenty-five (25) persons killed in traffic crashes. May was the deadliest month with 280 persons killed.
• 96 fatalities were under 21. The largest age group was 21 - 25 with 228 deaths.
Austin 2010 DWI/DUI Statistics
• There were 1,184 alcohol-related crashes
• There were 25 fatal crashes, with 26 deaths.
• There were 345 serious injury crashes.
Texas DWI/DUI Penalties
Under Texas law, you cannot operate a motor vehicle of any type, a water craft (boat), or an air craft (plane) if you have a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08.
Additionally, as of September 1, 2011, Texas now has an enhanced DWI that increases the punishment range for someone with a Blood or Breath Alcohol Concentration of .15 or greater. A person arrested for a DWI in Texas with a Blood or Breath alcohol concentration of .15 or greater will now be facing more severe penalties. Prior to the new law taking effect, a citizen charged with a 1st DWI in Texas would be facing a Class B Misdemeanor with a possible fine of up to $2000 and a possible jail sentence of up to 180 days, regardless of the blood or breath alcohol concentration. However, now a person arrested for DWI with a Blood or Breath alcohol concentration of .15 or greater will be facing a Class A Misdemeanor with possible fine of up to $4000 and a possible jail sentence of up to one year in the county jail.
First Texas DWI Offense
1st Drunk Driving Conviction
• Jail - From 72 Hours to 180 Days
• Jail - From 180 Days to 2 Years (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
• License Suspension - From 90 to 365 Days
• Fine - Up to $2,000
• Fine - Up to $10,000 (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
• DWI Surcharge - $1,000 per Year for 3 Years
• DWI Surcharge - $2,000 per Year for 3 Years (BAC .16 or Above)
Second Texas DWI Offense (First Texas DWI Offense with a BAC .15 or Greater)
2nd Drunk Driving Conviction (First Drunk Driving Conviction with a BAC .15 or Greater)
• Jail - From 30 Days to 1 Year
• Jail - From 180 Days to 2 Years (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
• Fine - Up to $4,000
• Fine - Up to $10,000 (Child under 15 in Vehicle)
• DWI Surcharge - $1,500 per Year for 3 Years
• DWI Surcharge - $2,000 per Year for 3 Years (BAC .16 or Above)
• License Suspension - From 180 Days to 2 Years
• Ignition Interlock Device
Third Texas DWI Offense
3rd Drunk Driving Conviction
• Jail - From 2 to 10 Years
• Fine - Up to $10,000
• License Suspension - From 180 Days to 2 Years
• Ignition Interlock Device
State of Texas BAC Laws:
• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
• Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Briggle & Polan, PLLC, - Knowledgeable Austin DWI/DUI Attorneys