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If you are facing drunk driving charges, the best thing you can do is to get in touch with an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer as soon as possible. Driving while under the influence is a serious offense with harsh penalties. You could face increased insurance rates, hefty fines, probation, community service obligations, and even prison time if you are convicted.
Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your arrest and your criminal history, you could lose your license for an extended period of time. A criminal DWI conviction could also hurt your ability to get a new job.
Your freedom and your legal rights depend on you working with the right legal team. A knowledgeable attorney could help you fight those charges and protect your freedom.
Penalties for Driving under the influence in San Antonio
The penalties for driving drunk are severe, and they worsen with each subsequent offense.
- First-time offenders: First-time offenders are eligible to receive a maximum fine of $2,000, three to 180 days in jail, and up to a one-year loss of their driver’s license
- Second-time offenders: Second-time offenders could receive a maximum fine of $4,000, one month to one year in jail, and up to a two-year loss of their driver’s license
- Third-time offenders: Third-time offenders could receive a $10,000 fine, two to ten years in jail, and up to a two-year loss of their driver’s license
If their BAC was higher than a .15, their charges may be enhanced as well as the penalties. A judge may order them to remain sober and install an ignition interlock for the duration of any probation. Additionally, their ability to gain employment and insurance may be affected by a conviction.
Because the penalties in San Antonio are so harsh, it is critical to work with a DWI attorney who could fight those charges aggressively.
Potential Defense Strategies to DWI
A skilled San Antonio attorney could thoroughly investigate the DWI case against a defendant by reviewing the arresting police officer’s record and examining all evidence. By doing so, they could come up with potential defenses against these allegations.
Probable Cause
First, they could examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest to see if the arresting officer complied with local, state, and federal laws. The officer would need to show that they had probable cause to pull the defendant’s car over. If the officer did not have a reasonable suspicion that the defendant was intoxicated or that the defendant was in violation of some other criminal or traffic offense, then the officer should not have stopped the defendant’s car. If the law enforcement officer did not have probable cause to stop or arrest the defendant, then an attorney might be able to help get the charges dismissed.
Issues with the Evidence
A seasoned attorney could then examine the evidence surrounding the alcohol tests. They could check if the police officer who conducted the field sobriety breathalyzer tests complied with local, federal, and state standards. If a blood alcohol test was later performed, the attorneys could review it to see when it was given and how reliable it is. The lawyer could also meet with other witnesses to see what they observed.
Let a San Antonio DWI Attorney Protect Your Rights
If you were accused of operating your vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a San Antonio DWI lawyer could help you. Working with a well-practiced attorney could improve your chances of a favorable resolution to your case. Do not delay. Call the office today.
