DWI: First Offense in Austin

What Could My Punishment Be For My First DWI Offense?

It’s possible to face steep fines, a driver’s license suspension, increased auto insurance rates, and blemishes on your permanent record seen by employers and educational institutions, should you be seriously convicted of a DWI charge. The state of Texas is active in pursuing anti-drunk driving campaigns and outlets. However, this does not mean that each and every offense against driving while intoxicated should be put through the rings of all absolute punishments. In order to prevent your case from becoming another statistic, you need an aggressive DWI attorney to gain leverage in your defense.

Legal Penalties for 1st DWI

Unfortunately, A first DWI charge is considered a Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by a mandatory jail term of 72 hours. However, with proper representation and a strong team of legal advisers fighting for you, you could alleviate some additional penalties which can include any of the following:

• Driver’s license suspension of 90 days to one year
• Fines up to $2,000 (more if someone was injured or killed as a result, or if a minor was present in the vehicle)
• Jail time between three days and 180 days–approximately six months.
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (if BAC level was .15 or more)
• Community supervision (aka adult probation)
• Completion of a state-approved alcohol or drug education program
• Community service up to 200 hours
• Monthly reporting to a probation officer
• DWI school
• A criminal record

If you are cited for an incident involving driving while intoxicated and it is, in fact, your first offense, there are definite avenues for retribution and punishment reduction if you act quickly and take the steps to actively pursue a fair judgment.

A large part of how a conviction or judgment will turn out has to do with the offender’s actions and attitude post-citation. By being cooperative, understanding, and assertive that you are a good person who has made a mistake that you’re well aware, you have a great chance of seeking forms of retribution should you couple these aspects with hard working and loyal legal team.

Ways to Minimize DWI Penalties

Often times there are ways to actively promote that you as an offender have considered the consequences of your actions and understand the impact that DWIs can have on the public. While each conviction for a DWI charge is different and the terms and conditions that are pending against your case are all individualized for your charge, there are other things you could do to promote a better light on your offense.

Some of these actions reflecting on your plea and case can be:

• Willingly participate in an outreach program for alcohol awareness
• Submitting to regular evaluations of your state of body and toxicology
• Reach out to impacted victims and meetings that they hold to show understanding and compassion

Don’t be mislead, there could be serious penalties and marks against your permanent record when facing a DWI charge. While some of the punishments received can be inevitable given the nature of the offense and parameters of the traffic stop or accident, there is still hope that a large portion of the usual punishment can be relinquished through your cooperation and decision to choose one of Austin’s top criminal defense attorneys. Our case record for the hundreds of different DWI cases we have worked on over the years can speak for itself; our legal experts know how to act tough and swift to give your case a fighting chance against harsh convictions.

Call Carroll Troberman, PLLC Today

A DWI charge can pose a serious threat to your time, resources and reputation, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our expert legal team has many years of combined experience when it comes to dealing with such sensitive and unique cases regarding DWI charges.