DWI
Trusted DWI Attorney in Texas
If you find yourself confronting a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Texas, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we fully grasp the seriousness of DWI charges and stand ready to vigorously defend your rights. With over two decades of experience in criminal law, including former prosecution experience, Attorney Bill J. Stovall is exceptionally well-equipped to strategize and mount a robust defense against DWI charges, securing the best possible outcome for his clients.
Contact us today at (214) 887-0911 to book a consultation with Attorney Bill J. Stovall.
What is a DWI and How Can We Help?
In Texas, a DWI is a criminal offense that occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is even lower, set at 0.04% BAC. Moreover, Texas has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21, prohibiting any amount of alcohol in their system while driving.
At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, we possess extensive experience in handling DWI cases across Texas. With extensive criminal law experience and a prior background as a prosecutor, Attorney Bill J. Stovall has an in-depth understanding of the legal system. This unique perspective allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s arguments, craft effective defense strategies, and aggressively advocate for his clients in court.
Texas DWI Penalties
In Texas, DWI penalties can be severe, ranging from fines and license suspension to jail time. The severity of the consequences depends on factors such as the number of previous offenses and whether you had a child passenger in the vehicle.
Some potential punishments include:
- First offense: 0 to 180 days in jail, up to a $2,000 fine, and driver's license suspension for up to a year.
- Second offense: 72 hours to 1 year in jail, up to a $4,000 fine, and driver's license suspension for up to two years.
- Third offense: 2 to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and driver's license suspension for up to two years.
- DWI with a child passenger: Up to 2 years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, and a driver's license suspension for 180 days.
A DWI conviction can also have lasting consequences beyond the legal penalties, including a permanent mark on your criminal record, potentially affecting your employment, education, and other opportunities.
Field Sobriety Tests
The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is made of up 3 individual tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test - For this test the officer will observe the eyes of the person in question as they slowly move a pen or small object back and forth to look for signs in each eye that the person is impaired.
- Walk-and-turn test - For this test, the officer instructs the person to take nine steps, touching heel- to-toe in a straight line and the return back. The officer is looking for signs of intoxication such as not being able to keep their balance, starting before the instructions are finished or not following the instructions properly.
- One-leg stand test - For this test, the officer will instruct the person to stand with one foot off the ground and hold it for about 30 seconds. The officer looks for signs of intoxication such as swaying, hoping or using their arms to balance.
How to Defend Against DWI Charges
Have you found yourself facing the overwhelming weight of DWI charges? Fear not, for the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall are here to stand with you, ready to fight for your rights and protect your future. Our unwavering commitment to justice and years of experience in defending Texas residents against DWI offenses set us apart as your formidable ally in the courtroom.
Some potential defenses include:
Lack of Probable Cause
Defective Breathalyzer Test
Police or Prosecution Misconduct
Lack of Probable Cause
Defective Breathalyzer Test
Police or Prosecution Misconduct
Why Hire The Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall for Your Texas DWI Case?
At the Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall, our commitment to our clients extends beyond just providing exceptional representation in DWI cases. We offer comprehensive legal services that encompass every aspect of your defense, ensuring that you have a complete solution to navigate the complexities of the Texas legal system.
When you choose our firm, you can expect the following comprehensive services:
Handling the Entire Case for You
Determining Whether to Dismiss or Reduce the Charges
Contesting the Prosecutor's Assertions
Investigating the Charges to Establish the Facts
Negotiating a Plea Deal (If Necessary)
Get the Dedicated DWI Defense You Deserve
If you are facing a DWI charge in Texas, don’t leave your future to chance. The Law Offices of Bill J. Stovall is here to provide you with the skilled and dedicated representation you need to navigate this challenging legal journey.
Contact us at (214) 887-0911 to book a consultation with an experienced DWI lawyer.
What is Texas's Implied Consent Law?
In the state of Texas, if you are pulled over for a suspected DWI you automatically have given your consent to a blood or chemical test to measure your blood alcohol concentration. You do have the right to refuse these tests but that will result in the following penalties:
- 1st offense: 180 days license suspension
- 2nd offense: 2 year license suspension
- 3rd offense: 2 year license suspension