Frisco DWI Lawyer
Drunk driving is not taken lightly in Frisco, Texas. Talk with a Frisco DWI attorney at our firm about the options you might have for keeping a drunk driving conviction off your record.
Driving while intoxicated is one of the top reasons for vehicle collisions in Texas. For that reason, drunk driving has been outlawed. If you are caught drinking and driving in Frisco, you could face jail, prison, fines, community service, loss of your drivers license, and many other negative consequences that could upend your life.
For some people, they could face serious felony charges if they were involved in an accident due to drunk driving and someone was injured or killed. You have rights, and a Frisco DWI lawyer at Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C. can help you understand them. They can also help you understand what consequences you’ll face if convicted and can defend you in court.
What Is A DWI in Frisco?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is more than just a traffic violation; it’s a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences. In Frisco, Texas, a DWI charge can lead to severe legal penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Beyond the courtroom, a DWI conviction can tarnish your employment opportunities, impose significant financial burdens, and subject you to social stigma that may affect your personal and professional relationships for years to come.
Given the high stakes, it’s crucial to take any DWI charge seriously and to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Early intervention by an experienced DWI lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
At Chris Lewis & Associates, we are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation for individuals facing DWI charges in Frisco. Our expert team of Frisco DWI lawyers brings extensive experience to the table, having successfully defended numerous clients in similar situations. We pride ourselves on offering personalized attention to each client, ensuring you receive the tailored defense strategy you deserve.
Our commitment to your case begins with a free initial consultation, where we will discuss the specifics of your situation and outline potential defense strategies. We understand that legal emergencies can occur at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 availability to address urgent concerns. Our aggressive defense strategies are designed to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights at every turn.
Throughout the litigation process, proactive communication is our hallmark. We keep you informed and involved, providing updates and answering any questions you may have, so you never feel left in the dark.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Chris Lewis & Associates today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your future. Our team is ready to stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome in your DWI case.
Legal Consequences and Life Impact of a DWI Conviction in Frisco
A DWI conviction in Frisco can lead to significant legal penalties and personal hardships. The ramifications can include:
- Fines: Financial penalties can range from moderate to substantial amounts, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first-time or repeat offense.
- Jail Time: Convictions can result in incarceration, varying from a few days to several years for more severe or repeat offenses.
- License Suspension: Losing the privilege to drive can disrupt daily routines, making it difficult to commute to work or manage family responsibilities.
- Probation: Offenders may face probation periods with strict conditions, including regular check-ins with probation officers and compliance with court-mandated programs.
- Mandatory Community Service: Courts often require convicted individuals to complete a set number of community service hours.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: A DWI conviction can lead to significantly higher auto insurance rates.
- Ignition Interlock Devices: Some offenders may be required to install these devices in their vehicles, which prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
Detailed Penalty Information
- Fines: The financial burden can be steep, with fines for a first-time DWI offense ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for subsequent offenses.
- Jail Time: Jail sentences can range from 72 hours to six months for a first offense, with repeat offenses leading to longer sentences, potentially up to ten years.
- License Suspension: A first-time offense can result in a license suspension of up to one year. Repeat offenses can lead to longer suspensions or even permanent revocation.
- Probation: Probation periods can last from six months to several years, during which the offender must adhere to various conditions, such as attending alcohol education programs.
Additional Consequences
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Following a DWI conviction, insurance premiums often skyrocket due to the increased risk perceived by insurers.
- Ignition Interlock Devices: These devices require the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before the vehicle can start, ensuring that the driver is not under the influence.
Potentially Avoiding a DWI Charge and Minimizing Conviction Impact
Avoiding a DWI charge is not only about following the law; it’s about safeguarding your future. The best strategy is to always plan ahead. If you plan to consume alcohol, use ride-sharing services or public transportation to ensure you get home safely without risking a DWI charge. Alternatively, designating a sober driver among your group can provide a reliable and safe means of transportation. Taking these proactive measures can significantly reduce your chances of facing a DWI charge.
However, if you find yourself charged with a DWI, it is crucial to act swiftly. Seek legal representation from an experienced DWI lawyer as early as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, potentially leading to reduced charges or even dismissal. At Chris Lewis & Associates, our expert team understands the intricacies of DWI cases and will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for you.
Completing court-mandated programs, such as alcohol education or treatment courses, can also play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of a DWI conviction. These programs demonstrate to the court your commitment to rehabilitation and can potentially result in more lenient sentencing. Showing a proactive attitude towards correcting your behavior can positively influence the court’s perception of your case.
An experienced DWI lawyer from Chris Lewis & Associates will guide you through every step of the legal process, from initial consultations to courtroom proceedings. Our team is dedicated to crafting aggressive defense strategies tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that your rights are protected and your future is safeguarded. Don’t leave your fate to chance; contact Chris Lewis & Associates today to take the first step toward minimizing the impact of a DWI charge.
Possible Defenses Against a DWI Conviction in Frisco
When facing a DWI charge in Frisco, Texas, it’s essential to understand that there are several potential defenses that can be employed to challenge the accusations and protect your rights. At Chris Lewis & Associates, we meticulously examine every aspect of your case to identify the most effective defense strategies. Here are some common defenses against a DWI conviction:
Challenging Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus, are commonly used by police officers to determine impairment. However, these tests are not foolproof. Various factors, such as medical conditions, fatigue, or even uneven road surfaces, can affect the results. Our team will scrutinize the administration of these tests to ensure they were conducted properly and challenge their validity if necessary.
Questioning Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Levels
Breathalyzer and blood tests are used to measure your BAC levels. However, these tests can sometimes produce inaccurate results due to improper calibration, maintenance issues, or procedural errors. For instance, if the breathalyzer device was not correctly calibrated, it could yield a higher BAC reading than your actual level. We will investigate the testing procedures and equipment maintenance records to uncover any discrepancies that could cast doubt on the accuracy of the BAC results.
Examining Police Conduct During Arrest
The conduct of the arresting officer plays a critical role in the validity of a DWI charge. If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle or lacked probable cause to arrest you, any evidence obtained during the stop could be deemed inadmissible in court. We will review police reports, body cam footage, and witness statements to identify any procedural violations or misconduct that could invalidate the arrest.
Medical Conditions and Prescription Medications
Certain medical conditions and prescription medications can mimic the signs of intoxication or affect the results of sobriety tests and BAC readings. Conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, or neurological disorders can cause symptoms that resemble impairment. By presenting medical evidence and expert testimony, we can demonstrate that your condition, rather than alcohol or drugs, influenced the test results.
Improper Administration of Chemical Tests
The proper administration of chemical tests, such as blood and urine tests, is crucial for accurate results. Any deviation from the standard procedures, such as mishandling of samples, contamination, or delays in testing, can compromise the integrity of the evidence. We will thoroughly investigate the chain of custody and testing protocols to ensure that your rights were not violated and that the evidence is reliable.
What Are the Penalties for a Drunk Driving Conviction in Frisco?
Many people are familiar with the possible legal penalties for a DWI in Frisco. For instance, you might know that a first-time DWI could get you up to 180 days in jail, the loss of your drivers license for up to a year, a fine of up to $2,000, and a possible drivers license retention fee.
What you might not know is that there are other penalties, and what you’re faced with will depend on your case. For example, sometimes a first-time DWI is charged as a felony. If you hurt or killed someone in an accident, you could be charged with intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter. These charges come with much higher penalties.
If you are charged with a DWI with a child passenger younger than fifteen years old, you could receive a state jail felony, be sentenced to state jail, and face other consequences. Being involved in a hit-and-run while driving drunk also comes with serious penalties that vary depending on your case details.
Defenses Your Frisco Drunk Driving Attorney Could Use
If you were arrested for a DWI in Frisco, you might believe that there are no defense options available to you. Your Frisco intoxicated driving attorney can look into your case to find holes in the prosecution’s argument or find errors the police made. Your attorney might be able to show the prosecution in Frisco that there’s not enough evidence against you to convict.
Below, here are a few more examples of defenses your Frisco drunk driving attorney could use to help you fight your DWI charge.
- Innocence
- Mistaken identity
- Mistake of fact
- Not enough evidence
- Errors with field sobriety tests
- Police or lab errors
Confer with a DWI Attorney in Frisco, TX
Drunk driving is dangerous. There are good reasons why it has been outlawed in Frisco. However, not every situation is black and white. Every person who’s been charged with a crime is entitled to a defense. Pleading guilty to a crime just to put the situation behind you might not be in your best interests.
A Frisco DWI lawyer at our firm can examine your case and give you advice as to what you might want to do. Call Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C. at 214-665-6930 or fill out the form below to reach our firm. We can advise you and defend you, but only if you reach out.
