Facing Drunk Driving Charges? Put Skilled San Antonio DWI Lawyers On Your Side.
Driving while intoxicated is among the most common crimes charged in the San Antonio area, and the consequences for conviction can be harsh. If you’re facing charges, your freedom, your financial health and your reputation could all be in jeopardy. Therefore, it’s time to contact Daniel & Halstead.
The two San Antonio DWI attorneys of Daniel & Halstead bring more than 65 years of combined legal experience to each case and client. One of their lawyers previously served as a prosecutor and understands how the state builds cases against defendants. Their team will use this knowledge and experience to protect your rights and build a vigorous defense against the charges you are facing.
What’s At Stake When Charged With DWI In San Antonio?
Texas DWI laws are strict, and the penalties can have a lasting impact on your life. For first-time San Antonio DWI charges, you could be looking at a fine of up to $2,000. You will also spend at least three days in jail, up to 180 days. Your driver’s license could be suspended for up to a year. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at or above .15%, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which tests your breath for alcohol before the vehicle can start.
If you’re convicted of a second DWI, the stakes are higher. The fine can reach up to $4,000, and you could serve one month to a year in county jail. Your license can be suspended for up to two years, and you’ll likely need an ignition interlock device as well.
A third DWI conviction is considered a serious offense and is classified as a felony in Texas. This could lead to a fine of up to $10,000. You may also face a prison sentence ranging from two to 10 years. In addition, you could have your driver’s license suspended for up to two years, and an ignition interlock device will be a requirement for a period after you get your driving privileges back.
Why You Need An Experienced Defense Attorney Fighting For You
In some ways, DWI cases seem very objective. BAC is measurable with a roadside testing device, and law enforcement officers have standard operating procedures for DWI stops. However, there is more room for error and interpretation than prosecutors want you to believe, and an experienced DWI defense lawyer in San Antonio will know where to search for weaknesses in the case.
The lawyers of Daniel & Halstead will examine every aspect of your interaction with police and ask tough questions like:
- Did the officer have a valid reason to pull you over?
- Did the officer deviate from protocol in how the field sobriety tests were administered?
- Do you have a medical condition that could have caused you to fail field sobriety tests even when sober?
- Was the breathalyzer administered correctly, and has the device been calibrated recently?
- Were your constitutional rights violated during the traffic stop?
If evidence was obtained illegally or your rights were otherwise violated, it may be possible to have the evidence suppressed, meaning it cannot be used to convict you. If contacted quickly, the firm’s attorneys can sometimes get charges reduced or dismissed entirely based on weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Prosecutors want you to plead guilty. In some cases, that is the best course of action, but you should never make that determination before speaking with a knowledgeable San Antonio DWI lawyer like those at Daniel & Halstead. Even if a plea deal is appropriate, a good attorney can typically help you negotiate a much more favorable deal than you could obtain on your own.
Reach Out Today For A Free Consultation
Whether you were arrested for DWI in San Antonio or any of the surrounding areas of Texas, contact Daniel & Halstead today. The firm offers free initial consultations to all prospective clients. To claim yours, call them at 210-987-5276 or submit an online contact form.