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Why Do I Need a DWI Lawyer?

Davis-Jones Law Aug. 3, 2020

Every day, hundreds of people in Texas are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). In 2014 alone, the Texas Department of Public Safety recorded over 70,000 DWI arrests. When facing drunk driving charges, some people choose not to hire an attorney. However, there are a number of benefits to obtaining legal representation after a driving while intoxicated arrest.

Questioning The Evidence

DWI arrests are typically based on evidence gathered from drivers' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, performance on roadside tests and the observations of law enforcement officers. Yet such the validity of such evidence is questionable, and an experienced lawyer will know how to challenge it.

For example, an attorney understands the factors that may cause false breath test results or poor performance on field sobriety tests. This may include certain medical conditions, the consumption of certain foods, the device's calibration and maintenance, and even particles in the air at the time of the test. They may draw on their knowledge to create questions about evidence that may have once seemed insurmountable.

Understanding The Rules And Regulations

Most people know that the legal BAC limit for Texas motorists is .08 percent. However, no matter an individual's BAC level, law enforcement officers must generally have grounds to stop a motorist in the first place, such as erratic driving, speeding or some other traffic infraction.

DWI attorneys are familiar with the state's laws and they stay current on any updates to the rules or procedures. This helps them to identify incidents in which an arrest or pullover was conducted illegally. If a driver's rights were violated during a traffic stop, a knowledgeable lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped.

Dealing With The Penalties

As is the case with a number of other criminal offenses in Texas, there are mandatory minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines that the courts must use upon a DWI conviction. There is, however, sometimes room for negotiations in the middle, including reduced jail time and compulsory participation in an alcohol treatment program. Legal representatives who focus their practice on DWI cases understand the sentencing standards and precedents. This helps them to negotiate for the best possible outcome to their clients' cases.

Protecting Your Future

A DWI arrest may have life-changing implications. At Davis-Jones Law, we'll fight hard to help you avoid adverse consequences and undue punishments. To learn more, contact our offices. You can call us or reach us online. Initial consultations are always free.