What to do when you are arrested for the first time: Most of the times, if a person is caught for violating DWI laws for the first time, he is bound to feel anxious and nervous. The reason is that he does not know what to do and whom to contact under such circumstances. Sometimes due to the lack of sufficient knowledge and experience, the accused person is not able to seek proper guidance, help and support.

In Texas, the first time offenders are referred to as Class B misdemeanor. This carries a huge range of punishment of up to 180 days in the County Jail. The offender may also be asked to pay a fine of up to $2,000.00. Moreover, there are several trials for person below 21 years of age.

Here are some of the punishments you may need to face in case of your first DWI.

a) You may be required to pay a fine up to $2,000.
b) You may be required to spend 72 hours to 180 days in Jail.
c) Your driver’s license may be suspended for a period of ninety days to one year.
d) Twenty four to hundred hours of community service work.
e) You may also need to attend special DWI education classes and other programs within six months of your conviction in order to avoid a suspension of your driver’s license.

In addition to that it is always beneficial to learn more about ALR (Administrative License Revocation) hearing.

Administrative License Revocation Hearing:

a) Chemical test: As per Texas transportation code, section 524.022, if you refuse to submit to the breath test, you may suffer from suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days. This is brought to effect it the driver’s record shows no alcohol or drug related enforcement contact in the past 10 years. In case, the driver shows one or more alcohol or drug related enforcement contact during the past ten years, then the license would be suspended for 1 year.
b) License suspension: The period of license suspension varies and it depends upon several factors. In case, you license is suspended, and you do not possess any prior license suspensions for the same, you can obtain an occupational driver’s license. You can drive for four to twelve hours via this license.
c) Probation: The jail sentence for your first DWI may be extended for one year. Around $1,500.00 of your fine is probate and your driver’s license suspension is also probated. Under such circumstances, you would not be required to spend 180 days in jail and in case you fulfill certain requirements for one year, you would only be required to pay $500.00 as a fine.

The crux of the matter is that if you have been recently arrested for DWI offense, then you shouldn’t get panic and try to hire an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to represent your case. Even under the Federal and State Constitutions, persons accused of DWI law have an absolute right to the assistance of an attorney at their criminal trial.

Share and Enjoy:

Write Comment
Name:
Comment:
Code:*