We Fight For Justice
DWI Lawyer San Antonio
Aggressive DWI attorney in San Antonio
If you’ve recently been arrested for a DWI in San Antonio, you need to act fast. The consequences of a DWI conviction in Texas can be severe and include jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. You only have fifteen days to save your license from an automatic suspension. You’re facing the consequences now, not later, and they can harm you before you’re even convicted. That’s why finding an aggressive DWI lawyer in San Antonio who can fight for your rights and protect your future is crucial.
At Guzman Law Firm, we have experience providing aggressive and dedicated defense for individuals facing DWI charges. Javier Guzman, an experienced criminal lawyer in San Antonio, understands the complexities of DWI laws in Texas and is committed to exploring every possible defense to minimize the impact on your life.
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients. When you choose Guzman Law Firm, you are choosing a team that will stand by you, argue your case passionately, and work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call Guzman Law Firm today at (956) 516-7198 to save your future.
Understanding DWI in San Antonio
Whether you are a first-time offender or have multiple DWI convictions on your record, it’s important to understand the laws and consequences surrounding DWI in San Antonio. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits: In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. However, if you are under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in your system can result in a DUI or DWI charge.
- Penalties for first-time offenders: A first-offense DWI in Texas is considered a Class B misdemeanor and carries penalties like fines of up to $2,000, license suspensions of up to one year, and jail time of up to 180 days. Additionally, you may be required to attend alcohol education classes and install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
- Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders: If you have prior DWI convictions on your record, the penalties for subsequent offenses will be more severe. For example, a second DWI offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which can land you in jail for up to two years and can be turned into a felony if any aggravating factors are present.
- Felony DWI: DWI offenses can also be charged as felonies. This typically happens if you have previous felony DWI convictions or if your actions resulted in serious injury or death. Felony DWI charges carry even harsher penalties, which can include lengthy stays in prison.
If you are facing DWI charges, it is absolutely necessary that you seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work towards minimizing the consequences of a DWI conviction.
Learn more about how to get a 2nd DWI offense charge reduced in Texas
What are the penalties for DWI in Texas?
Penalties will only get harsher based on the criminal record and the seriousness of the circumstances of your arrest. Here is what you can expect for each of the different DWI offenses:
Offense | Charge | Fine | Jail Time |
First-offense DWI | Class B misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | 3 – 180 days |
Second-offense DWI | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $4,000 | 30 days – 2 years |
Subsequent DWI charges | Felony charge | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 10 years |
First-time DWI w/ BAC 0.15% or higher | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $4,000 | Up to 1 year |
First-time aggravated DWI w/ child passenger | State jail felony | Up to $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years |
Aggravated DWI with prior conviction(s) | Third-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 10 years |
Intoxication Assault | Third-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 10 years |
Intoxication Manslaughter | Second-degree felony | Up to $10,000 | 2 – 20 years |
Non-legal penalties for DWI
A DWI conviction in Texas can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond legal penalties. Some of the non-legal impacts you may face, which can linger far longer than any amount of jail time or fines paid, include:
- Increased car insurance premiums: Insurance companies often view individuals with a DWI on their record as high-risk drivers, which can result in considerably higher rates or, in some cases, policy cancellation.
- Affect on employment prospects: Many employers see a DWI as a red flag. This is especially true for jobs that require driving as a part of your duties or positions in sensitive fields such as healthcare and education.
- Job termination: You may also face job termination if your current employment policy has a zero-tolerance stance on criminal convictions. This is especially true for truck drivers, as a DWI conviction can result in the revocation of their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Learn more about the connection between DWIs and CDLs in Texas.
- Personal and professional relationship strain: Beyond professional setbacks, a DWI conviction can strain personal relationships and subject you to social stigma. Friends and family might view you differently, and the conviction can impact your standing in personal and professional relationships, ultimately changing the trajectory of your life.
Given the serious consequences of a DWI conviction, it is crucial to take proactive measures to address the issue. Seeking out the best DWI lawyers in San Antonio and exploring avenues for rehabilitation can help mitigate some of these impacts and set you on a path to recovery.
The benefits of hiring a forensic lawyer-scientist for DWI cases
Prosecutors in DWI cases often rely on data from sobriety tests and blood alcohol exams to convict the accused, but these tests are outdated and flawed, not to mention administered by untrained individuals. To use this knowledge in your favor, you need more than just a competent lawyer: you need a Lawyer-Scientist like Javier Guzman.
Forensic Lawyer-Scientists undergo rigorous education, equipping them with the skills and scientific knowledge needed to build effective defense strategies. They must be well-versed in areas such as
- Forensic chromatography
- Gas chromatographs used for blood alcohol analysis in Texas crime labs
- Proficient cross-examination of state expert witnesses
- Best practices at forensic crime laboratories nationwide
- Standard operating procedures for law enforcement and in Texas crime labs
This knowledge can significantly benefit you during the trial and in securing a more favorable initial offer from state prosecutors.
For a dependable and determined San Antonio DWI defense lawyer committed to protecting your freedom, consider Javier Guzman. He holds the prestigious title of ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, recognized by the Chemistry and Law Division of the American Chemical Society.
How do I beat a DWI charge in Texas?
Beating a DWI charge in Texas requires a multifaceted approach and a deep understanding of the legal and scientific intricacies involved. While your defense will depend entirely upon the circumstances of your arrest, here are some key strategies that could help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Challenge the legality of the traffic stop
One of the first steps in fighting a DWI charge is to scrutinize the validity of the initial traffic stop. Law enforcement officers must have probable cause and reasonable suspicion to pull you over and arrest you. If your attorney can prove that the stop was illegal, any evidence gathered as a result may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Question field sobriety test results
Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by uncontrollable factors, such as fatigue, medical conditions, or even the environment where the test is conducted. A skilled DWI lawyer can argue that the results of these tests were inaccurate or improperly administered.
Examine breathalyzer and blood test protocols
Machines that measure blood alcohol content (BAC) must be correctly calibrated and maintained, and the administering officers must be adequately trained. Your lawyer can request records of the device’s maintenance and calibration to identify potential flaws in the test results and determine whether any other factors could influence the test. Additionally, the chain of custody for blood samples must be meticulously documented to prevent contamination or tampering.
Leverage forensic knowledge
Enlisting a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist can be a game-changer. Their deep understanding of the scientific principles behind blood alcohol tests allows them to identify and challenge inconsistencies or errors that a regular attorney might overlook. This could involve questioning the accuracy of gas chromatographs or other lab equipment used in the analysis.
Negotiate with prosecutors
Prosecutors may be willing to negotiate a plea deal if they recognize vulnerabilities in their case or are presented with compelling mitigating factors, such as your lack of prior offenses, good character, or completion of an alcohol education program.
You may be wondering, “Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Texas?” While you don’t technically have to hire one, if you want to walk away with your freedom intact, you should. A seasoned DWI lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure a reduction in charges or a more lenient sentence if not outright win your case.
Prepare for trial, If necessary
Your lawyer should be prepared to go to trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached. This involves meticulously preparing your defense, cross-examining state witnesses, and presenting compelling evidence to create reasonable doubt about your guilt.
By employing these strategies and working with an experienced drunk driving lawyer in San Antonio like Javier Guzman, you increase the likelihood of overcoming a DWI charge and moving forward with your life. Remember, an informed and proactive approach is your best defense.
Contact Guzman Law Firm today for relentless representation.
When facing serious charges, having an experienced DWI lawyer in San Antonio on your side can make all the difference.
At Guzman Law Firm, we are committed to providing relentless representation tailored to your unique case. Whether you’re battling a DWI, need the experience of a federal criminal attorney in San Antonio, or are facing charges related to human smuggling in San Antonio, Javier Guzman and his team are here to fight for your rights.
If you’re fighting a DWI in San Antonio that you need to beat, you need to talk to Javier Guzman. Call Guzman Law Firm today at (956) 516-7198 or contact us online and ask us to defend you.
Need Relentless Representation?
Schedule a Consultation
Guzman Law Firm offers quality representation in Laredo, TX for DWI Defense, State and Federal Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury cases.