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DO I HAVE TO GO TO TRIAL IN TEXAS? |
Anna, TX DWI Defense Attorney
DWI Defense Lawyer Serving Anna and Collin County
In Texas, being arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can cause a number of difficulties in your life. You may face a variety of consequences, including the potential loss of your driver's license and criminal penalties that may apply upon conviction. Understanding the procedures that will be followed in these cases is crucial, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and representation to people facing DWI charges. We will ensure that your rights are protected throughout every step of your case.
The DWI Criminal Process
Cases involving accusations of driving while intoxicated will typically follow a specific process:
- Initial stop and investigation: A law enforcement officer may perform a traffic stop if they observe signs of impaired driving. During the stops, the officer will conduct an initial investigation, which may include questioning a driver about whether they have been drinking and asking them to perform field sobriety tests or take a roadside breathalyzer test. If the officer believes that they have sufficient information indicating that the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will arrest the driver for DWI.
- Arrest and chemical testing: Following the arrest, the driver will usually be taken to a police station or medical facility for chemical testing to determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the presence of drugs. Chemical testing may include a breathalyzer test or a blood sample. Refusal to submit to these tests will lead to immediate administrative penalties, including driver's license suspension.
- Booking and potential detainment: The next step is booking, where the driver's information will be recorded, and they may be held until they can make a court appearance, and they may be required to post bail before they can be released.
- Hearings, plea bargains, and/or trial: The person will attend hearings where they will enter a plea, and they may work with prosecutors to reach a deal in which they will plead guilty in order to accept reduced charges or penalties. If a plea deal cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
It is important to have legal representation throughout each stage of this process. An attorney can help determine the best defense strategies, such as challenging the results of chemical tests or determining whether there was reasonable cause to perform a traffic stop in the first place. They can negotiate plea bargains or provide guidance on whether it may be more beneficial to take a case to trial, and they can provide effective representation during all legal proceedings.
Addressing Driver's License Suspension and Reinstatement
One of the immediate concerns a person will face following a DWI arrest in Texas is the suspension of their driver's license. Our attorneys can help address these issues and protect a person's driving privileges. We can assist with:
- Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings: After a DWI arrest, a driver will have the opportunity to challenge the suspension of their license at an ALR hearing. It is crucial to request this hearing within 15 days of the arrest. We can provide representation at this hearing and argue against license suspension.
- Occupational licenses: If a person's license is suspended, they may request a special, restricted driver's license so that they can manage daily tasks for themselves and their family, such as driving to work, school, or to perform essential household duties. A person will usually be required to demonstrate a critical need for limited driving privileges.
- Driver's license reinstatement: Once a license suspension period is over, a driver must undergo the reinstatement process, which may include completing a DWI education program, paying reinstatement fees, and providing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). Our attorneys can guide clients through these steps, ensuring they meet all requirements for reinstatement.
Contact Our Anna DWI Defense Lawyers
DWI charges can be overwhelming, but you do not have to handle these matters alone. Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. is committed to offering skilled legal representation and support throughout the DWI criminal process. We are ready to defend you against DWI charges in court while also helping you take the necessary steps to protect your driving privileges. Contact us at 469-333-3333 to set up a free consultation today.