Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in any state and can lead to a hefty fine, probation or even jail time. In some areas, a first-time DWI conviction could lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension. If you’re caught driving while intoxicated in the state of Texas, it is important to know what steps to take if you’re pulled over by law enforcement. A first-time DWI conviction in Texas can lead to a year or more of jail time and a large fine. Additionally, it will appear on your driving record for many years to come, making it harder to get insurance and rental car companies will likely refuse to rent to you if they know that you have a DWI on your record. The first thing you will be asked is if you’ll take a breathalyzer test. If you say yes, then you will be asked to follow the directions from the officer as they administer the test. If you refuse to submit to the breathalyzer test, you will be cited for refusing the test. A first-time DWI conviction can lead to a loss of job, car insurance, and even housing if it appears on your record. It is very important that you understand your rights and what happens in the aftermath of a DWI arrest.
What Happens If You Are Stopped For A DWI?
If you are pulled over for an intoxicated driving investigation in Texas, the first thing that will happen is the officer will likely ask you a series of questions. Many of these questions are designed to test your level of sobriety. The officer will want to know how much alcohol you had, how recently you had been drinking, and your usual drinking habits. The officer may also ask you if you’ve had anything to eat or taken any medications in the last 24 hours. The officer may also ask you to exit the vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests. If you fail any of these tests or a combination of tests, the officer will likely charge you with DWI. If you fail the field sobriety tests and the breathalyzer test, the arresting officer will likely request that you be taken to a nearby hospital to have a blood sample taken. A blood sample will be used in court to prove that your blood alcohol content (BAC) was above the legal limit.
What Happens If You Are Arrested For A DWI?
You will likely be taken to the nearest police station and put in a holding cell until you are processed. The process of booking in for a DWI can vary from department to department, but it is typically very standard. You will likely be fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell until you see a judge. The booking process will likely include having your fingerprints taken, your picture taken, and any other information that will appear on your record recorded. You will likely also be asked to sign a bunch of paperwork. Once you see a judge, you will likely be read your Miranda rights, which means you have a right to remain silent, a right to an attorney, and a right to have your attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will provide you with a court-appointed attorney to represent you. In most cases, you will be required to post a cash bond. If the judge sets a bond, you will either have to pay the entire amount or schedule a payment plan with the court.
Bond for a DWI in Texas
A cash bond or a surety bond will be set for most DWI cases in Texas. A cash bond is a certain amount of money that you must pay in order to get out of jail. A surety bond is when someone who is not directly related to you can put up collateral such as property or a savings bond to be held as collateral for the bond. A surety bond is generally more expensive than a cash bond, but it will usually be easier to get out of jail because the bond company will have to find someone to stand in your place. The bond company will likely require a payment plan in order to get you out of jail if you can’t afford the entire amount.
The Aftermath of a DWI Conviction in Texas
The first thing that will happen after you receive your DWI is that you will be given a court date. The court date will likely be about a month after your arrest. At this court date, you will be required to enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, a judge will be assigned to your case. If you plead guilty, you will likely be sentenced to a class C misdemeanor. A class C misdemeanor will typically result in some type of fine, community service hours, and a victim impact statement. If you are convicted of a Class C misdemeanor, you will be required to go through a probation program. A conviction for a first-time DWI can lead to a fine of anywhere from $2000 to $4000 plus the costs of prosecution.
Conclusion
It is important to know the steps to take if you get pulled over for a DWI in the state of Texas. If you are asked to submit to a breathalyzer test, you should take it. If you are arrested for a DWI, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you think you will be released on a personal bond, it is important to have a lawyer to represent you.