Lubbock County DWI Defense

Protecting Your Driving Record in Lubbock County

Being pulled over and charged with a DWI can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, especially if you have never been arrested before. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our Lubbock County DWI defense attorneys understand the stress that you are under and are here to help. We have the knowledge, skill, and experience to guide you through the legal process and fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Get in touch with us today at (512) 991-0576 to schedule your free consultation with our team and find out what we can do for you.

What Are the Penalties for a DWI in Texas?

The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas depend on the number of prior convictions you have. If you have been arrested for DWI before, you will likely face more severe penalties. Even a first-time DWI conviction can result in significant consequences.

The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas include:

• First Offense: Up to $2,000 in fines, 3 to 180 days in jail, up to 1 year of license suspension, and an annual surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driving privileges
• Second Offense: Up to $4,000 in fines, 1 month to 1 year in jail, up to 2 years of license suspension, and an annual surcharge of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driving privileges
• Third Offense: Up to $10,000 in fines, 2 to 10 years in jail, up to 2 years of license suspension, and an annual surcharge of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for 3 years to retain your driving privileges

In addition to the above criminal penalties, you will also have a permanent criminal record if you are convicted of a DWI in Texas. This can make it difficult to obtain gainful employment, find housing, and secure loans in the future.

How Long Will a DWI Stay on My Record in Texas?

If you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, it will stay on your criminal record forever. This means that potential employers, landlords, and others will be able to see your conviction, which can impact your future opportunities.

Can a DWI Be Dropped to Reckless Driving?

In some cases, it may be possible to have your DWI charges reduced to reckless driving. This can help you avoid some of the more serious consequences of a DWI conviction. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome and will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

To have your DWI charges reduced to reckless driving, you will need to show that:

• You were not driving while impaired
• You did not have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
• Your driving did not pose a danger to others on the road

If your DWI charges are reduced to reckless driving, you may still face criminal penalties, but they will be less severe. You will also have a permanent criminal record, but you may be able to apply for an order of non-disclosure after 10 years to have the conviction hidden from the public.

How Can a DWI Defense Attorney in Lubbock County Help Me?

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our Lubbock County DWI defense lawyers can help you understand the charges you are facing and the potential consequences of a conviction. We can then help you build a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome.

There are several defenses that we may be able to use on your behalf, including:

• Challenging the legality of your traffic stop
• Arguing that the arresting officer did not have probable cause
• Challenging the validity of your field sobriety test
• Arguing that the breathalyzer or blood test results were inaccurate
• Challenging the chain of custody of your blood sample
• Arguing that the blood sample was contaminated
• Showing that the arresting officer failed to read you your Miranda rights

Our team is not afraid to take on tough cases, and we have a proven track record of success. We will do everything we can to help you get your charges reduced or even dismissed entirely. When you choose us to represent you, you can trust that your case is in good hands.

Call us today at (512) 991-0576 or online to schedule your free initial consultation with our Lubbock County DWI defense attorneys.