If you are facing DWI charges in Texas, you know there are various things at stake, including your right to drive and your personal freedom. You understand that you can and should fight back against the charges you are facing, but you may feel overwhelmed by the entire process. Most people do not know what to expect after an arrest for drunk driving.
You can start working on your defense strategy as soon as possible after an arrest. This means that you can take immediate action to start developing a strategy that will allow you to confront the prosecution’s case and protect your future interests. Your future is always worth fighting for, whether this is your first drunk driving arrest or you have previous infractions on your criminal record.
After arrest
An arrest for DWI will come after the police pull you over for suspected drunk driving. They may question you and ask you to submit to certain types of field sobriety tests. Law enforcement may then ask the driver to submit to a chemical test in order to determine blood alcohol concentration. If the driver refuses, or his or her BAC is over the legal limit, police will place the driver under arrest. After that, the following things will happen:
- Police will take the driver to the local station where they will book him or her and take the necessary booking photos.
- Law enforcement will provide the driver with a notice of a court appearance he or she will have to make to answer to DWI charges.
After this, you will show up at your court hearing on the specified time and date. You have the right to enter a plea, but you may want to note that it is possible that the court could play footage of your traffic stop from the police officer’s dashboard camera, camera at the police station or a body camera worn by the officer.
It is possible you could lose your license, and some of the penalties you could face include the potential of a high fine, attendance in an alcohol treatment class or the installation of an ignition interlock device. It is a requirement that some DWI offenders serve jail time.
How can you defend yourself?
With the help of an experienced DWI defense attorney, you may be able to fight back against the charges you are facing. He or she may also be able to help you pursue lesser penalties. The right approach for your case will depend on the details of your individual situation and your specific objectives.