Getting arrested and convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Galena Park, TX, can bring lifelong repercussions. In addition to potential jail time and fines, your life, career, and family can suffer. You do not have to fight these charges on your own. We can help.
There are deadlines you must meet within weeks of your arrest in this type of case, so do not delay. A Galena Park criminal defense lawyer from Blass Law can work hard to get you the best possible outcome.
Blass Law Fights DWI and Other Alcohol-Related Charges
Even though Galena Park is a dry city, it is not uncommon for law enforcement officers to stop someone on suspicion of drunk driving. Blass Law is here to help no matter if:
- You took a blood or breath test, and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08 percent or above.
- The police believed your behaviors and other actions indicated intoxication, even if you refused to test.
- You were driving with an open container of alcohol in your car.
- You were involved in a collision and were suspected of intoxication.
Our criminal defense firm understands how stressful and scary it can be to face this type of charge in Galena Park. You are likely worried about your reputation, job, and finances. We can address your concerns during a confidential consultation and explain how we can pursue a favorable outcome.
A DWI Conviction Has Grave Consequences
Texas takes DWIs seriously, and a conviction can disrupt your plans. The consequences of a conviction depend on many factors, including the circumstances of your arrest and your criminal history.
Consider the following:
The Law Does Not “Go Easy” on First-Time Offenders
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a first-time offender who gets a DWI conviction may face:
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Up to 180 days in county jail
- Driver’s license suspension
Enhanced penalties may come into play if your BAC was 0.15 percent or more.
Second-Time Offenders Face Increased Penalties
A second DWI conviction could lead to:
- 30 days to a year in county jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- Driver’s license suspension
Because this is your second alleged offense, the courts may order the installation of an ignition interlock device.
You Could Face Felony Charges for a Third DWI
A third DWI is a felony charge. Penalties may include:
- Two to ten years in state prison
- A $10,000 maximum fine
- Driver’s license suspension
- The installation of an ignition interlock device
In addition to these consequences, the court may order you to complete community service or reeducation courses.
You Might Be Facing Additional Criminal Charges
In addition to facing a DWI charge, you may be facing other charges, as well. For instance, if you were pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, and you had a child in the car, you could face both DWI and child endangerment charges.
These other factors may have been present in your situation:
- Intoxication assault ($10,000 in fines, two to ten years in prison, license suspension, and penalties increase if the victim was a first responder)
- Intoxication manslaughter ($10,000 in fines, two to twenty years in prison, license suspension, and increased penalties if the victim was a first responder)
How a DWI Charge Can Affect Your Future
You should not take a DWI charge lightly, as it can have lasting effects on various aspects of your life. Not only will you be faced with steep fines and jail time, but other aspects of your life can be affected. Negative consequences you could be facing far into the future after a conviction include:
- Loss of employment: If your current employer finds out you have a criminal conviction on your record, you could lose your job. Some jobs require professional licenses that could be revoked once a criminal conviction is on your record. You may be out of work for a long time if you must serve jail time. Your job may have no other choice but to replace you.
- Future employment: Many companies do not hire candidates with criminal records. If they conduct a background check and a criminal conviction shows up, they may go with the candidate who has a clean record. Many employers refuse to hire applicants who have a criminal conviction on their record.
- Future housing: If you are applying for an apartment, the apartment owner may conduct a background check. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you could be denied housing at some apartment complexes because they don’t want to rent to those with convictions on their record.
- Increased auto insurance rates: After being convicted of a DWI, auto insurance rates are very likely to rise. Those who have been convicted of a DWI are considered high-risk drivers with a higher potential of getting into an accident. In some cases, your auto insurance company may cancel your policy. It is more difficult to find auto insurance coverage once you have a DWI conviction on your record.
- Life insurance policy cancellation: Once you have a DWI conviction on your record, your life insurance company may cancel your policy.
- Personal and professional relationships: Your friends and co-workers may treat you differently after getting a DWI conviction.
- Effects on military status: If you are a member of the military, a DWI conviction can have negative consequences on your military status. You could be discharged from duty or denied future promotions or security clearances.
- Effects on school: If you are attending or applying to a university, you could be denied acceptance if you have a DWI conviction on your record. Any scholarships you currently have could be revoked.
Do not let a DWI charge stunt your future. Let our law firm start defending your rights today. Our firm can work towards getting your charges reduced or dismissed so you can avoid a criminal conviction. We don’t want you to have to suffer the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction after making a mistake. Our attorney can fight to protect your freedom and keep your record clean.
Blass Law Can Develop a Defense Strategy for Your Case
Do not delay reaching out for help after a DWI arrest in Galena Park, Texas. You have a limited time to act. For instance, some evidence that could have worked in your defense could disappear. Witnesses might forget key details. The state could have more time to build a powerful case against you.
Our DWI lawyer in Galena Park can fight your criminal charges and work to minimize the penalties. We can make a case to:
- Get the charges against you dropped
- Negotiate a plea deal for lesser charges
- Get a probated sentence, known as community supervision
- Get your case dismissed
Community supervision may allow you to avoid jail time, especially if you do not have any prior offenses. The judge can probate your sentence, meaning you will need to report to a probation officer regularly, complete community service, and follow other rules set by the court.
We Offer Confidential Consultations to Those Charged With DWI
After getting charged with a DWI, you may not know who to turn to. The attorney at Blass Law can be here for you during a difficult time. A member of our team is available 24/7 for a confidential consultation. During the consultation, we can listen to what happened and explain your legal rights. We can answer your questions and explain how our attorney can help with your defense.
Connecting with our attorney soon after you are charged will give them the proper amount of time to prepare a solid defense strategy on your behalf. Our attorney works tirelessly to defend a client’s right to freedom.
We’ve Helped People Charged With DWI Avoid Charges in Serious Situations
We have fought on behalf of other people facing DWIs and successfully resolved their cases. Consider these cases and their outcomes:
- Our client was a Harris County resident who was found asleep in their car on the side of the road. They had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.179. We secured a “not guilty” verdict.
- Our client was a Montgomery County resident with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.471 percent. The case was dismissed.
- Our client was a Galveston County client who was pulled over for speeding and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.182. After identifying issues with the case that the State couldn’t fix, the State dismissed the case.
Take a look at more of our case results.
Our DWI Lawyer in Galena Park, TX Can Help
The team from Blass Law can help you fight a DWI charge in Galena Park, TX. We also serve clients in or around Houston, TX. Having our attorney by your side can give you a better chance of protecting your freedom and avoiding the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Contact us today for a case evaluation. We handle all cases confidentially and will go to work protecting your rights immediately.