If you were charged with a DWI in Galveston, you could face years in prison, fines, and other penalties. A DWI can alter your personal life, too, causing your social network to perceive you differently.
At Blass Law, we believe in our clients. We’re here for the residents of Galveston and fight aggressively to prove your innocence. We can stand up to the prosecution on your behalf. Continue reading to learn more about working with a Galveston criminal defense lawyer.
Working With a Galveston DWI Lawyer
You don’t need to face a DWI charge alone. Jay Cohen, our lead attorney, is committed to fighting for our clients. Keeping innocent people innocent is his life’s work. These are some of Attorney Cohen’s notable memberships and certifications:
- Certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist
- Leader of Blass Law since 2009
- Certified Practitioner and instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Our Services
A Galveston DWI lawyer from our team can:
- Argue your case in court during a trial
- Undergo an independent review of your sobriety tests
- Fight for a case dismissal or a reduction in your charges
- Challenge evidence collected by law enforcement
- Subpoena body camera footage from law enforcement and other pieces of evidence
- Protect your rights against infringement by the legal system
Our legal team handles a wide range of DWI cases in Galveston, including:
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Galveston First-Offense DWI Lawyer: If this is your first DWI arrest, we can help you explore defenses and work toward minimizing penalties.
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Galveston Second-Offense DWI Lawyer: A second charge carries harsher consequences—our lawyers will fight to protect your future.
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Galveston Third-Offense DWI Lawyer: A third DWI can result in felony charges. We’ll build a strategic defense based on your unique situation.
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Galveston DWI Probation Lawyer: If you’re seeking probation or trying to avoid violations, our lawyers can guide you through the process and advocate for favorable terms.
Case Results
Our team has settled numerous DWI cases:
- DWI misdemeanor charge: Our client was arrested with multiple drugs in their system. They were found not guilty on all charges.
- DWI misdemeanor charge: Our client, a commercial truck driver, failed field sobriety tests. They were found not guilty on all charges after our intervention.
- DWI felony charge: Our client was arrested with a 0.128% BAC and traces of alprazolam in their system. We filed a motion to suppress, and their case was dismissed without a conviction.
Fighting for Your Innocence After a DWI Charge
There are several challenges a Galveston DWI lawyer from our firm can raise during your case, including:
- Law enforcement didn’t have a probable cause: Law enforcement can’t pull you over for no reason. We can argue that the officers that arrested you didn’t have probable cause.
- Law enforcement didn’t correctly administer a BAC test: Incorrectly administering a BAC could result in evidence being dismissed. Attorney Cohen is trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and can review the methods law enforcement used before your arrest.
- The BAC test results are incorrect: Breathalyzers sometimes provide false readings. We’re prepared to contest the results of your BAC test.
You Have the Right to An Appeal
If you’ve already been convicted of a DWI crime, you have the right to an appeal under the state Code of Criminal Conduct. During an appeal, your legal team must prove that your conviction involved an improper application of state law or improper behavior.
During the appeals process, our team can fight to prove that your conviction was unfair or involved the use of impermissible evidence. If your appeal succeeds, you could be offered another chance to prove your innocence through trial.
DWI Penalties in Galveston
In Galveston, you are legally intoxicated if:
- Your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08%
- And/or your alcohol consumption is affecting your motor skills
For those under the age of 21, the blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.00%. If you are below the legal drinking age, any consumption of alcohol before driving is a crime.
The penalties for drinking and driving depend on your arrest history, according to the Texas Department of Transportation:
First Conviction
The penalties for a first-time DWI conviction are as follows:
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- As much as 180 days in jail
- A license suspension of up to one year
Second Conviction
The penalties for a second-time DWI conviction are as follows:
- Up to $4,000 in fines
- As much as one year in jail
- A licenses suspension of up to two years
Third Conviction
The penalties for a third-time DWI conviction are as follows:
- A $10,000 fine
- Between two to 10 years in prison
- A license suspension of up to two years
The Impact on Your Personal Life
DWI convictions don’t just involve legal consequences; they can impact your personal life, too. A DWI conviction can change how your friends, family, and coworkers perceive you. Having a misdemeanor or felony on your record may make it more difficult to find work, particularly if you’re a commercial driver. Experian reports that DWI offenders experience higher car insurance rates for years after a conviction.
At Blass Law, we understand that a DWI conviction can turn your life upside down. We’re here to fight for your rights and work towards proving your innocence.
Should I Accept a DWI Plea Deal?
Plea deals are often misunderstood. After all, they involve an individual convicted of a crime pleading guilty, which sounds counterintuitive. However, plea deals do make sense in some cases. They are circumstantial tools. These are some potential benefits of a plea deal:
- Allows your lawyer to negotiate the terms of sentencing
- Provides control over extremely challenging cases
- Avoids a potentially lengthy trial
Remember, our firm will never force you to enter a plea deal against your will. If we believe a plea makes sense, we will tell you and discuss the pros and cons of each option. Protecting your reputation and best interests is our priority.
What Should I Do if I Was Charged With a DWI?
Taking the following steps could improve your chances of avoiding a conviction:
- Don’t speak with law enforcement until you hire a lawyer: As a citizen of the United States, you have the constitutional right to remain silent. This right applies even if law enforcement doesn’t remind you that it exists. If law enforcement continues questioning you after you request that they speak with your lawyer, you don’t have to answer their questions. Remember, despite this right, you must still provide identification and your name to law enforcement.
- Refrain from drinking: Your bond conditions may prevent you from drinking. Regardless, being involved with the law while your case is still being processed could create further difficulties. It’s best to refrain from drinking until your case is settled.
Every DWI case is unique, meaning you may need to take some measures not noted here. Our team can discuss the specifics of your case during an initial evaluation.
Contact a Galveston DWI Lawyer Today
Are you ready to hire a Galveston DWI lawyer? Our team can act as your legal representation, fighting for the best outcome possible. We can provide you with a confidential case evaluation. Contact our offices to get started today.