Fort Worth First-Offense DWI Lawyer

Driving while intoxicated is often viewed as a serious criminal violation. Consequently, a person who is arrested for such an offense may receive significant penalties following a conviction. If you or a family member were charged with a DWI, consider speaking with a skilled Fort Worth first-offense DWI lawyer immediately. A dedicated DUI attorney could review the factors surrounding your arrest and work to establish a strategic defense. Call and schedule an appointment to start building your defense today.

Understanding a First-Time DWI Charge

Prosecutors in Fort Worth are very strict with first-time DWI charges. They are generally very difficult to deal with because they want convictions in all the cases. It is very hard to get prosecutors to agree to a result that is not a DWI conviction. In short, the prosecutor’s office has a very hard-line approach on even first-time DWI offenses.

As long as no one was hurt, there was not an accident, and there was not a 0.15 or higher alcohol concentration, prosecutors may offer probation following a DWI conviction. The probation period is usually one year to maybe 18 months or two years. It can include requirements to complete counseling such as a DUI education program, a victim impact panel, monthly reporting, and sometimes an interlock device. While probation may allow a person to avoid jail time, it is often extremely expensive. The individual will have court costs, fines, probation fees, driver’s license surcharges, insurance increases, and potentially other fees.

Potential Penalties

First-time DWI charges are generally heard in county criminal courts in Fort Worth. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the DWI may be considered either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor. In many cases, penalties for a Class B misdemeanor may include a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine up to $2,000. A Class A misdemeanor may be punished by up to one year in jail and approximately $4,000 in fines. Furthermore, the conviction will be noted on their record permanently which may cause issues when searching for future career opportunities. Someone who is arrested for a DUI infraction may strongly want to consider hiring an aggressive Fort Worth first-offense DWI lawyer. The quicker a person is able to retain representation, the more time they may have to strategize against the charges. Any mark on a person’s record could work against them in the future. An attorney who understands the ramifications could work tirelessly to fight the charge and preserve an individual’s reputation.

Contacting a Knowledgeable First-Offense DWI Attorney in Fort Worth

When a person is accused of driving while intoxicated, they could face extensive legal consequences upon conviction. In addition to jail time and fines, a person may incur a permanent and public criminal record. Employers and even some educational institutions may attempt to avoid accepting individuals with such backgrounds. To avoid legal issues and exclusion from potential career and education opportunities, an accused individual may want to seek counsel from a Fort Worth first-offense DWI lawyer. Call and schedule an appointment to begin discussing potential legal options as soon as possible.