An Austin, TX driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge is much more than a simple traffic infraction. Even if you are convicted of a first offense, you could face serious consequences such as a driver’s license suspension, fines, insurance problems, and even jail time. However, with a qualified Austin DWI defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to successfully defend yourself against this serious charge.
You May Face Jail Time
In many first-time DWI offense cases, the judge may order probation in lieu of jail time, for a maximum term of two years of probation. The terms of the probation may require that you pay a fine, perform community service, report to a probation officer, abstain from consuming alcohol, or attend a mandatory alcohol and drug abuse education course. Violating your probation could lead to additional penalties as well as incarceration.
Allow Us To Save Your Driver’s License
Also, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 12 months if you are convicted of a first DWI offense. However, you may be able to keep your driving privileges if you are on probation or complete a court-ordered alcohol education class.
If you are arrested for DWI and you have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, the minimum jail term is increased from three days to six days. You may be found guilty of violating the open container law if any alcohol is found within your reach or the reach of your passengers.
These criminal penalties are not the only consequences you may face if convicted of an Austin DWI first offense. Insurance companies often raise the rates of policyholders who have a drunk-driving conviction on their record. In extreme cases, your policy may be cancelled. Many employers also look unfavorably on DWI offenders, and may deny you employment in the future or fire you from your current job.
Fight Your DWI Charge
Because a DWI may remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life, fighting your charges is of the utmost importance. Our Austin Defense Attorneys are devoted to representing clients in Travis County who have been accused of driving while intoxicated. We are known for producing winning results and have had many charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense.