Austin DWI Attorney
Strong Defense for DWI and DUI Charges in Texas
A DWI or DUI charge can disrupt your life in ways you never imagined—putting your license, job, and freedom at risk.
At ME Law, PLLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing and will stand beside you with clear guidance, aggressive defense, and unwavering support.
Contact us or at (512) 503-0707 to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense attorney in Austin, TX, today.
What is Driving While Intoxicated in Texas?
In Texas, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the legal term used for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A DWI comes with serious consequences and is treated as a criminal offense.
The Difference Between DWI and DUI
While DWI and DUI are frequently used interchangeably, there are distinct legal differences. A DUI (Driving Under the Influence), also known as Underage DWI, applies to drivers under 21 who are caught with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. A DWI applies to drivers 21 and older and includes both drug and alchol impairment.
While DWI is generally more severe, both charges can result in criminal records, driver’s license suspensions, jail time, and fines.
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Types of DWI Offenses in Texas
Every DWI case is unique, and our knowledgeable DWI attorney in Austin, TX, will tailor the defense strategy to your specific case. From first-time arrests to serious felony charges, we fight for your rights.
Here are the types of DWI cases we handle:
- First-offense DWI
- First-offense with BAC 0.15 or over
- Second-offense DWI
- Third-offense DWI
- DWI with child passenger
- Intoxication assault
- Intoxication manslaughter
- DUI
DWI Penalties and Fines in Texas
A DWI can result in serious penalties, but our experienced DWI attorney in Austin, Texas, may be able to help lessen them. Some of the penalties include:
- Hefty fines
- License suspension
- Community service time
- Probationary periods
- Jail time
- Alcohol education programs
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Surcharges to be paid to the Texas Department of Safety
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The severity of the penalties depends on the amount of previous offenses. Here’s what you could face if you’re convicted of a DWI:
First DWI Offense
First-time offenders can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, fined up to $2,000, and face jail time ranging from 3 to 180 days. In addition, those who are convicted could face driver’s license suspension for up to one year.
First DWI Offense With BAC 0.15 or Greater
The charges of a first offense can be increased to a Class A misdemeanor if the BAC was 0.15 or higher. You could face a maximum fine of $4,000 and up to one year of state jail time.
Second DWI Offense
A second conviction would be considered a Class A misdemeanor and could result in 30 days to a year of jail time. You could also face fines of up to $4,000 and lose your driving privileges for up to two years.
Third+ DWI Offense
Three or more DWI convictions are classified as third-degree felonies. Fines could reach up to $10,000, and you could face 2 to 10 years in prison. In addition, it will be mandatory to attend DWI education classes and install an interlock device in your car.
DWI With Child Passenger
If you have a child in the car when you’re arrested for DWI, you can be charged with a state jail felony regardless of if it’s your first offense. Other severe penalties include:
- Maximum fine of $10,000
- 180 days to 2 years in state jail
- Up to 1,000 hours of community service
- Driver’s license suspension of up to 180 days
- Installation of an ignition interlocking device on your vehicle
- DWI education class
- A three-year surcharge fee between $1,000 and $2,000 to retain your license
- Potential for Child Protective Services (CPS) to investigate
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Intoxication Assault
If you were involved in a car accident that resulted in serious bodily injury to another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be convicted of intoxication assault, which is a third- or second-degree felony depending on the level of injury. It carries a maximum fine of up to $10,000, prison time ranging from 2 to 10 years, and license suspension for 180 days to 2 years.
Intoxication Manslaughter
If a fatal accident occured while you were driving while intoxicated, you could be convicted of a second-degree felony. You may face fines of up to $10,000, 2 to 20 years in prison, and licesne suspension for 180 to 2 years.
DUI (Underage DWI)
Underage DWI convictions are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by:
- A fine of up to $500,
- Attendance of an alcohol awareness class,
- 20 to 40 hours of community service
- Driver’s license suspension of up to 30 days
Also, a DWI of a minor aged 17 to 20 is considered a Class B misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000, jail time of 72 hours to 180 days, and a one-year license suspension. Second DUI offenses come with more severe penalties.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Texas
Getting arrested for DWI is scary, especially if it’s your first offense. Our trusted, experienced Austin DWI attorney will help you prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.
Upon arrest, your license will be immediately suspended, whether or not you submitted to BAC testing. You will receive a notice of suspension and have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to fight your license suspension.
It’s important to call a qualified DWI lawyer in Austin immediately and to refrain from discussing your case with anyone but your attorney. Document everything you can remember about your arrest, including police interactions, and save your paperwork, citations, and police reports.
Contact Our Austin DWI Lawyer Today
If you’ve been arrested for DWI or DUI in Texas, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your license, your freedom, and your reputation.
At ME Law, we combine clear, straightforward communication with an aggressive defense strategy to protect your rights and future. We’ll walk you through each step of your case, ensuring you always understand your options and what’s at stake. Our defense team meticulously analyzes the details of your case to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and procedures, from improper stops to flawed breath tests.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (512) 503-0707 or by filling out the contact form below.
What Our Clients Say
His communication was top-notch; I was kept informed every step of the way. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, I received a settlement that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Mikel Eggert to anyone facing property damage issues. He truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes!
Mikel Egger help me until the end and guiding me step by step and explaining everything perfectly.
100% recommend
M. Woodard
He was super timely with communications and most importantly helped resolve the issue without needing to escalate it to court.
I will definitely work with Mikel for future legal needs.
