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Galveston County Traffic Ticket Defense

Galveston DWI Lawyer

Being convicted of a DWI in Galveston, is a grave criminal offense with far-reaching consequences. It can jeopardize your driver's license, employment, and family relationships. Additionally, it can hinder your ability to travel internationally. However, if you find yourself in this situation, we are here to assist you. Our team of highly skilled and experienced Galveston DWI Lawyers is well-equipped to defend your case effectively.

We've had hundreds of DWI cases dismissed

At our Galveston County law firm, we fully comprehend the gravity of a DWI arrest and the long-lasting impact it can have on your life. Such an arrest often brings about significant stress as it may be your first encounter with being apprehended, fingerprinted, and photographed.

We have successfully represented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including pilots, firefighters, police officers, ship captains, doctors, and lawyers. Our Galveston Lawyers are committed to safeguarding your rights and interests throughout the entire legal process, from the initial bonding phase to the driver's license (ALR) suspension process and all the way to your final day in court.

Galveston imposes severe penalties for DWI offenses, including driver's license suspension. When there is probable cause to arrest you for driving while intoxicated, you will face a DWI charge. In addition to the criminal charge, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will seek to suspend your driver's license. It is crucial to note that you have a mere fifteen (15) days from the date of your DWI arrest to request a hearing to contest the license suspension. Missing this deadline will result in an automatic license suspension that takes effect 40 days after your arrest. If you have had a previous ALR suspension within the last 10 years, your license may be suspended for up to 2 years. Refusing to submit to a breath or blood test upon request may lead to a 180-day license suspension, while consenting to such a test with a result of .08 or greater may result in a 90-day suspension. These license suspensions are separate from any suspension that may occur if you are later convicted in the DWI criminal case.

Should your license ultimately be suspended by the Texas DPS, we are capable of obtaining an Occupational Driver's License on your behalf. This type of license allows you to travel to and from work, medical appointments, and fulfill essential needs.

We insist on requesting in-person ALR hearings for all DWI cases as we consider them crucial in mounting a proper defense for a Galveston DWI charge. If an attorney advises against this step, it is likely that you are consulting with the wrong lawyer for this type of case.

A misdemeanor DWI conviction in Galveston can carry severe consequences. If you are an adult convicted of a first-time Class B misdemeanor DWI or enter a "guilty" or "no contest" plea, you may face a $2,000 fine, driver's license suspension, up to 180 days in jail, and/or probation. The same penalties can apply if you are a minor (over 17 but under 21) with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher. With one prior DWI conviction or a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher, you may face up to 365 days in jail, a $4,000 fine, probation, and be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Even if you were charged but not convicted in a prior DWI case, an interlock device will likely be a required bond condition while your case is pending in Galveston County. Consulting with an experienced and capable DWI lawyer can greatly influence the outcome of your case.

Galveston County handles Class A and B misdemeanor cases in County Court at Law Number 1, County Court at Law Number 2, and County Court at Law Number 3. Rare circumstances may lead to a misdemeanor case being heard in a Felony District Court, typically involving an official oppression charge, which falls outside the scope of this information.

If you have two or more prior DWI convictions, you will face a Felony DWI charge, classified as a third-degree felony in Galveston, Texas. This offense carries a prison sentence of two to ten (2-10) years and a fine of up to $10,000. Felony community supervision (probation) may also be an option. Galveston County aggressively prosecutes Felony DWI cases, so it is crucial to have an experienced and knowledgeable legal team advocating for you.

Our primary objective is to have your DWI and driver's license suspension cases dismissed. We often achieve this goal, but alternatives such as reduction or pretrial diversion may also be explored, depending on the specific factors of your case. Feel free to inquire about these alternative options during your legal consultation for your Galveston DWI case.

While many cases are resolved during the pretrial process, some proceed to trial. As trial attorneys, we have tried numerous DWI cases to Galveston County juries, securing not guilty verdicts.

Defending your DWI case takes experience

We have also litigated numerous pretrial suppression hearings to ensure the enforcement of constitutional and state laws in Texas. Various types of evidence are subject to potential suppression.

Suppression of the DWI traffic stop: Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle and initiate a DWI investigation. Meticulous examination of the case often reveals insufficient evidence for the traffic stop and subsequent DWI investigation. Successful suppression of the traffic stop effectively terminates the case.

Suppression of oral statements: We frequently seek to suppress statements made after arrest. In-custody statements made in response to police inquiries without the constitutional protections granted by the 5th amendment are inadmissible as evidence. This principle, established in the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona, is further delineated in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Suppression of blood search warrants: We have successfully suppressed numerous blood search warrants, rendering blood evidence obtained from the accused inadmissible at trial. Errors in obtaining, collecting, and testing blood samples often lead to the suppression of such evidence. Blood search warrants have become increasingly contentious in recent legal developments, with ongoing litigation and evolving legal standards. It is vital for your legal team to stay updated on any recent changes related to blood and breath test refusal cases.

At our Galveston DWI law firm, our dedicated attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of how to challenge an arrest and avoid license suspensions. We offer an aggressive defense against DWI charges and develop the best strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.

We invite you to schedule a free DWI consultation with our DWI lawyers, Dan Krieger and Anthony Smith, to discuss how we can effectively assist you in fighting your charge. There is no obligation attached to this consultation, and we are eager to provide you with the guidance you need.