After being arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI, you deserve to have one of the best DWI attorneys in Houston TX defending your rights. The prosecution’s job is to build the most persuasive case against you and will include everything you say or do in their case, even before reading your Miranda rights. Because the State uses the best attorneys against you, it only makes sense for you to do everything you can to fight their case and defend your rights.
While facing a serious charge such as a DUI or DWI and the mounting costs associated with it, it could be tempting to face it on your own. The downsides of defending your case on your own or hiring an inexperienced lawyer far outweigh any initial benefits. Hiring a lawyer who is an expert in DWI defense can be the key to a favorable outcome of your case. Even if you choose a criminal lawyer instead of an attorney who specializes in DWI cases, you could wind up with harsher punishments and paying higher costs.
In Texas, there are many fees and penalties that you may be subject to if convicted of a DWI. There will be court costs, the time taken off of work to attend court, and, of course, higher insurance rates. If convicted of a DWI, the punishments are even more far-reaching. In cases like these, it’s essential to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can identify any areas where your constitutional rights may have been violated and strategize an appropriate defense.
Administrative License Revocation
If your license was taken at the scene by the officer after you refused to give a breath or blood sample, you have fifteen days in which to request an ALR (administrative license revocation) hearing. You will also be mailed a suspension notice if your blood was taken at the scene and the tests revealed a BAC (blood alcohol content) was .08% or greater. If you have received a suspension notice, it’s best to contact a DWI lawyer in Harris County for their expert help.
Your driver’s license suspension will go into effect on the 40th day after you were notified if you choose not to request an ALR hearing. Likewise, if the judge ruled against you at the ALR hearing or all subsequent appeals were denied, you will also have to honor the suspension. If your driver’s license has been suspended, there is still hope. You may be able to apply for an occupational driver’s license. This limited license will allow you to drive under certain conditions if necessary for you to get to work or school. The terms of these court orders are serious and specific and must be strictly adhered to.
If your ALR hearing ends in your license being reinstated, you will have to pay the $100 reinstatement fee in addition to any other outstanding charges you may have. For some, their driving privileges are dependent upon getting an SR-22. This Financial Responsibility form is attached to an existing auto insurance policy and proves that you have the appropriate insurance to operate a motor vehicle in Texas legally. This is often required to get your license reinstated. An SR-22 can also be ordered if you are found driving on a suspended license, have excessive traffic violations, or a conviction of a DWI.
You don’t have to go through the confusing process of requesting and appearing at your ALR hearing on your own. Texas has strict deadlines for this hearing to be requested, and if you fail to meet these requirements, then your request will automatically be declined. If your license was taken away or if you have received notice that it has been suspended, contact Andreea Ionescu today for a free consultation. By calling 832-509-0222 and scheduling this crucial meeting, you can increase the chances of your getting a favorable outcome for your case. Many of her former clients call her the best attorney in Houston TX—there’s no reason to wait any longer for her to begin defending your case.
Additional Costs From a DWI
In addition to court costs and various fees, you may have to attend an Alcohol Education Program. The length of the course you may be required to participate in can depend on if you’ve been charged with a DWI previously. The court may require you to attend a 12-hour intervention program after your first offense and the 32-hour repeat offender program if you’ve been charged before.
An ignition interlock device may be required to be installed in your vehicle. If this is a condition of your driving, you will need to apply for a restricted interlock license along with any necessary fees associated with it. You will also need to pay for the installation of the device in your vehicle, along with the monthly service fees.
In some cases, you will be ordered to probation, which has its own fees which must be paid on top of all other costs. Often for first-time offenders, probation is offered as an alternative for jail time, though that is not guaranteed. Even if it is your first time being charged with a DWI, you need a skilled lawyer fighting on your side. Without a knowledgable DWI attorney defending you, you could be subject to additional penalties and fines.
Andreea Ionescu is one of the best DWI lawyers in Houston TX. She spent years in the Harris County District Attorney’s office and tried hundreds of DUI and DWI cases as a prosecutor, learning the ins and outs of the system, the science behind the process, and the tactics employed by the State. Now, she uses those years of knowledge to defend the rights of her clients. Andreea offers a free consultation to all of her clients, during which she will discuss your case with you and explain what you can expect while you fight the charges against you. Call 832-509-0222 today and get a dedicated attorney on your side.
“This is not the first time I had to hire an attorney. The first time, I hired an attorney who never answered the phone, never returned calls. I never knew what was happening with my case. Ms. Ionescu is very accessible and always answered my questions. That put me at ease and made this process a lot easier. I recommend her to anybody who needs a good DWI attorney.” David