Home to the River Walk and the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, welcomes millions of visitors every year from around the United States and abroad.
Unfortunately, some visitors find themselves facing charges for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Texas law enforcement agencies take drunk driving allegations very seriously. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in an alcohol-related accident.
During the 2021 spring break holiday, Texas saw 872 alcohol-related traffic accidents. To reduce the number of these incidents, charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) carry severe penalties.
If you are facing drunk driving charges, reach out to a San Antonio DWI lawyer immediately. An attorney can review the facts of your case and determine what your options are.
Contact the team at Austin Hagee Law Firm today so our San Antonio DWI lawyers can get to work on your case.
When Do I Need to Hire a DWI Lawyer in San Antonio, TX?
Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.04 outlaws the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. In Texas, “intoxicated” means the driver:
- Has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, or
- Lacks the normal use of mental or physical facilities due to the use of drugs or alcohol.
Typically, a DWI charge qualifies as a Class B misdemeanor and carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 72 hours.
If the driver had an open container of alcohol in their immediate possession, the minimum jail sentence increases to six days.
In addition to the mandatory jail sentence, a Class B misdemeanor carries the potential of a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of up to 180 days.
If the driver’s BAC was 0.15% or more, the DWI qualifies as a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor in Texas carries a maximum potential jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000.
A DWI conviction can affect not only your criminal record, but it can also lead to thousands of dollars in court costs and fines.
A qualified San Antonio DWI attorney can meet with you to discuss your drunk driving charges and the circumstances of your arrest.
The DWI attorneys in San Antonio, TX, at Austin Hagee Law Firm, can determine whether a legal defense applies to your case that may warrant getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
Contact a San Antonio DUI/DWI Attorney at Austin Hagee Law Firm Today
We know that not everyone charged with drunk driving is guilty. A legal conviction can permanently tarnish your criminal record, affect your ability to get a job, and damage your reputation.
Thanks to their experience serving as district attorneys, our San Antonio DWI attorneys know the tactics prosecutors use to secure convictions and convince defendants to accept unfavorable plea agreements.
We know how to prepare a strategy that emphasizes the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and we have helped thousands of clients navigate their criminal charges.
Contact Austin Hagee Law Firm today if you or a loved one are facing a DUI or DWI charge in San Antonio.