Dallas DWI Lawyer – Possible Ramifications of a DWI conviction
Remember that the DWI Laws in Texas get tougher and more stringent every legislative session. We fight hard to prevent many of the punishments prosecutors and judges like to impose on DWI offenders. However, the cold hard fact is that if you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, it is a matter of reducing your exposure not eliminating it. Many attorneys will not talk to their clients about the punishment ranges because they fear that the client will not hire them as their attorney. We don’t think like that. As DWI lawyers in Dallas, Texas we feel it is our responsibility to give you all the facts involved in a DWI case so that we can work together to make a decision that is right for you. For a list of possible negative ramifications a DWI can have please read the list below:
A short list of DWI consequences:
A. Criminal conviction
B. Loss of driver’s license ($125 fee)
C. Community Service hours (24-100)
D. M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel (3hrs)
E. Fines and Court Costs ($1,000)
F. Monthly probation reporting
G. Monthly probation fees ($25-60/mo.)
H. Ignition Interlock Device ($75/mo.)
I. A night in jail ($500 bail)
J. Trip to the impound lot ($85)
K. Embarrassment-Loss of Self Esteem
L. Loss of social standing
M. Multiple Court Appearances
N. “Home Visits” by probation officer
O. Interference with employment – time missed from work
P. Future employability / Continued Employment
Q. Increased Insurance rates/Cancellation of Insurance (300% for 4 years)
R. Stress and Anxiety of pending case
Some other issues that may arise upon a DWI conviction:
1) DWI Education Class – two four hour classes (that can be scheduled on weekends in most cases)
2) M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel – one three hour session
3) Community Service (80 hours) – requiring that this be completed at the rate of 8 hours per months = 8 months
4) Fines and Court Costs ($1,000) – paid at $100 per month = 10 months
5) Alcohol/Drug Evaluation – 30 minutes to one hour (done at orientation)
The DWI fine should be thoughtfully measured. A few of the other DWI costs are:
1) Towing fee $80
2) Bonding fee $500
3) Vacation days taken for court $???
4) Probation fees ($50 X 24) $1200
5) DWI Education Class $125
6) Attorney’s fees $???
7) M.A.D.D. fee $20
8 ) Evaluation fee $25
9) Ignition Interlock $75/mo
Approximate total non-court costs $2000
As you can see the need for a Dallas DWI attorney to reduce or eliminate as many of these fees and requirements as possible can make a dramatic difference in your quality of life going forward. If you need help with a DWI case in Texas and would like an experienced DWI attorney to help you get through it, please call our office now.