Facing a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) charge in Bryan, Texas, can be a daunting experience with potentially serious consequences. A skilled Bryan, Texas, DWI defense lawyer can navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate for your rights, and work to minimize the potential consequences of the charge.
Seeking legal representation is paramount. From challenging the validity of the traffic stop to disputing the accuracy of chemical tests, a knowledgeable attorney can explore various defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case.
An experienced advocate can provide much-needed guidance and support throughout the legal process, offering reassurance and working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your DWI case. That’s why you want to call the Law Office of Shane Phelps.
- Why Choose the Law Office of Shane Phelps When Facing a Bryan DWI Arrest?
- Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas
- Texas DWI Laws
- Consequences of a DWI Charge in Bryan, Texas
- What Happens in a DWI Traffic Stop?
- What To Do After a DWI Arrest
- License Suspension in Texas DWI Cases
- How Can a Bryan, Texas DWI Defense Attorney Help You?
- Contact Bryan, Texas, Lawyers at the Law Offices of Shane Phelps
Why Choose the Law Office of Shane Phelps When Facing a Bryan DWI Arrest?
When facing a DWI arrest in Bryan, Texas, choosing the Law Office of Shane Phelps offers several distinct advantages. Our DUI defense lawyers are residents who are familiar with the Bryan community and its unique legal landscape.
This local knowledge allows us to navigate the intricacies of Texas laws and how they specifically apply to DWI cases in Bryan, including any relevant city ordinances or regulations. By leveraging our understanding of the local legal environment, we can craft effective defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome for our clients.
At Shane Phelps Law, we prioritize personalized attention and support for individuals facing DWI charges. We understand the stress and uncertainty that accompanies such situations, which is why we strive to provide compassionate guidance and steadfast advocacy every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and peace of mind.
Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas
The Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C., is located at 400 N. Washington Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803. We are in the heart of Bryan, at the corner of E. 23rd Street. Contact us for a free consultation.
Texas DWI Laws
In Texas, DWI (or DUI) refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. It also applies to driving while under the influence of drugs. It is illegal for people younger than age 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Texas DWI laws are spelled out in the Penal Code, Title 10, Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, and Morals, chapter 49, Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage offenses.
Consequences of a DWI Charge in Bryan, Texas
If convicted of DWI in Texas, individuals may face various consequences that can significantly impact their lives. DWI penalties typically include fines, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as prior offenses and the level of intoxication.
Additionally, individuals convicted of DWI may face license suspension, meaning they could lose their driving privileges for a certain period, making it challenging to commute to work or fulfill daily responsibilities.
Texas law often mandates participation in alcohol education or intervention programs for individuals convicted of DWI. These programs aim to educate offenders about the risks of impaired driving and provide tools for preventing future incidents.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, individuals may also face potential jail time, especially for repeat offenses or instances involving aggravated factors such as accidents causing injury or death.
Overall, a DWI conviction in Texas can have severe and long-lasting consequences, highlighting the importance of seeking an experienced Bryan DWI defense lawyer to mitigate these potential penalties and protect one's rights.
What Happens in a DWI Traffic Stop?
In a DWI traffic stop, several procedures may occur that individuals should be aware of. These include field sobriety tests, which are exercises conducted by police officers to assess potential impairment, and blood or breathalyzer tests, which measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Understanding these processes and one's rights regarding them is essential for individuals facing a DWI stop to navigate the situation effectively and make informed decisions.
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are exercises that police officers use to check if someone might be drunk or high while driving. These tests are done on the side of the road and can include tasks like walking in a straight line or balancing on one foot. They're supposed to help the officer decide if they should arrest you for DWI.
However, these tests aren't always accurate. Things like nerves, health conditions, or even the weather can make it harder to do well on them. If you're asked to do these tests, it's essential to stay calm and do your best. But remember, you have the right to refuse them. It might be best to politely decline if you're worried you won't do well.
Breathalyzer Tests
When police suspect someone of driving drunk, they might ask them to breathe into a machine called a Breathalyzer. This machine measures how much alcohol is in your breath, which can show if you've been drinking too much. You have the right to refuse to take this test, but there could be consequences, like losing your license.
If you fail the test or refuse to take it, the police could arrest you for DWI. It's essential to know your rights and weigh the risks before deciding whether to take the Breathalyzer test.
Whether or not you decide to submit to field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests, contact an experienced defense lawyer if you are arrested for DWI.
What To Do After a DWI Arrest
If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.
First, you should seek legal representation from an experienced Bryan, Texas DWI defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you, advise you on how to plead, and represent you in court.
You should also be prepared to cooperate with the legal process, including submitting to any required testing or evaluations.
It is also important to be mindful of any deadlines or court dates and to follow any orders or requirements set by the court. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.
Protecting Yourself When Pulled Over for DUI
Law enforcement officials quickly judge anyone they believe may be driving under the influence. They stop at nothing and look for the slightest indication of drunk driving. Not only will law enforcement be persistent, but you can expect that prosecutors will be similar. Prosecutors are ruthless. They use every detail and evidence to secure a conviction.
Always remember these tips:
- You have the right to remain silent—Miranda Rights allow you to stay quiet, as whatever you say prosecutors can literally use against you.
- Schedule a hearing to retain your driving privileges.
- Retain legal representation as soon as possible.
Just because you are arrested does not automatically equate to guilt. You have the right to fight your charges and obtain a defense. Our Bryan DWI defense lawyers at Shane Phelps Law can help you every step of the way.
License Suspension in Texas DWI Cases
Following a DWI arrest, individuals may face driver's license suspension hearings, which are critical proceedings that can affect their ability to legally drive. You must request a hearing within the designated timeframe, typically 15 days from the date of receiving a suspension notice. This timeframe is essential because failing to request a hearing within this window can result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license without the opportunity to contest it.
During the hearing, individuals have the chance to present their case and challenge the grounds for suspension. The potential outcomes of the hearing vary but may include the suspension being upheld, the suspension being overturned, or the individual receiving a restricted license with conditions such as installing an ignition interlock device.
Successfully navigating the driver's license suspension hearing can significantly impact one's ability to maintain driving privileges and mitigate the consequences of a DWI arrest. Seeking legal representation to prepare for and advocate during the hearing can make a big difference when you're facing this process.
How Can a Bryan, Texas DWI Defense Attorney Help You?
A lawyer experienced in handling DWI cases in Bryan, Texas, can provide invaluable assistance to individuals facing a DWI arrest by employing various defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case.
Common defenses used in DUI cases include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, which involves examining whether the officer had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull the individual over in the first place. If the stop was unlawful, any evidence obtained thereafter, such as field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results, may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Lawyers may also dispute the accuracy of chemical tests, such as breathalyzer or blood tests, by questioning the calibration and maintenance of testing equipment or the qualifications of the personnel administering the tests.
Additionally, they may challenge the reliability of the results based on factors like medical conditions or outside influences that could affect the accuracy of the tests.
Your attorney can scrutinize the officer's conduct during the arrest, looking for any procedural errors, rights violations, or inconsistencies in the police report that could weaken the prosecution's case.
By employing these defense strategies and leveraging their legal knowledge, DWI lawyers aim to secure the best possible outcome for their clients, whether through reduced charges, dismissed evidence, or acquittal.
Contact Bryan, Texas, Lawyers at the Law Offices of Shane Phelps
We provide aggressive defense against DWI charges in Texas. If you were arrested for DWI, it is important to make sure that your rights are protected. At Shane Phelps Law, our DWI defense lawyers in Bryan have decades of experience representing clients in a wide range of drunk driving situations.
We know what evidence must be brought forth in DUI cases and we have the skill and know-how to challenge the prosecution’s strategy. From start to finish, you can expect to be treated with the utmost care as we seek the most favorable result possible on your behalf.
Call Shane Phelps Law today at (979) 775-4100 or contact us online for your free consultation with our Bryan DWI defense attorneys.
