DWI Lawyer in El Paso
Choose Us as Your DWI Defense Team, Today!
DWIs are serious offenses that come with a heavy price to drivers. If you’re facing a DWI, Joseph & Hartshorn can help.
Driving while intoxicated is looked upon very seriously by the state of Texas. These criminal offenses will be a burdensome mark on a person’s driving record in addition to being accompanied by hefty administrative fines and possible jail time. These charges are often defensible and, with the right legal defense, can be contested or defended successfully.
Drunk driving traffic offenses can range from a Class B misdemeanor to felony charges if the circumstances behind the charge include serious bodily injury to others, a child passenger, a third DWI, or other contingencies. Our DWI defense lawyer understands the nuances and complexities of the law to assist you throughout your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Our DWI Defense Services
At Joseph & Hartshorn, we fight to provide the best legal defense for people charged with DWIs. In these cases, the stakes are high. The consequences can have a significant and profound impact on a person’s future, reputation, and financial stability. We provide an aggressive defense that treats your case with utmost respect and seriousness.
Over the years, Texas has implemented changes to the law regarding drug and alcohol-related traffic offenses such as DWIs, making the legal process and ramifications complicated and difficult to navigate. That’s where your DWI lawyer comes in.
The Joseph & Hartshorn team is here to help with:
- DWI — 1st offense
- DWI .15 BAC or more
- DWI — 2nd offense
- DWI — 3rd offense
- DWI (with a child passenger)
- Intoxication assault
- Intoxication manslaughter
What Constitutes as a DWI Charge in Texas?
Every state varies in its specific laws surrounding impaired driving. In 2020, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that 25% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle crashes involved a driver under the influence of alcohol.
Texas takes driving while intoxicated very seriously. In Texas, the following will result in DWI charges:
- Operating a motor vehicle (motor vehicle has a broad meaning pursuant to Texas law)
- In a public place
- While intoxicated
- Most litigation related to a DWI is regarding what is considered “intoxicated.”
- Intoxication in the Texas Penal Code is defined as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any substance into the body; or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
- Having a blood alcohol content of .04% when driving or operating a commercial vehicle is considered driving while intoxicated.
In Texas, there is a zero-tolerance policy for individuals under 21.
DWI Penalties — What You Need to Know
There’s a lot on the line when a person is charged with a DWI. The punishments and penalties for DWI can be harsh and extensive. A DWI lawyer will find a way to mount a defense.
A first-time offense for a DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. The possible range of punishment can also increase with multiple DWI convictions or when the blood alcohol concentration is .08% and above.
1st DWI: The range of punishment for a first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. It is punishable by a fine that is not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days, or both a fine and confinement.
2nd DWI: This is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both a fine and confinement.
If the following circumstances apply, a person can face felony charges:
- A 3rd DWI
- DWI with a child passenger (under the age of 15)
- A DWI accident resulting in serious injuries
- Intoxicated manslaughter
Contact Joseph & Hartshorn, Today!
If you have been charged with a DWI, time is of the essence. Act fast to find aggressive legal representation that will find a way to help your case. Call the offices of Joseph & Hartshorn today and you’ll find a DWI attorney ready to fight for you.
