DUI & DWI
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McAllen DWI Lawyer
We want you to know that we are here to help if you or a loved one has just been detained for a DWI. Our criminal defense attorneys are prepared, willing, and able to defend you or a loved one against this criminal DWI allegation since they are aware of how stressful being detained can be.
It’s critical to keep in mind that a DWI arrest does not necessarily mean you are guilty or will be found guilty. Utilizing the science behind blood alcohol levels and their in-depth understanding of the correct police process during a drunk driving arrest, our McAllen DWI attorneys are experts at creating strong defenses against charges. For a free consultation, call McAllen DWI lawyer David Higdon at (956) 682-3451 or complete our simple online form.
Why You Need David A. Higdon After a DWI Arrest
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious crime in Texas. If you received a DWI charge, you could be facing fines, license suspension, and even jail time depending on the severity of the accident. The Law Office of David A. Higdon is here to help defend you against these charges.
Even if you do receive a DWI charge, it does not mean that you are guilty of the crime or you will receive a hefty conviction. Our criminal defense lawyers will work closely to you to learn more about your side of the story and develop a compelling case on your behalf.
- Our McAllen law firm will work closely with you to provide a tailored approach to your DWI case. By providing individualized attention to you, we can build a stronger defense to present in court.
- The Law Office of David A. Higdon has significant experience in multiple areas of criminal defense law, including DWI charges.
- Since 1999, our firm has worked closely in McAllen area courts. Our McAllen DWI attorneys are very familiar with the trial processes and systems your DWI case will go through and can provide guidance along every step of the way.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Hidalgo County
The moments after an officer pulls you over for a DWI can be disorienting. However, it is important to take the following steps to protect yourself and the outcome of your future trial.
- If a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of a DWI, it is important to comply with his or her instructions. Under Texas’s implied consent laws, you need to submit to a DWI blood or breath test if the police officer requests you to take this test. You can receive a license suspension between 180 days to 2 years for refusing DWI testing.
- Contact a DWI attorney as soon as possible. You need an attorney who understands DWI litigation in Texas, and a general attorney cannot usually provide that knowledge. The Law Office of David A. Higdon has significant experience in this practice area and can help guide you to the best possible outcome.
- Prepare with your attorney for your arraignment. Your criminal defense attorney will help advise you on how to plead during your trial, as well as what to say and how to present yourself. It is possible to contest and fight DWI charges in the jury trial.
If you are facing DWI charges in McAllen or the surrounding areas, Higdon Law Firm can help defend your side of the story. Our criminal defense law firm has significant experience representing clients in their DWI cases and will work closely with you to craft creative strategies to combat your claim.
Our defense law firm is happy to meet with you to discuss your case and legal options. Contact our DWI lawyers today to schedule your free consultation at our downtown McAllen offices.
Texas DWI Laws and Statutes
In the state of Texas, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The state considers you intoxicated if you ingest alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that alters your mental or physical faculties to the point that you are impaired. If you operate a vehicle while intoxicated, you could face significant penalties.
TEXAS WILL CONSIDER YOU INTOXICATED IF YOU FIT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WHILE DRIVING:
- You ingested a drug or other substance that impairs your ability to drive and you failed a breath test.
- You are a non-commercial driver over the age of 21 and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
- You are a commercial driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
- You are under the age of 21 and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
Under Texas law, you can get a DWI charge even if you were not driving. The state specifically defines DWI as operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which includes more than physically driving it. The definition of “operate” is very broad, including any action that could enable the use of the vehicle.
The 15 Day Rule of DWI Charges in Texas
In Texas, the 15-day rule states that you have 15 days to schedule an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing after a DWI arrest in McAllen. If you fail to schedule an ALR hearing in Texas, you license will be suspended. The ALR hearing process is extremely technical, if you need to schedule an ALR hearing, contact our team of Houston DWI lawyers today for a case evaluation.
DWIs can land an individual in complicated legal matters. Yet with such a large emphasis on driving and automobile transportation in the United States, those accused of a DWI are oftentimes extremely concerned about losing their driver’s licenses. While the ins and outs of DWIs can be confusing, the Law Office of David A. Higdon has experienced McAllen DWI attorneys who can help you on the road to justice while simultaneously providing critical legal information for those in need.
Is Your License Suspended After a DWI in Texas?
The golden question that concerns most people after getting a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is if their license will be suspended. This is important for someone that may have responsibilities such as driving their child to school, getting to work, and transporting groceries from the supermarket – all while carpooling and public transportation are not widespread in Texas nor the United States.
Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. It should be first noted that the suspension of a license is contingent on a few different factors. The first thing that must be realized is that an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing must be requested within 15 days of your arrest. This, along with almost every other step in this process, should be performed with a law firm in order to ensure a healthy and successful trial.
Assessing the Outcomes of a Potential Suspension of License
The entire process will take place a few months after your request and depend on a number of bureaucratic factors. You will face a license suspension if you lose this case and the police officer’s testimony is accepted. If this is the case, your attorneys will help to secure you an Occupational Driver’s License, also known as an ODL, to ensure you can drive to work or school.
On the other hand, your attorneys will attempt to cross-examine a police officer that may lead to your success, meaning you will be able to keep your driver’s license. Furthermore, police officers may not show up and be subpoenaed in which case you will also not face suspension.
There are extenuating circumstances in which the suspension of a license is more likely. For example, having multiple DWI charges on your record may increase the likelihood that it is suspended for a longer period of time. In addition, refusing a blood test or breathalyzer may also result in a suspension. In any case, you will need an attorney who is experienced in the courts and will work on your behalf.
Your Best Bet in Texas – Turning to an Attorney
Time and time again, people find themselves in sticky legal matters. They may try to go about solving it themselves, but are largely unsuccessful. It is important to entrust a McAllen DWI attorney from the Law Offices of David A. Higdon in order to avoid a license suspension and further damage to your reputation. Please call us today for a free confidential consultation at (956) 682-3451.
Texas DWI Frequently Asked Questions
In Texas, a first-time DWI calls for a minimum sentence of 3 days. If you handle your case by following the terms of your probation, you may be able to get out of the 3 day sentence. A violation of your probation can extend your jail time to up to 2 years.
In Texas, a DWI is dismissed when the judge does not believe there is sufficient evidence in your case. There are special situations in which a case can end as well. A criminal defense attorney can help you get your cased dismissed depending on the facts of your case.
In Texas, a first-time DWI is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Repeated offenses of a DWI can result in a felony charge. Under special conditions, such as your BAC level, your first or second DWI could result in a more serious offense.
Contact a McAllen DWI Lawyer Today
Don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Higdon Law Firm today if you or a loved one has recently been convicted of a drunk driving charge, our law firm offers a free and confidential consultation. David A. Higdon has been serving McAllen and helping represent those who are usually under-represented for criminal charges and need strong DUI defense for over 30 years. Our lawyers will fight hard for your freedom and will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are our priority. Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say about our DWI defense attorneys on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.