Dallas DWI Lawyers
Representation for Those Facing Drunk Driving Charges
Arrested for drunk driving? Act quickly! It is imperative that you discuss your case with an experienced Dallas DWI attorney. At The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we defend DWI and DUI charges that could result in suspension of your driver’s license, revocation of your driver’s license, fines, and even time spent in jail. We recognize that driving while intoxicated is a serious charge that affects many otherwise law-abiding citizens. Attorney Patrick McLain has 30+ years of experience practicing law and successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases.
Facing accusations for drunk driving in Dallas? Contact a Dallas DWI lawyer from our firm immediately at (214) 238-9392 so we can start building your defense.
Texas DWI Laws
A person who is legally intoxicated and operates a vehicle may be charged with driving while intoxicated.
Legal intoxication means:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher
- Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties
- Impairment from over the counter medications that alter your ability to operate a motor vehicle
The volume of alcohol that it takes a person to reach a BAC of .08 or higher varies from person to person. Generally two or three beers in an hour will cause someone to be above the limit. Importantly, women and smaller people are more likely to be impacted by the effects of alcohol.
It is important to recognize that a driver can be charged with a DWI for operating a vehicle other than car. Notably, the legal definition of a motor vehicle is “a device in, on, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.” This definition means that operating a bicycle or golf cart with a BAC over .08 can be charged with a DWI. Texas also makes it a crime to operate a boat while legally intoxicated.
Implied Consent Law
Every driver should know that if a person is arrested for driving a motor vehicle or boat while intoxicated then the driver automatically consents to the taking of one’s breath or blood. This is known as Texas’ implied consent law. Refusing breathalyzer tests, blood draws, or the retrieval of other BAC specimen for the prosecution’s evidence may result in the automatic suspension of a person’s driver’s license.
Despite a potential driver’s license suspension, most defense attorneys strongly advise against allowing field sobriety testing because without physical evidence, it is very difficult for the prosecution to build a case against you.
License Suspensions because of DWI Charges
If your license has been suspended because of DWI allegations, know that you are innocent until proven guilty. Be advised that you only have 15 days to dispute the suspension. If driving is an essential part of your day-to-day life, we highly recommend that you contact our Dallas DWI lawyers immediately.
Texas DWI Penalties
The penalties for a DWI depend on the number of convictions one has accumulated. For example, a first-time DWI conviction results in fines up to $2,000, between 3 and 180 days in jail, loss of driver’s license for one year, and an increased annual fee to maintain license once you are eligible to reinstate your license.
The monetary penalties and potential jail time increase as the number of convictions increases. If the driver is legally intoxicated while carrying a passenger younger than 15 years old, the penalties are more severe. In this situation, the driver faces a $10,000 penalty and jail time up to two years. These charges, called DWI with child passenger, are much more severe.
Contact Our Dallas DWI Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a DWI or a minor DUI, it is important to reach out to an experienced Dallas DWI attorney who can help protect your legal rights. Get our former federal prosecutor on your side to fight for your constitutional rights and freedom!
You can contact our Dallas DWI lawyer 24/7 by calling (214) 238-9392 or contacting us online. Se habla Español.
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“Mr. Patrick McLain equals instant and good results for you. Hiring Mr. Patrick McLain is the best decision I had made throughout my military career.”- Master Sergeant Michael A Heath Jr. -
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Patrick saved my career and my life by proxy, he did everything and more you would HOPE for from a lawyer. Patrick is what you need if you want to win your case!- David L. -
“If anyone needs an attorney that will stand with you during your time of trouble, look no further.”
“Patrick has truly become a good friend and if anyone needs an attorney that will stand with you during your time of trouble, look no further. Patrick J. Mclain is this man.”- Child Abuse Client
