Fort Worth, TX Misdemeanor DWI Lawyer

Devoted Lawyer Defending Clients Accused of Misdemeanor DWI in Fort Worth, TX

Even when driving while intoxicated is "only" charged as a misdemeanor, it can come with serious penalties on a conviction. If charged with misdemeanor DWI, you could be threatened with jail time, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. A Fort Worth DWI lawyer can defend you in front of a judge, advocating for your rights while pushing for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Fighting a misdemeanor DWI charge in Texas requires knowledge of the state's criminal laws. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we keep our clients informed of their rights in every criminal case, exploring all possible defenses. We can work with you from the moment of your arrest, discussing your options to get the charge reduced or even thrown out of court.

First-Time DWI Charges

In Texas, a conviction for DWI with no aggravating circumstances or prior offenses on your record carries the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $2,000
• A jail sentence of up to half a year (with a minimum sentence of three days)
• Loss of your driver's license for no more than a year

It is rare for judges to impose the full 180 days for a first offense. Furthermore, a skilled defense attorney could argue for an alternative to the three-day minimum, such as probation or community service.

Certain factors can increase the severity of a misdemeanor DWI charge. If you had an open container of alcohol in your vehicle at the time of your arrest, the three-day minimum sentence will be doubled to six days. Furthermore, if your blood alcohol concentration was measured at .15 or higher—almost twice the legal limit—you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors come with harsher punishments, including as much as a year of jail time and a possible $4,000 fine.

Ignition Interlock Devices

As part of a misdemeanor DWI sentence, you may be required to install an interlock ignition device (IID) if you want to legally drive while your license is suspended. IIDs typically come with costly installation and maintenance fees, but often, this is the only feasible way to keep your driving privileges.

The main purpose of an IID is to deter people from drunk driving. Once installed, an IID will prevent your vehicle from starting up unless you can produce a clean breath sample. Additionally, you will be required to blow into the device while driving at regular intervals to prove that you are still sober. Any failure to start the vehicle because your blood alcohol concentration was over the limit will be reported to the court.

Defenses Against Misdemeanor DWI Charges

If you have been charged with DWI, do not panic. After your arrest, do not give any information to law enforcement that could implicate you in court. Instead, you should remain silent except to request your right to an attorney. When you get in contact with our firm, we can go over the details of your case in private.

Depending on the circumstances, we can explore different defenses. One of the first things our DWI attorney can question is the procedures followed by the arresting officer. We may question whether you were pulled over with good reason or whether the officer's observations about your sobriety were rooted in concrete facts or subjective opinions. If we find that the evidence is lacking or that your rights were violated, we could get the case against you dismissed.

Contact Our Fort Worth, Texas Misdemeanor DWI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor drunk driving charge in Texas, you have a right to contact an attorney who can defend you in court. Attorney Edwardo Meza of The Meza Law Firm, PLLC is a solo practitioner, so you will receive his undivided attention from the beginning to the end of your case. Call our offices at 817-732-6392 or reach out to us online to get started with a free consultation with a Fort Worth DWI defense lawyer.