Former Municipial Court Judge

Former Assistant District Attny.

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Surprising DWI Facts

Tim Powers

Law Office of Tim Powers

940.580.2899

www.timpowers.com

Check out these surprising DWI facts. More information can be found at: www.timpowers.com

  1. If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a DWI case – there will always be a conviction on a criminal record (no such thing as a deferred adjudication on DWI cases).
  2. If there was an accident involved – there can be great financial differences between a no contest and a guilty plea or finding.
  3. If a defendant does not request a hearing within 15 days from the date of either an alleged breath/blood test refusal or an alleged breath/blood test failure, ones driver's license is automatically suspended even if the case is not subsequently prosecuted (if proper notice of suspension was given to the defendant).
  4. If your license is suspended, you still may be able to legally drive to and from work, for the essential needs of your employment and for the essential needs of your household activities up to 12 hours per day.
  5. Judges and magistrates may require an ignition interlock as part of a condition of bond (even prior to a conviction or before a defendant is formally charged).
  6. A second DWI conviction can result in a driver's license suspension for up to 730 days.
  7. A DWI (FIRST OFFENSE) CARRIES A MINIMUM PUNISHMENT OF 72 HOURS IN JAIL (IF THERE IS A CONVICTION) – The maximum punishment for a first offense is up to 180 days in the county jail and/or a fine of up to $2000.00
  8. Field sobriety tests (if conducted properly) are usually only approximately 77% – 86 % accurate.
  9. The Intoxilyzer 5000 machine (the breath test machine used in Texas) result is not always admissible in Court. If you took a test and allegedly failed , can the State "prove-up" your breath test ??

If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.580.2899.

*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney.