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Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime with severe punishment. Conviction in San Antonio can draw significant fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and jail time. Law enforcement officials in Texas make more than 80,000 DWI arrests each year, indicating how much the authorities take drinking and driving seriously. But how do you approach a DWI charge?

Most drivers view a DWI charge as a road prosecution, but it isn’t always the reality. The justice system does provide defenses, and with the right strategy, the penalties can be eliminated or dismissed. A DWI lawyer can challenge the evidence, examine the procedures, and protect your rights.

Therefore, it is important to be informed regarding DWI laws, legal assistance requirements, and potential defenses. This article summarizes how to defend a DWI charge in San Antonio to secure your future.

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What to look for in Legal Representation

 

A seasoned lawyer will greatly impact your DWI case. The lawyer will identify issues of evidence, make appearances for you in court, thoroughly explain all the proceedings, and protect your rights throughout. Here are what to look for in an attorney:

1. Certification

 

In finding a San Antonio DWI attorney, you should look for one with the proper certification. The certified attorneys receive special training in DWI defense. An accredited attorney should be the one who passed specific tests in law. The board certification shows that the attorney is experienced and has advanced knowledge of the law.

Therefore, you can check if a lawyer is DWI defense certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The added certification indicates that they have a deeper understanding of the complex science behind the blood and breath tests. Thus, your benefit will be their higher level of knowledge regarding DWI laws and procedures.

2. Experience in DWI Case Handling

 

Experience in DWI cases is significant for your attorney. Your attorney should have previously dealt with many DWI cases before yours. Attorneys with expertise understand what will work for you and what will fail in the San Antonio courts. They are aware of how San Antonio judges typically rule in DWI cases.

Therefore, you must ask prospective attorneys about their track record in cases such as yours. How many of such cases did they win? How many did get to the trial? A lawyer with many different types of DWI cases in their history will be best suited to anticipate likely outcomes and prepare effective defenses. By hiring an experienced DWI attorney, you get the advantage of whatever lessons they learned in their prior cases.

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3. Client-Centered Approach

 

Your concerns are the priority of a great lawyer. You have the right to an attorney who will hear your concerns and your objectives. Your lawyer should be in a position to inform you of your defense options.

4. Testimonials

 

What other clients say about a lawyer can be very helpful in your decision-making process. You will want to look for reviews written by clients with the same charges as yours. How an attorney handles things can be judged by what they say. Did they get well represented in court? Were they happy with the results?

Furthermore, you can look at online testimonials at attorneys’ websites or independent review sites. Check for consistency in the opinions of others. Do clients comment about the lawyer being responsive? Did the attorney aggressively advocate for the clients? Their experiences can guide you in deciding whether or not an attorney will be suitable for your matter.

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What Constitutes a DWI in San Antonio?

 

San Antonio considers driving while drunk when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above the level of 0.08%. This is the threshold for most drivers. If you are under 21, any alcoholic drink in your body can be charged. On the other hand, the threshold for commercial vehicle operators is below 0.04%.

Additionally, you should also know the possibility of a DWI charge without a breath or blood test. You can be charged if an officer believes you have lost normal use of your mental or physical abilities as a result of alcohol or drugs.

The officer will look for signs such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or loss of balance. The officer will also ask you to perform field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line. Your behavior will be used as proof.

Different Types of DWI Offenses and How to Defend

 

The penalties for DWI vary depending on the situation. First-time DWIs result in a fine, jail time, and license suspension. Multiple offenses, a higher BAC level, or having a child in the vehicle increase the penalties.

1. Defending Against First-Time DWI Offenses

 

If it is your first DWI charge, you have several available defenses. Your attorney can argue whether the police had a justifiable reason for stopping your vehicle. Traffic stops require a lawful basis in the form of a reasonable belief the police officer had for suspecting a law was broken. The evidence against you can be eliminated if the police stop is unlawful.

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2. Defending Against Repeat DWI Offenses

 

Your defense becomes more critical if facing a second or subsequent DWI charge. Your attorney can focus on technicalities that are in your favor. Was the equipment for the breath test appropriately calibrated? Was the blood work performed in the right manner? Any flaw in the procedure can be brought in your favor.

3. Defending Against Enhanced DWI Charges

 

If you are faced with aggravated DWI charges, such as those involving high BAC levels or accidents, your defense must be especially strong. Your attorney might call expert witnesses to testify to challenge the validity of your BAC tests. Many factors can affect blood tests, such as how the sample was stored and tested.

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Conclusion

 

If you are charged with DWI in San Antonio, quick action can be beneficial in resolving your case. What you require is an attorney with knowledge of the San Antonio judicial environment who can create a solid defense plan depending on the details of your particular case.

Remember that many DWIs are issued in error or with technical defects by police officers, which a seasoned attorney can locate and utilize in your favor. One blunder should not be the deciding criterion for your future. You can ride out the tough times through the right attorney and work towards maintaining your rights, driving privileges, and liberty.