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Facing driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Texas can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. A DWI conviction can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and jail time. A first offense driving while intoxicated charge must be taken seriously. A person accused of a first offense of driving while intoxicated should hire an experienced Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer who will fight on their behalf. A conviction for a first offense DWI will stay on a person’s record and can lead to more serious charges in the future. Anyone charged with DWI has an absolute right to plead Not Guilty and fight the charges against them.

Understand Texas DWI Laws

Before mounting a defense, it is crucial to understand the specific DWI laws in Texas. Texas has a strict policy against impaired driving, and the law sets the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for adults. The laws related to DWI can be tricky. Different factors can cause an enhancement in the potential punishment. In every first-offense DWI case, an experienced  Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer should be engaged to analyze the charge, the facts, and all potential defenses.

Hire an Experienced DWI Defense Attorney

Navigating the complexities of a DWI case requires legal expertise. It is essential to hire an experienced Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer who is well-versed in Texas DWI laws. A skilled attorney can examine the evidence against you, challenge the validity of any tests or procedures, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Presumption of Innocence

One of the fundamental principles of the legal system is the presumption of innocence. When facing DWI charges in Texas, you are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Your defense strategy should revolve around challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution and demonstrating that they cannot or have not met their burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Defending Against a DWI

• Challenge the Administration of Field Sobriety Tests – Standardized field sobriety tests are performed by arresting officers in most DWI cases. The administration of these standardized field sobriety tests is typically videotaped. An experienced Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer will know how to attack the field sobriety tests. It is important to note that field sobriety tests must be administered pursuant to very specific rules. If a field sobriety test is not properly administered by the officer, then the results are deemed not to be reliable. Experienced defense counsel can study the videotape and determine whether the officer administered the test properly. If the test is not administered properly, then the results may be challenged.
• Challenging the Interpretation of the Results of Field Sobriety Tests– The prosecution will argue that any error or lack of balance is a sign of intoxication. This is a flawed argument, and an experienced Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer can demonstrate how the argument is flawed. For example, poor balance can be the result of many things other than intoxication. A lack of balance can be caused by a person’s natural poor balance, fatigue, nerves, or performance on an uneven surface. A Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer can challenge these tests’ reliability and validity as evidence of intoxication.
• Question Intoxilyzer Accuracy – Intoxilyzer results can be impacted by various factors, such as improper calibration, medical conditions, or even the presence of mouth alcohol. Your attorney can investigate the maintenance records of the device used and challenge the accuracy of the results.
• Question Blood Test Reliability – If a blood test was conducted, your attorney can examine the blood sample’s chain of custody and challenge the testing process’s integrity. Factors like mishandling of samples or contamination can call into question the reliability of the blood test results. A contaminated blood sample can produce a false high blood alcohol result.
• Explore Alternative Explanations – Your attorney can investigate alternative explanations for any signs of impairment law enforcement observes. For example, certain medical conditions, prescription medications, or even fatigue can sometimes be misinterpreted by the police as signs of intoxication.

Trial Preparation

A Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer should thoroughly prepare if your case is going to trial. Your lawyer should keep you well-informed as to what to expect during the trial.  Your lawyer should discuss strategy prior to trial.  Preparation is the key to victory. This includes strategizing cross-examination of witnesses and preparing opening and closing statements. With the right defense strategies, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Consult with an experienced Texas DWI Criminal Defense Lawyer who understands the complexities of Texas DWI laws and can build a strong defense tailored to your specific case. Defending against DWI charges is your right; everyone deserves a fair trial and a zealous defense. By challenging the evidence, questioning the accuracy of tests, and exploring alternative explanations, you can work towards protecting your rights and seeking the best possible resolution for your case. A DWI charge does not have to result in a DWI conviction, but you must be prepared to fight for justice to prevail.