Abilene Texas DWI lawyer David White

Facing Drunk Driving Charges?

Thousands of drunk driving tickets are given out every year in Texas. Most of the time, people feel like they have no option but to submit to the opinion of the arresting officer and put themselves at the mercy of the court. This is simply not true.

But you must act quickly.

It is key to retain an experienced DUI/DWI attorney as soon as possible. Our attorney, David M. White, can help you discover and utilize your options — ensuring that you are treated fairly by the court.

Wondering What Happens Next?

An arrest for drunk driving leaves many questions to be answered, such as:

• Will I go to jail?
• Will I lose my driver's license?
• What kind of fines am I going to have to pay?
• Is this going to effect my current or future employment?
• How much will my insurance increase?

The answers to these questions depend on how you are charged and the outcome of your case. It is important to seek legal advice to get the best result based on your circumstances. If this is not your first DUI/DWI offense, don't wait to contact a lawyer because you stand to lose much more than a first-time offender.

If you are convicted of two or more DWIs, you face mandatory jail time. And there is no time limit on when the second DWI may occur - so even if your first drunk driving conviction was when you were young and in college, you could still be facing felony charges and jail time if you make a mistake 30 years later.

If you are being charged with your first DWI, it is important that you do not plead guilty and accept the prosecution's first deal. You could be facing the loss of your license and extensive licensing fines in the years to come. Contact an attorney who can help you plead down your first DWI charge or assist you in getting an occupational license so you can still get to work after your license has been suspended.

Overview of DWI

If you have been stopped for, arrested for or charged with drunk driving, contact David M. White Attorney at Law in Abilene, Texas, as soon as possible to discuss your options and rights with an attorney who has experience handling drunk-driving cases. Drunk-driving law is complex and the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer can make a significant difference in a defendant's experience and in the outcome of his or her case.

Each US state has its own set of drunk-driving laws, and in some states drunk driving is a crime, while in others, like New Jersey, it is classified as a traffic offense. While drunk-driving laws do differ among the states, there are certain concepts and features common to most states' drunk-driving jurisprudence. Basically, as we all know, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs to a degree that impairs a person's judgment and ability to drive safely is a serious offense. Both criminal and civil penalties for drunk driving can be harsh and often include:

• Loss or suspension of license
• Large fines
• Substance-abuse treatment
• Jail or prison time
• Community service
• Restitution
• Criminal record
• Restrictive probationary license programs, including ignition interlock devices and Cinderella licenses

In addition, the social stigma and effect on your career may have lifelong negative consequences.