Understanding DWI in Texas
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common charges people face when alcohol or drugs impair their ability to operate a vehicle. In Texas, a person can be charged with DWI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, or if their ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. DWI is considered a criminal offense and carries serious consequences. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving, they may ask you to perform a field sobriety test or take a breathalyzer. If the officer believes that you are intoxicated, they will arrest you. The charges for a DWI offense depend on several factors, including whether it is a first-time offense, if there were children in the vehicle, or if someone was injured as a result of your impaired driving. Penalties for a DWI conviction can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education courses, and even jail time in more serious cases.What Is Public Intoxication
Public intoxication, on the other hand, is a separate charge from DWI. In Texas, public intoxication occurs when a person is visibly intoxicated in a public place and poses a danger to themselves or others. Being drunk or high in public doesn’t automatically mean that a person will face criminal charges. However, if an officer believes that someone is too intoxicated to take care of themselves or is endangering others, they may be arrested for public intoxication. This charge does not require that the person was driving or operating a vehicle. Public intoxication is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, which is a less serious offense compared to DWI. While the penalties for public intoxication are generally less severe, they can still have an impact on your criminal record and personal life. A conviction may result in a fine, but it does not carry the same long-term consequences as a DWI conviction, such as the loss of your driver’s license or jail time.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE
Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
Key Differences Between DWI and Public Intoxication
There are several important distinctions between DWI and public intoxication charges in Texas. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone facing either of these charges. The most obvious difference is the nature of the offense. A DWI involves operating a vehicle while intoxicated, while public intoxication refers to being intoxicated in a public place, regardless of whether you were driving. DWI charges are far more serious because they are related to driving and can involve accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Public intoxication, on the other hand, is typically a less severe charge because it does not involve operating a vehicle or putting others at risk in the same way. Another key difference is the penalties associated with each charge. A DWI conviction can result in heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. Public intoxication charges typically result in smaller fines and are considered less damaging to your record. However, both charges can have consequences that affect your reputation and future opportunities. In terms of legal process, DWI cases often involve more complex defenses because they require evidence of impairment while driving, such as breathalyzer results or field sobriety tests. Public intoxication charges are typically easier to defend, as the focus is on whether you were posing a danger to yourself or others while intoxicated in public. However, both charges still require strong legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome.
Better call Doug!! Doug is the best lawyer you can find for DWI or DUI cases in Dallas. I read many reviews before choosing Doug for representing my case. Doug handled DWI and DUI cases for last 25 years, He has good relationships with DA office and is Well respected in the community. I have peace of mind with plea bargain today for my case. He also won other case filed on my license suspension. Amy (Paralegal) will help you through out the case. She is very persistent and detailed about the case details. You will never go wrong for chosing Doug. Goodluck. !!”
- Anil Lingutla
I was charged with a DWI and resisting arrest. Knowing Mr. Wilder previously, I went with the Wilder Law Firm to help me out. Their office was able to get my resisting charge thrown out and reduced my DWI charge for me. This result and lesser sentence allows me a better opportunity to recover from the mistake I made. I appreciate Megan being so kind and patient with me during my process. I would recommend her 10/10."
- Isaac Harrell
After being arrested for DUI, I contacted Doug Wilder upon recommendation. Mr. Wilder and his entire staff were amazing with their professional handling of my case from start to finish. Every time I rang with questions someone answered the phone, no long waits for a return call. This was important to me considering a DUI is so stressful. Mr. Wilder and his staff not only got my case dismissed but also guided me through the process and offered utmost care. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend the Wilder Firm."
- JJ Canter