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Plano Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fighting Your Second DWI Charge

Facing a first-time DWI can be stressful for Texans, but facing a second offense DWI adds an additional layer of penalties. The potential jail time, fines, and license suspensions increase for someone going through a second DWI. At this time, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, but that is why you need the help of a professional.

When you put The Wilder Law Firm in your corner, you can rest assured that over 25 years of experience is being put to work to best defend you. We are here to support you through this process, determine the most effective defense for you, and prevent further issues that could jeopardize your case. You know how serious a DWI is, so there is no time to lose. Contact us immediately at 469-457-4868 so that we can start defending you today.

What Is a Second Offense DWI?

A second DWI offense is defined by Texas Penal Code Section 49.04. The statute claims that, “a person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place” (Section 49.04(a)). Intoxication is also defined in the penal code as:

  • Not having the normal use of your faculties due to drugs, alcohol, a controlled substance, a dangerous drug, a combination of these substances, or any other substance into the body; or
  • Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (Section 49.01(2)).

If you are accused or charged of a DWI, Texas law enforcement will look back through your entire driving and criminal record to validate your offenses. If they find any previous DWI on your record, from any time period, you will be charged with a second DWI offense.

Defenses We Personalize for You

When we negotiate your case with the prosecution and you get your day in court, you want to be as prepared as possible. In order to make your case, you need a strong defense. This is where we guide you. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney, I have seen many, many different types of DWI situations. I have the knowledge base to review your case and determine the best way to defend you. Here are a few common defenses that can be explored on your behalf:

  • Lack of reasonable suspicion.
  • Issues with standardized field sobriety testing.
  • Issues with blood or breath testing.
  • What is normal for You.
  • Police conduct.
  • Reducing or Dismissing the charge.

Lack of Reasonable Suspicion

The police officer who pulled you over did not have “reasonable suspicion.” Police must have a valid reason to pull a driver over. If you were doing nothing wrong while driving, we should defend the charge based upon the nature of the stop (illegal). The police might also exhibit other improper behavior, which I can use to your advantage in your defense.

Issues With Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

The police officer did not administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) properly. This is common. Precision and objectivity are required when administering these tests. There are common ways the police make mistakes. Other factors impact your SFSTs. For example, factors other than intoxication can impact a one leg stand test results, such as the shoes you are wearing, fatigue, injury, etc.

Issues With Blood or Breath Tests

Oftentimes, the police will ask you to submit to a blood or breath test to determine your level of intoxication. However, it is possible for these machines to be improperly calibrated or used. I will use my knowledge of these machines to determine if your test results are even valid.

What Is Normal for You

As much as the prosecution wants to believe in a “one size fits all” accusation or conviction, the truth of the matter is that each case and each person is unique. Alcohol impacts different people differently, and this needs to be taken into consideration if a DWI is alleged. My team will determine how alcohol consumption impacted you and if it had any effect on your driving abilities or an accident that resulted.

Police Conduct

We always evaluate the conduct of the police to determine if they were conducting themselves properly, professionally, and in accordance with police procedure. Their conduct will leave an impression on how trustworthy their opinion is and how competently they conducted their investigation. This impression will play a role in the outcome of your case.

Reducing or Dismissing the Charge

When establishing your defense, I will always attempt to reduce your charge from 2nd DWI to a 1st DWI charge. This will alleviate any mandatory jail time that you face with a 2nd DWI as well as reducing the amount of potential fines you face. In addition to just reducing the charge, I will explore all options to have your case dismissed too.

These are just a few examples of where we can create a winning defense. We will not stop until we establish the most effective defense for you.

Consequences of a Second Dwi

Standard Penalties:

  • A jail sentence of 30 days up to 1-year; or
  • Probation for up to 2-years.
  • A minimum jail sentence of three days as a condition of probation.
  • A minimum jail sentence of five days as a condition of probation if your prior DWI is within five years of the second arrest.
  • A Court fine up to $4,000.
  • A State “Super Fine” of $4,500, in addition to any Court fine assessed; or
  • A State “Super Fine” of $6,000 in addition to any Court fine assessed if your alcohol concentration was your alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher.
  • A suspension of your driver’s license for 180 days to two years.
  • Mandatory Ignition Interlock device on any vehicle you drive.

Additional Penalties:

  • An increase in auto insurance rates.
  • A DWI listed on your permanent criminal record.
  • Difficulty obtaining or keeping certain professional licenses.
  • Difficulty obtaining or keeping certain jobs.
  • Difficulty furthering your education.
  • Child custody issues.
  • Immigration issues.

How We Can Help

When facing a second DWI, so much is on the line. You have already gone through a first-offense DWI–you do not want to face these penalties a second time. When you hire my firm, you will have peace of mind that you have a winning team on your side that is dedicated to preparing and presenting the most effective defense for you. There is no time to lose–contact us today at 469-457-4868 for the guidance and representation you need.