10 Quick Tips for Navigating Your Texas DWI Case After an Arrest

You never thought you’d hear the words, “I’m placing you under arrest.” by a police officer. Now it’s happened, and you don’t know what to do or who to turn to. Every day in Dallas-Fort Worth, well-meaning citizens are arrested for DWI. Maybe they just had a few drinks with dinner. Maybe they weren’t even over the legal limit, but the officer that pulled them over thought otherwise. If you find yourself in this stressful and unfamiliar territory after a DWI arrest, you are not alone. To help you navigate your Texas DWI case after an arrest, here are ten quick tips our firm has compiled.

During and after your DWI arrest, it’s important to invoke your constitutional right to remain silent when interrogated by the police.

It’s difficult to navigate a DWI case from jail. Post bail as soon as you can or enlist a friend or family member to help. You can also call an attorney to post a surety bond, securing your release from jail. You’ll want to jump into action a soon as possible to maintain as much control over your case as you can.

In reality, this can and should be your first step. But if you’ve just been released from jail after a DWI arrest, calling an attorney should definitely be the first thing you do. Without having insider knowledge of the Texas criminal court system and the specific jurisdiction under which you are being charged, you have a very slim chance of successfully fighting your charges.

You have 15 days from the date you receive your notice of license suspension in which to request an administrative (ALR) hearing through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Your ALR hearing is your chance to fight your license suspension , so take advantage of it.

If you failed to request an ALR hearing or didn’t prevail at your hearing, the DPS will suspend your license 40 days after you receive your notice of license suspension. Watch that date. If your license is suspended, speak with your attorney about obtaining an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL).

Go over your options for handling your case with an attorney. Do you want a DWI trial ? Try to negotiate a plea bargain? Learning about your options will give you peace of mind. Also, it will help you make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case.

If you are heading to trial, work with your attorney to file any pre-trial motions that may help you, such as a motion to suppress evidence.

Most DWI cases resolve before trial by way of plea bargains (in our opinion generally not your best option). But if you weren’t offered a plea bargain you can accept, prepare for trial with your attorney so you know what to expect, what to say, how to act and what to do.

If you make it all the way to trial, this is your chance to fight your charges full force. Make sure you are working with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled DWI trials in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to have the best chance of an acquittal.

These steps can help you get through the stressful and at times confusing DWI case process from arrest to trial. If you are ready to take your DWI charges seriously and fight them with all you’ve got, consult with a Dallas-Fort Worth DWI defense attorney immediately to get started.

If you’re facing DWI charges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys will advise you on the best course of action. With law offices in Dallas and Denton, our attorneys provide compassionate legal services to Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall and Tarrant counties. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of criminal cases including DWI/DUI , assault/family violence, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Call (214) 329-9433, email clients@jbabblaw.com, or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.

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