Have Questions About DUI/DWIs? Daniel & Halstead Has Answers.
You may have a lot of questions about your DUI charges, how to handle them, and how they could affect your life if you’re found guilty. Daniel & Halstead ‘s attorney has pooled together some of people’s most frequently asked questions about their DUIs so you can feel prepared as you defend yourself against these charges. Here are a few of the most common ones they hear:
How does Texas determine if I’m driving under the influence?
The Lone Star State says that anyone driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher is considered to be driving under the influence. However, you don’t have to exceed the legal limit to receive a charge. If a police officer claims you are driving recklessly and believes you have any amount of alcohol in your system, you could still face criminal charges and potential arrest.
This doesn’t just apply to driving a car. It can also apply to driving a boat or flying a plane.
How do I handle a DUI traffic stop?
If you get pulled over for allegedly driving under the influence, make sure you:
- Have your driver’s license and proof of insurance on hand.
- Be polite and respectful to the police officer.
- Exercise your 5th Amendment rights.
- Take the breathalyzer test if asked.
If a traffic stop results in a DUI arrest, don’t give police any information until you have an attorney present.
How accurate are breathalyzer tests?
The breathalyzer an officer uses on you in a DUI traffic stop can vary, making it difficult to know whether or not the test results are accurate. Several things can cause a breathalyzer to display inaccurate results, like:
- Improper calibration of the device.
- Mistaking mouthwash, cold medicine or other medications as alcohol.
- Environmental factors that cause the machine to give a false reading, such as certain chemicals, adhesives and plastics.
Take the information an officer receives from a breathalyzer with a grain of salt. If you find yourself under arrest for a DUI, exercise your 5th Amendment rights and give our lawyers a call at 210-987-5276.
What are the penalties of a Texas DUI if I’m found guilty?
This can depend on how many DUIs you have. For instance, if you are found guilty of a first-time DUI offense, you can be subject to a $2000 fine, up to six months in jail, and license suspension for up to a year. For second and third-time offenses, you can face much steeper penalties. In these instances, you could face anywhere between $4000 and $10,000 in fines, spend up to two years in jail, and have your license suspended for up to 2 years.
How could having a DUI charge on my record affect my life?
The effect a DUI charge can have on your life can depend a lot on your life circumstances. However, having a DUI on your record can:
- Limit your career aspirations, especially if you want to become a teacher, day care worker, doctor, nurse, real estate agent, government contractor or military servicemember.
- Make it more challenging to visit loved ones, take road trips, or commute to work if you have a suspended license.
- Increase your insurance premium.
- Limit your ability to rent a car.
These are just a few of the consequences for first-time offenders. The consequences can become even more severe for those with multiple offenses. You don’t have to sit idle and let the justice system decide your fate. Call the lawyers at Daniel & Halstead at 210-987-5276 to create a strong defense strategy today.
Can I get my DUI expunged in Texas?
Like many matters in criminal law, it depends. You can typically pursue expungement if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about those requirements and whether they apply to your case, contact the attorneys at Daniel & Halstead today.
Fight Your DUI/DWI Charges With Confidence
When fighting off a DUI, knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions can give you an advantage when it comes time to defend your case in front of a judge and jury in criminal court.
And when you have Daniel & Halstead on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect your rights and freedoms. Visit the firm’s contact page to schedule your free consultation today.