Being arrested and charged with a DWI can be a frightening and intimidating experience. Before you know it, you’re in the back of a police car and being thrust into a whirlwind of consequences that seem to come at you faster than you can keep up with. To make matters worse, DWI accusations are extremely serious and you don’t have a lot of time to react and set yourself up for success. That means you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible if you find yourself facing these types of charges.
Here at The Law Offices of Ryan H. Deck, we have extensive experience defending clients against DWI charges in Texas and achieved a remarkable record of success. Williamson County DWI attorney, Ryan H. Deck, offers personalized legal solutions when you’re accused of an offense, including DWI charges stemming from both alcohol and drug-infused arrests.
We understand the fear and anxiety you’re experiencing and we know how much of a burden on your life it can be to have to deal with things like license suspensions, large fines, and the other penalties associated with being convicted. When you have so little time to formulate your case, you need representation and counsel you can trust, and that’s the type of service we strive to provide each and every one of our clients.
Call our Williamson County DWI lawyer at (512) 337-6285 to request a case evaluationand start building your effective, hard-hitting DWI defense now!
Fighting DWI Charges With Experience & DEdication
Many people mistakenly believe that they have no choice other than to plead guilty if they’ve been accused of driving under the influence. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, there are plenty of ways you could fight back and possibly even walk away from your charges completely free. Having a skilled and experienced Williamson County DWI attorney on your side dramatically increases your chances of being able to do so.
Attorney Ryan Deck and his team provide experienced defense for all types of DWI cases, including:
What are the potential consequences of a DUI conviction?
The state of Texas does not treat DUI / DWI offenses lightly. The penalties associated with a DUI will range case-by-case, and can be enhanced depending on certain factors, such as the BAC level, or if there were any injuries or deaths associated with an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Even first-time offenders could be facing lengthy jail time sentences, extensive legal fees, and revocation of a driver's license. In some instances, an individual who has been convicted of DUI will need to complete Alcohol Treatment Programs, may need to install an ignition interlock device, or may suffer increased insurance premiums.
License Suspensions for DWI in Williamson County
When a person has been arrested for driving while intoxicated, usually one of his first concerns is the status of his driver's license.
It is never advisable to voluntarily take a breath or blood test. However, it is important to realize that the Texas Department of Public Safety will suspend your driver's license for 180 days for refusing either of these tests. If you take a breath or blood test and fail (i.e. your BAC level is higher than the legal limit of 0.08), your driver's license will be suspended for 90 days. Although a refusal actually results in a longer driver's license suspension, one should always refuse these tests. Defending DWIs is much more difficult, though certainly not impossible, when there is a breath or blood test involved.
After your arrest, the officer will give you a temporary driving permit. This will act as your license, allowing you to drive, for 40 days from the date of the arrest. After that 40 days, the license will be suspended (90 days for a test failure or 180 days for a refusal). A person is entitled to request a live or telephonic hearing to contest the license suspension. This request must be done within 15 days of the arrest. If a hearing request has been made, the 40 days no longer apply, and instead, the license will not be suspended until after the hearing has been held (if the person loses at the hearing).
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that a person can typically get an occupational license during the suspension period. An occupational license allows you to drive to limited important locations such as school or work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and what does it have to do with a DUI?
BAC refers to a specific amount of alcohol within the bloodstream. If a driver is
found to be operating a motor vehicle with more than .08% BAC, the driver could be
arrested for a DUI / DWI offense.
When a driver is suspected to be driving while under the influence, police officers
use specific technology to measure a driver's BAC levels. The most accurate way to
measure the BAC level will be by utilizing a Breathalyzer or another form of chemical
testing, such as a blood or urine sample.
What are field sobriety tests?
Field sobriety tests are specific types of standardized tests used by police officers
to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Common examples
of field sobriety tests include the Horizontal Nystagmus Test, the Walk-and-Turn
test, and the One-Leg Stand test. Though these tests are supposed to be administered
in the same way across the board, police error occurs frequently and can lead to
erroneous or wrongful arrests.
Do I have to take a field sobriety test?
Contrary to popular belief, you do not actually have to submit to a field sobriety
test. Under the provision of Texas' implied consent laws, however, you will need
to submit to a chemical Breathalyzer test. Failing to subject to a chemical test
could lead to additional penalties, including excessive legal fines and an automatic
driver's license suspension.
Is there a way to fight a DUI charge?
Absolutely. With the help of a skilled legal professional, you could have several
options available to you. Remember, just because you have been arrested for a DUI
does not mean that you will be convicted of one. Our legal team has exposed erroneous
arrests, violations in search and seizure laws, flawed field sobriety test results,
and other evidence that have been used as leverage to put our clients in a favorable
position in the justice system.
Ryan Deck grew up in Williamson County where he attended Round Rock High School. After graduation, he attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Finance, he attended The University of Houston Law Center, graduating in 2003.
