A DWI arrest in Weatherford, Texas, can make you worry about the consequences, such as losing your driver's license, facing hefty fines, or even serving jail time.
During this challenging time, you need a skilled and experienced Weatherford DWI lawyer. Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys understand what you're going through and are here to fight for your rights.
Weatherford DWI Guide
- Why Choose Our Weatherford DWI Lawyers?
- Possible DWI Penalties in Texas
- Options for Fighting Your DWI Charge
- What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Weatherford
- Choosing Our Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Why Choose Our Weatherford DWI Lawyers?
When facing a DWI charge in Weatherford, you need a law firm with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys have a team of former prosecutors who have handled numerous DWI cases and understand the strategies the prosecution uses. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves and develop effective counter-strategies to protect our interests.
Our attorneys have over 85 years of combined criminal law experience and have conducted more than 550 jury trials in Texas. We have a proven track record of success in dismissing DWI charges, securing not-guilty verdicts, and negotiating favorable plea bargains.
When you choose Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.
Possible DWI Penalties in Texas
The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas can be severe, depending on factors such as your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the arrest, whether you have prior DWI convictions, and whether anyone suffered an injury as a result of your alleged actions.
Even a first-time DWI offense can result in:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to 180 days
- Driver's license suspension for up to one year
- Annual surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to keep your driver's license
Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer driver's license suspensions. Our skilled DWI lawyers can guide you in understanding the specific penalties you may be facing and develop a strategy to minimize the impact on your life.
Options for Fighting Your DWI Charge
Many people assume that they cannot avoid a conviction if law enforcement arrests them for a DWI. However, this is not always the case. The attorneys at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to identify the best approach for your DWI charge.
Some potential defenses against a DWI charge include:
Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop
When an officer pulls you over for a suspected DWI, they must have a valid reason for initiating the traffic stop. If they lacked probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a crime occurred, evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible in court.
Some examples of unlawful reasons for a traffic stop include:
- Racial profiling
- Stopping a vehicle based on a hunch or gut feeling
- Pulling someone over for a minor traffic violation as a pretext for investigating a DWI
If we prove the traffic stop was illegal, we can have any evidence obtained during the stop suppressed, weakening the prosecution's case against you.
Challenging Probable Cause for Your Arrest
Even if the initial traffic stop was legal, the officer must still have probable cause to arrest you for a DWI. Probable cause is sufficient evidence to lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has occurred.
If the officer did not have probable cause to arrest you, any evidence obtained after the arrest may be inadmissible in court.
Some examples of a lack of probable cause include:
- The officer did not observe any signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or unsteady gait
- The officer did not conduct any field sobriety tests or did not properly administer the tests
- The officer relied solely on the odor of alcohol as a basis for the arrest
Our Weatherford DWI lawyers can argue that there was a lack of probable cause for your arrest and have any evidence obtained after the arrest suppressed.
Questioning the Accuracy of Field Sobriety Tests
Law enforcement often uses field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn test or the one-leg stand test, to determine if a driver is impaired.
However, these tests are not always reliable and can be affected by:
- The driver's age, weight, or physical condition
- The road or weather conditions at the time of the test
- The officer's subjective interpretation of the driver's performance
We can challenge the validity of the field sobriety tests and argue that they do not provide conclusive evidence of impairment.
Challenging Your Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results
Breathalyzer and blood tests are often the most reliable evidence of a driver's impairment. However, individuals can challenge these tests in court as they are imperfect.
Some potential issues with Breathalyzer tests include:
- Improper calibration or maintenance of the testing device
- Operator error or lack of training
- The presence of mouth alcohol, which can lead to falsely high readings
You can challenge blood tests based on accuracy and handling:
- Improper storage or handling of the blood sample
- Contamination of the sample
- Chain of custody issues
Our Weatherford DWI lawyers can dispute Breathalyzer or blood test results and challenge their admission as evidence. We meticulously examine the stop's test procedures, equipment calibration, and legality to identify errors.
Through vigorous advocacy, we aim to weaken the prosecution's case and improve your chances of success.
By challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests, disputing the results of a Breathalyzer or blood test, or arguing that there was a lack of probable cause for the arrest, among other defenses, we can build a strong defense against your DWI charge.
At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, our experienced Weatherford DWI lawyers know how to identify and exploit weaknesses in the prosecution's case to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our Weatherford DWI attorneys will carefully review the details of your case to challenge the prosecution's evidence and build a strong defense on your behalf.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Weatherford
If you face a DWI arrest in Weatherford, you can take several steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome:
Contact Our DWI Defense Lawyers as Soon as Possible
One of the most important steps after a DWI arrest is to contact a skilled DWI lawyer immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of building a strong defense and protecting your rights.
Our Weatherford DWI lawyers can:
- Explain the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction
- Investigate the circumstances of your arrest and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution's case
- Advise you on the best course of action based on the specific facts of your case
- Represent you in court and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf
Delaying contacting a Weatherford DWI lawyer can hurt your case, as evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses' memories may fade over time. You can promptly contact a DWI lawyer to ensure proper case handling.
Request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing
If you face a DWI charge in Texas, the state will automatically suspend your driver's license unless you request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
At the ALR hearing, you can contest the suspension of your driver's license. We can present evidence and argue on your behalf that the suspension is not justified.
If you do not request an ALR hearing within the 15-day deadline, your driver's license will be automatically suspended 40 days after your arrest. By requesting a hearing, you can potentially avoid or delay the suspension of your license, allowing you to continue driving while your criminal case is pending.
Gather Evidence That May Be Helpful to Your Case
Evidence is crucial in any criminal case; a DWI case is no exception.
As your Weatherford DWI lawyers, we will work together to gather any evidence that may help your defense, such as:
- Witness statements from people who can testify about your behavior before or during the arrest
- Receipts or credit card statements showing how much alcohol you purchased or consumed
- Videos or photos from the scene of the arrest or the police station
- Medical records documenting any health conditions that may have affected your performance on field sobriety tests
We can use this evidence to challenge the prosecution's case and build a strong defense on your behalf. The more evidence you have to support your case, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Following all Conditions and Orders
After a DWI arrest, authorities may release you on bail or your recognizance, but with certain attached conditions.
These conditions may include:
- Attending alcohol education or treatment classes
- Installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Submitting to random drug or alcohol testing
- Refraining from consuming alcohol or drugs
You must follow all court orders and conditions of release while your case is pending. Failing to do so can result in additional charges, revocation of your bail, or other negative consequences.
Following these conditions can also demonstrate to the court that you are taking your case seriously and are willing to make positive changes in your life, which may help your case in the long run.
Tell Our DWI Attorneys Everything Relevant to Your Case
Your DWI lawyer is your advocate and is there to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. To do this effectively, we need to have a complete and accurate understanding of the facts of your case.
You need to be honest with your Weatherford DWI attorney about all aspects of your case, including:
- How much alcohol you consumed before the arrest
- Any medications or drugs you were taking at the time of the arrest
- Any prior criminal convictions or arrests
- Any witnesses or evidence that may be helpful or harmful to your case
Remember, attorney-client privilege safeguards your communications with your Weatherford DWI lawyer, meaning they cannot share them with anyone else without your permission. Being honest with your Weatherford DWI lawyer allows them to provide you with the best possible representation and advice.
Taking these steps after a DWI arrest can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.
By contacting a skilled Weatherford DWI lawyer immediately, requesting an ALR hearing, gathering evidence, following court orders, and speaking honestly with your attorney, you can build a strong defense and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Your proactive approach demonstrates to the court your commitment to addressing the situation responsibly, which may positively influence the outcome of your case.
Remember, every action you take following a DWI arrest can impact the trajectory of your case, so act swiftly and decisively with the guidance of an experienced legal advocate.
Choosing Our Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys
When facing a DWI charge in Weatherford, you need a law firm that will fight to protect your rights and your future.
Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to provide you with the aggressive defense you need during this challenging time.
Our team of former prosecutors understands how the other side thinks, allowing us to anticipate their strategies and build a strong case on your behalf. With decades of criminal law experience, including jury trials, we have the skills and resources to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Don't let a DWI charge in Weatherford ruin your life. Contact Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys today at 817-877-5201 for your free case review. Our Weatherford office is at 119 North Main Street, Suite 220, just a short walk from the Parker County Courthouse. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you and support you as you move forward with your life.