DWI First Offense
Being arrested for a first driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense can be a frightening and embarrassing ordeal. If we’re honest, we have all gotten behind the wheel when we perhaps shouldn’t have. The most important thing you can do is to secure an experienced and skilled Dallas DWI first offense lawyer on your team.
Dallas First DWI lawyer Mike Howard will help you understand the process, your rights, your options, and possible outcomes and their consequences. Moreover, he will stand up for you in court. Driving While Intoxicated charges (commonly referred to as DUI in other parts of the country) are stigmatized more than many other criminal charges and carry serious consequences.
For example, lengthy jail sentences, years of probation, thousands of dollars in fees and fines are common. However, that is not all. Many people are not aware that a first DWI offense also can result in driver’s license suspensions and a permanent criminal record. With so much on the line, you need someone you can trust.
Dallas DWI First Offense Lawyer
We that innocent people get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have someone standing with and fighting for them. As an experienced trial lawyer, Dallas First DWI lawyer Mike Howard has a reputation for fighting back and delivering fantastic results at trial. Not every client and case needs to go to trial, but when your lawyer has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, it can make all the difference in the world.
The good news is the prosecutor is required to prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. The court must find you not guilty if the prosecutor cannot rule a single reasonable doubt. This can be a powerful defense when implemented by a skilled Dallas First DWI lawyer. Finally, a strong defense can lead to fantastic outcomes. For example, acquittal, rejection of charges, reduction of charges, or probation. If you or someone you love is facing a first DWI offense, contact the Law Offices of Mike Howard.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of criminal defense lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then wec make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
DWI First Offense in Dallas
A person commits driving while intoxicated (Texas Penal Code § 49.04) if they are intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above is by law “intoxication.” Intoxication is also not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties because of alcohol or any other substance. For information about other DWI and Intoxication related offenses, see our other DWI/DUI page and other intoxication offense pages:
- Second DWI Offense
- Third (or more) DWI Offense
- Intoxication Assault
- Intoxication Manslaughter
- DWI with Child Passenger
Penalties for DWI First Offense in Dallas
A first DWI offense is a Class B misdemeanor. As a result, you could be facing between 72 hours – 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. If you had an open alcohol container in the car at the time of the arrest, the punishment range becomes between 6 – 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
If you had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, the prosecutor can charge your case as a Class A misdemeanor. Aa a result, you could be facing up to 1 year in the county jail and up a $4,000 fine.
Other Consequences of a 1st Offense DUI
Other penalties can include probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, an alcohol evaluation, treatment programs, community service, DWI education programs, court costs, and, of course, a permanent record.
Choosing The Right DWI First Offense Lawyer in Dallas
Finding the right Dallas first offense DWI lawyer can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
Talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you or who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach: a knowledgeable client is a happy client, so we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Intoxication Offenses Resource Center
Intoxication offenses are amongst the most complicated criminal charges in Texas. For DWI definitions and information about DWI testing, DWI-related driver’s license suspensions, and more, see our DWI Resource Center.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas DWI First Offense Lawyer Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas DWI First Offense lawyer fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas first DWI lawyer has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it can make all the difference in the world.
A Proven Track Record
Dallas First DWI Lawyer
T.V. – DWI First
We took over our client’s case from another lawyer. He had been set for court many times before and was set for trial even though that’s not what he wanted. After one court setting, we got his case reduced and got him deferred probation.
V.B. – DWI 1st > 0.15 BAC
Our client’s first DWI was enhanced due to a high blood alcohol score. We were able to get the enhancement dropped and avoid jail time.
A.M. – DWI 2nd
Our client was a combat veteran with a previous DWI and a history of trauma related to his service. He has completed a prior pretrial diversion program so he wasn’t technically eligible for diversion again. We convinced the prosecutor to make an exception and his case was dismissed.
L.G. – DWI 3rd
Our client was facing a felony DWI due to his long record. In spite of his record and pretty bad facts, we took his case to trial and got a not guilty.
M.B. – DWI with Child Passenger
Even though his children were in the car when he got his DWI, we were able to get our client’s case reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor and get him time served.
