No one sets out to purposely get a DWI or cause harm to someone else, but it happens, and circumstances aren’t always black and white for the driver. The only way to get a fair judgment on a DWI charge is with an experienced attorney who knows the laws.
David White is an Abilene DWI defense attorney with the legal know-how to guide you through the complex DWI justice system and obtain the best possible verdict in your circumstances.
Abilene DWI Defense Guide
Why You Want the Abilene DWI Defense Lawyers at The Law Office of David White to Defend You
When providing a legal defense, my philosophy is to treat each client with the utmost respect and dignity, regardless of the nature of their alleged offense.
From addressing minor traffic infractions to navigating serious drug possession charges, I leverage my extensive legal experience and proficiency in DWI law to minimize potential charges and penalties for my clients.
My commitment to my clients runs deep as an Abilene criminal defense attorney.
The Law Office of David White Has Successfully Handled a Wide Range of Cases, Including:
- Drunk Driving
- Drug Crimes
- Probation Violations
- Traffic Violations
- Misdemeanors
- Domestic Violence
- Theft Crimes
- White-Collar Crimes
- Violent Crimes Charges
But I don't just stop at those services. I'm here to help clear your criminal record and handle appeals for past convictions. Don’t worry- I examine every detail of the evidence to ensure your rights are protected, and the legal procedures are followed to a T. Your defense is my top priority.
What Sets This Abilene DWI Defense Lawyer Apart?
Welcome to the Law Offices of David M. White, your trusted legal advocate in Abilene, Texas. I recognize that you deserve top-tier representation for your legal needs.
I am committed to providing exceptional legal services in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense cases.
Credentials of Attorney David M. White:
David M. White brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every case.
Here's what distinguishes him:
- Educational Excellence: Mr. White pursued his education at Texas Tech University, earning a B.B.A. in Finance with Honors Studies in 2002, graduating magna cum laude. He furthered his studies at the Texas Tech University School of Law, earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2006.
- Criminal Defense Advocacy: Facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience. David M. White excels in Criminal Defense, ensuring the protection of your rights and the provision of a fair defense.
- Compassionate Legal Support: Legal matters can be overwhelming. At our firm, you're not just a client; you're treated like family. We offer unwavering support and guidance throughout your legal journey.
Discover What Our Clients Have to Say:
At the Law Offices of David M. White, our clients' satisfaction and success are at the core of our mission. Don't simply take our word for it; hear from our valued clients about their experiences with our firm.
Their testimonials echo the dedication, experience, and personalized attention that distinguish us.
Our clients say we go above and beyond, treat them like family, communicate well, and work hard for them.
Visit Us in Person
Come and say hello in person at our Abilene office, conveniently located at 1500 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 303 Abilene, TX 79602. We’re directly across from the Abilene Country Club North golf course.
I Got a DWI, Now What?
While most car accidents can be prevented, DWI accidents might be the most avoidable type of crash. Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only against the law but also extremely dangerous.
While Texas experienced a decrease in overall traffic-related deaths in recent years, driving while intoxicated (DWI), also called driving under the influence (DUI), is still a dangerous and deadly problem on our roadways.
If you're facing your first DWI charge, absolutely do not hastily plead guilty and accept the initial offer from the prosecution. This decision could lead to the loss of your driver's license and significant fines in the future.
An experienced attorney can reduce the charges for your first DWI or help you obtain an occupational license, allowing you to continue working even if your regular license is suspended.
Here's what you should anticipate when arrested for a DWI:
- You have a limited window of 15 days from your DWI arrest to prevent your driver's license from being suspended.
- Be aware that taking a breath or blood test does not automatically make you guilty.
- If your license gets suspended, we can help you obtain an occupational driver's license, granting you the right to drive.
- Successfully defending DWI cases requires a focused approach.
- You may face mandatory jail time if you are convicted of two or more DWI offenses. Be aware that there's no time limit on when the second DWI may occur. Even if your first DUI conviction happened when you were young and in college, a repeat offense 30 years later could still result in felony charges and imprisonment.
What Types of DWI Exist in Texas?
In Texas, there are various types of charges related to DWI offenses, each with penalties and implications.
The main types are:
- DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): This is Texas's most common DWI charge. It is generally applied when a person operates a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
Intoxication is typically defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A first-time DWI offense can be considered as low as a Class B misdemeanor.
- DWI With Child Passenger: If a person is arrested for DWI and a child under 15 is in the vehicle, they may face enhanced penalties. This offense is a state jail felony.
- Intoxication Assault: This charge applies when a person causes serious bodily injury to another while driving intoxicated. It is a third-degree felony.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: Intoxication manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another person due to DWI. It is a second-degree felony, but if convicted, it can result in much more severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI): Like DWI, this charge applies when a person operates a watercraft while intoxicated. The penalties for BWI are typically the same as those for DWI.
- Flying While Intoxicated (FWI): If a person operates an aircraft while intoxicated, they can be charged with FWI. Penalties for FWI are similar to those for DWI.
- Underage DWI: Individuals under the age of 21 can be charged with DWI if they have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while operating a motor vehicle. This is also known as "zero tolerance" in Texas.
- DWI With Open Container: Having an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is a separate offense in Texas and can result in additional penalties when combined with a DWI charge.
Penalties for DWI offenses in Texas can vary depending on factors such as prior convictions, BAC levels, and the case's specific circumstances. Fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and even imprisonment may be included in the penalties.
Texas has implied consent laws, which mean that drivers are considered to have already given consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) when lawfully arrested for DWI.
Refusal to submit to testing can lead to license suspension. DWI laws and penalties can change, so it's essential to consult with legal counsel for the most up-to-date information and guidance if facing DWI charges in Abilene.
What Does an Abilene DWI Defense Lawyer Do?
A DWI defense lawyer is pivotal in representing and advocating for clients facing DWI charges.
Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of a DWI defense lawyer:
- Legal Consultation: A DWI defense lawyer provides an initial consultation to understand the details of the client's case. They listen to the client's side of the story, gather information about the arrest, and assess the evidence against the client.
- Explaining the Law: The lawyer educates the client about the relevant DWI laws in their jurisdiction, including potential penalties, consequences, and the legal process.
- Investigation: DWI defense attorneys thoroughly investigate the case. This may involve reviewing police reports, dashcam footage, bodycam footage, witness statements, and other evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
- Challenging Evidence: Defense lawyers work to challenge the validity and reliability of the evidence presented by the prosecution. This can include questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and blood tests.
- Court Representation: The DWI defense attorney represents the client in court if the case goes to trial. They present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for the client's innocence or the most favorable outcome.
- Negotiation: In many cases, defense lawyers negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea agreement. This may result in reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternatives to incarceration, such as probation or diversion programs.
- Protecting Rights: Defense lawyers ensure that their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that law enforcement followed proper procedures during the arrest and investigation.
- Driver's License Issues: DWI defense lawyers often assist clients in dealing with driver's license issues, including requesting hearings to contest license suspension and helping clients obtain occupational licenses when necessary.
- Expert Witnesses: Defense lawyers may need to call upon expert witnesses, such as toxicologists or accident reconstruction specialists, to provide testimony that supports the defense's arguments.
Overall, a DWI defense lawyer protects the client's rights, builds a strong defense, and achieves the best possible outcome for the case.
Give David and his legal team a call today! Call (325) 221-4421 for your free consultation with our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Abilene.