Best San Antonio DWI Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights Against DWI Charges in Bexar County

Most people immediately assume that driving while intoxicated means drunk driving, but while drunk driving does make up a large number of DWI arrests and convictions, DWI really means operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both.

After a DWI arrest in San Antonio, it's important to seek the legal guidance and representation of an experienced DWI lawyer, as the state of Texas takes DWIs very seriously. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe, including fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver's license. Our San Antonio DWI lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to develop a strong defense strategy to fight the charges against you. With 20+ years of experience and a deep understanding of Texas DWI laws, Derek Emmons can help protect your rights and work towards a positive outcome in your case.

Have you been arrested for a DWI in Texas? Call Emmons Law Firm, PLLC, today at (210) 702-3054 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our DWI attorney in San Antonio.

Understanding Texas DWI Laws

In the state of Texas, it is illegal to drive or operate a motor vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to state DWI laws, a person is considered too impaired to drive if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher.

Ultimately, driving while intoxicated includes more than just impairment from alcohol and illegal drugs, as it also includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications too.

For many drivers in and around San Antonio, including those stopped on I-10, Loop 1604, or near Downtown, a DWI arrest is their first encounter with the criminal justice system. Texas law can be confusing because the legal limit is not the only way the state can try to prove impairment, and officers may rely on their observations and roadside tests even when a breath or blood test is close to .08%. We can walk you through how local courts such as Bexar County Court and the county criminal courts at law handle these cases, so you know what to expect at each hearing and can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Penalties for DWI in Texas

The penalties for DWI are very serious and can include jail time, fines, and outpatient and inpatient treatment programs, as well as a lengthy driver’s license suspension. Even when you are eventually eligible to get your driver’s license back, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in high-risk insurance premiums. Some potential DWI penalties include:

First Offense When BAC Is Less Than 0.15%

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• 3 to 180 days in jail
• One-year suspension of driver’s license
• Substance abuse treatment program entry
• Community service

First Offense When BAC Is Greater Than 0.15%

• Up to $4,000 in fines
• Up to 365 days in jail
• One-year suspension of driver’s license
• Substance abuse treatment program entry
• Community service

Second DWI Offense

• Up to $4,000 in fines
• Up to 30 days to 365 days in jail
• Two-year suspension of driver’s license
• Substance abuse treatment program entry
• Community service

How Our Firm Handles DWI Cases in San Antonio

When you come to us after a DWI arrest, we start by carefully reviewing the details of your stop, your interaction with law enforcement, and any field sobriety, breath, or blood tests that were given. We look for legal and factual issues, such as whether there was a valid reason to pull you over, whether the officer followed required procedures, and whether testing equipment was properly maintained and used. By taking the time to understand what happened from your point of view, we can begin building a defense that is tailored to you instead of relying on a generic approach.

We also guide you through the separate administrative license process, which can take place at hearings in or around San Antonio while the criminal case is pending in Bexar County courts. Many people are surprised to learn that strict deadlines apply if you want to fight a license suspension, and missing these can make it harder to keep driving to work or school. Our goal is to protect your record, your ability to drive, and your future opportunities by addressing both the court case and the driver’s license issues at the same time.

If you are comparing your options for a drunk driving attorney, working with a team that understands local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in San Antonio can help you make more informed choices at every stage. We explain the potential consequences of a plea, diversion program, or trial, and we answer your questions so you can decide what is best for you and your family. Throughout the process, we stay focused on minimizing the impact of the charge on your life and pursuing the most favorable resolution that the circumstances of your case allow.