Did one too many drinks land you with a DWI charge in Belton? We're here to help.
Charged with a DWI in Belton?
You're not alone. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common crimes around Belton.
Driving while intoxicated means that you were operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above. Unfortunately, the government of Texas and the Bell County court system does not look friendly upon DWI violators.
Thankfully, Michael & Associates are experts when it comes to DWI charges.
A DWI Can Cost You More Than You Might Think
Despite how common it is, DWI is taken very seriously in Belton and the penalties can be steep.
For a first offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
For a second offense:
- Up to a $4000 fine
- Between 1 and 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
For three or more offenses:
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Between 2 and 10 years in prison
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
- A felony on your record
And that doesn't even include various additional charges you may experience, such as driving with a child onboard.
Don't Let One Mistake Define Your Future
In addition to the criminal penalties already listed, a DWI can make it tougher to find a job, raise your insurance rates, and cause emotional and financial hardship for you and your family.
You owe it to your future to get the best defense possible. That means hiring a competent, experienced attorney who will not only give your case the attention it deserves, but who knows the laws around DWI's like the back of their hand.
Michael & Associates Are Here For You
Michael & Associates are the experts you've been looking for.
For nearly a decade, we've fought literally hundreds of DWI cases in and around Belton. Most of those cases have been reduced or dismissed entirely.
Our goal is to provide you with a premium, white-glove DWI defense. Unlike many larger, cheaper firms, you are not just another case to us. We treat each case like it's the most important one we've got, and fight as hard as possible to get you the best possible outcome.
Choosing Michael & Associates means you get full access to Ben Michael - our managing partner - and we do our best to explain everything and make you as comfortable as possible. We know this is a stressful time and it's our aim to put you at ease as best as we can.
You're in good hands with Michael & Associates. Schedule a free case review so we can start working on your DWI defense strategy.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you've been charged with a DWI, you have 15 days before you lose your license. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch in a few minutes.
Recent DWI Cases in Belton
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Location: Belton, TX
Allegations: Police alleged that the client was swerving between lanes. After being pulled over, the client failed a sobriety test and was taken to the police station.
Result: Case Dismissed
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Location: Belton, TX
Allegations: Client was facing a second offense after being pulled over and refusing a breathalyzer. Client then failed sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Result: Case Pled Down to Reckless Driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Location: Belton, TX
Allegations: Client ran a stop sign and was arrested. Police administered a breathalyzer and blood test.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Belton, the average annual cost of car insurance is $624. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $899, an increase of $275.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $672 | $588 |
| With DWI Conviction | $968 | $847 |
| Increase | $296 | $259 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $960 | $588 | $564 | $528 | $468 | $468 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,382 | $847 | $812 | $760 | $674 | $674 |
| Increase | $422 | $259 | $248 | $232 | $206 | $206 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates gives you two things other firms don't: the white glove treatment, and the best outcome possible.
We take on a limited number of cases so we can treat each of them with the care, individualization, and focus that they deserve.
With Michael & Associates, you get Ben Michael's personal cell phone, and are encouraged to text him anytime day or night. He will walk you through every step and detail, and make sure that you feel comfortable the whole way through.
You are not just another case to us. You are a person and we want to make this stressful time as painless as possible for you.
Michael & Associates takes on will take on nearly all types of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, including the following:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We do not do:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
We're licensed to practice throughout Texas and are currently taking on cases for all counties between Austin and San Antonio.
Driving While Intoxicated in Belton
In Belton, Bell County, and the rest of Texas, any driver caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be charged with driving while intoxicated.
A number of factors contribute to how many drinks it takes for you to reach a BAC of 0.08%. The strength of the drinks, how much time has passed since consuming the drinks, your gender, and your weight.
In Belton, the penalties vary based on how many offenses you have had.
First Offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- Up to 180 jails upon conviction, with three mandatory days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
Second Offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine
- One month to a year in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
Third Offense
- A $10,000 fine
- Two to ten years in prison
- Loss of driver's license up to two years
Additional penalties apply if driving with a child passenger, which include:
- Additional fines up to $10,000
- Up to two years in jail
- Additional 180 days of driver's license suspension
For starters, always be extremely polite and obedient, and assume that you are on camera.
Once the officer approaches your vehicle, he or she will first ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Tell the officer where these are located, and slowly move to retrieve these items.
Officers will typically ask if you know why they pulled you over. It is important that you respond by saying "No, Sir" or "No, Ma'am" because in court an officer must justify pulling you over.
You have the right to refuse both a field sobriety test and a preliminary breathalyzer test. If you think you will fail, then you should refuse these by saying that you are not comfortable doing those tests, and would like to speak with your attorney before doing so.
You may still be arrested on the grounds of slurred speech, alcohol smell, or bloodshot eyes. Once arrested, you will likely be asked to take a blood or breath test to establish BAC. You are subject to a license suspension if you refuse or fail the test, but a lawyer can help you fight this. The officer may obtain a warrant to compel you to take the test, but this takes time.
Always remain silent during questioning, and contact an attorney at the first chance you get.
Yes. Whether it's your first or third DWI, fighting it will almost always yield a better outcome for you.
Helpful Locations for Belton Residents
Belton Courthouse
(254) 933-5838
100 S Davis St
Belton, TX 76513
beltontexas.gov
Belton Police Department
(254) 933-5840
711 E 2nd Ave
Belton, TX 76513
beltontexas.gov
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(254) 778-2286
2410 E Adams Ave
Temple, TX 76501
centexrecovery.org
Department of Motor Vehicles
(254) 770-6734
6612 S General Bruce Dr
Temple, TX 76502
dps.texas.gov