DWI Convictions are Pricey and Stressful
Put us in your corner.
Arrested for DWI in Converse?
Very few events are as traumatic as being arrested for a crime. DWI is a crime, and being arrested for it is quite stressful.
If you are arrested for having a BAC at or above 0.08%, that fits the definition of DWI. It's a common offense to be arrested for in Converse.
The government of Texas and the Bexar County courts will come down hard on anyone convicted of DWI. That's the reason Michael & Associates fights so hard for leniency.
A DWI Conviction Can Mean Jail and Hefty Fines
It's easy to think that because the offense is so common, the penalties for DWI in Converse are not stringent.
Guess again.
The sentencing guidelines are as follows:
First Offense:
- As high as a $2000 fine
- From three days to six months in jail
- Suspension of your license for up to a year
Second Offense:
- As high as a $2000 fine
- From one to twelve months in jail
- Suspension of your license for up to two years
Third Offense:
- As high as a $10,000 fine
- From two to ten years in prison
- Suspension of your license for up to two years
- Permanent felony conviction
Plus any enhancements for child endangerment or property damage.
The Fallout From An Arrest Can Be Dire
After a conviction your insurance will spike, it becomes harder to find work, and you lose your license to drive.
It's important to get a competent attorney because the stakes are so high if you don't.
Find a lawyer with a proven track record. Don't trust your freedom to a large firm with faces fresh off the school bus.
Michael & Associates Fights For You
Here at Michael & Associates, we have ten years of experience winning cases like yours.
After arguing hundreds of DWI cases in and around Converse, we have gotten a majority of the charges reduced or dismissed completely.
We offer clients the high-touch, white-glove DWI defense we are known for. Every case is unique, and we fight each one looking for the best outcome possible.
Unlike the larger firms, we don't overpromise and underdeliver. We give you full access to our managing partner Ben Michaels. He will help you every step of the way.
With Michael & Associates, you know you are getting the best legal defense you can have. Call us to go over your case today, and we will begin working on your winning case 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 Converse
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Location: Converse, TX
Allegations: After being pulled over and failing a field sobriety test the client was arrested and taken to the station.
Result: After arguing for a procedural error, the case was dismissed.
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Location: Converse, TX
Allegations: The client was asked to take a breathalyzer, but declined. After failing the field sobriety test the client was arrested. It was their second offense.
Result: Plea bargain reached for reckless driving.
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Location: Converse, TX
Allegations: The client was arrested after running a red light. They were given both a breathalyzer and a blood test.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Converse, the average annual cost of car insurance is $768. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,106, an increase of $338.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $792 | $756 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,140 | $1,089 |
| Increase | $348 | $333 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,284 | $744 | $672 | $606 | $540 | $540 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,849 | $1,071 | $968 | $873 | $778 | $778 |
| Increase | $565 | $327 | $296 | $267 | $238 | $238 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
The white glove treatment and the desire to give the best possible defense is what separates us from other firms.
We take only a limited caseload each week, and we do that so we can dedicate ourselves to each client's needs.
With Michael and Associates, you get the cell phone number of Ben Michael, and we encourage you to ask him anything you need, morning or night.
Ben will help you understand the case from start to finish, and walk you through the entire chain of events. He knows that this is an emotional time for you and your family, and wants to help you get back to normal. Knowing the entire plan for your defense can help you relax and will take some of the stress off of your shoulders.
Michael & Associates will accept misdemeanor and felony cases of all kinds. We often argue cases such as:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We don't accept:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
We can practice anywhere throughout Texas. We accept new clients from all counties between Austin & San Antonio.
Driving While Intoxicated in Converse
In Converse, Bexar County, and elsewhere in Texas, drivers suspected of having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or above might be arrested for driving while intoxicated. The BAC measurement is a numerical representation of the alcohol in your bloodstream.
The strength of the beverage, and the time that elapsed since you drank it is the chief factor, but your sex, height, and weight will also factor into your BAC.
In Converse, the prior convictions will determine the punishment you face for DWI
- As much as a $2,000 fine
- three mandatory days, and up to six months in prison
- Suspension of your license for as much as a year
Second Offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine
- One month to a year in jail
- Suspension of your license for up to two years
Third Offense
- A $10,000 fine
- Two to ten years in prison
- Suspension of your license for as many as two years
Sentence guidelines for having an underage passenger are:
- Increased fines up to $10,000
- As many as two years in jail
- 180 days added to your driver's license suspension
Pull over as soon as you can. Running from an officer only adds to your charges and increases the likelihood you will face sentencing enhancements.
When the officer comes to your window, roll it down and be respectful. If they ask for your paperwork, ask them if you can reach for it before doing so.
If you are asked if you understand why you were pulled over, reply "No Sir" or "No Ma'am". The officer might be establishing probable cause, and you don't want to hinder your legal defense by offering an admission of guilt.
If you think you might not pass the tests police are asking you to perform, it is a good idea to respectfully decline to take them. Just tell the officer that you prefer not to take them until advised to do so by your lawyer, and ask to speak with your lawyer at the earliest opportunity.
If the officer suspects you have slurred speech, alcohol on your breath, or bloodshot eyes, you might be arrested on suspicion of DUI. If you refuse any tests at that point, you will have your license suspended for up to a year. If you were convicted of DUI that was going to happen anyway though, and a lawyer will help you through that process.
Police can get a warrant to draw blood, but it will take a while for the warrant to go through.
Never incriminate yourself during questioning, and contact your lawyer as soon as you are allowed to do so.
Yes, you are wise to always fight a DUI. If it's your first DWI or your third one, you need reliable counsel to help you navigate the process.
Helpful Locations for Converse Residents
Converse Courthouse
(210) 658-8021
402 S Seguin Rd
Converse, TX 78109
conversetx.net
Converse Police Department
(210) 658-0898
402 S Seguin Rd
Converse, TX 78109
conversetx.net
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(800) 805-6989
5121 Crestway Dr
San Antonio, TX 78239
crossroadstreatmentcenters.com
Department of Motor Vehicles
(210) 731-2130
15150 Nacogdoches Rd Ste. 100
San Antonio, TX 78247
txdmv.gov