DWI is a common charge in Johnson City, but that doesn't mean you'll walk away with a slap on the wrist. The penalties can be pretty severe.
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of your driver’s license for up to a year
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine
- Between 1 and 12 months in jail
- Loss of your driver’s license for up to two years
Third offense (or more)
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Between 2 and 10 years in prison
- Loss of your driver’s license for up to two years
- A felony charge on your criminal record
While this list is bad enough, penalties increase sharply depending on the offense number, BAC level, whether a child was in the vehicle, or whether there was injury/fatality.
Additional aggravating factors that substantially increase risk include:
- Driving with a child under age 15 in the vehicle can lead to child endangerment charges, heavier fines, and possibly felony penalties.
- High BAC (e.g., .15 or more) may elevate a misdemeanor from Class B to Class A.
- Causing injury: Charges such as intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter can carry lengthy prison sentences.
Why Choose Michael & Associates in Johnson City?
When you’re arrested for a DWI in Johnson City, Texas, your freedom, license, and reputation are all at stake. You need an experienced Johnson City DWI lawyer who knows how to fight back — and win.
An Aggressive Fighter
At Michael & Associates, we proudly defend clients in Johnson City and throughout Blanco County with aggressive, personalized legal representation. Our attorneys focus on specific regions to build strong relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff — connections that can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
Our lead Blanco County DWI lawyer, Joseph Deeb, brings over a decade of prosecutorial experience to your defense. Before joining Michael & Associates, Joseph spent over a decade working as a prosecutor in the Austin area. In addition to DWI, he has handled a wide range of severe cases, including aggravated assault, intoxication manslaughter, sexual assault, drug offenses, and gun possession charges.
However, when you hire Michael & Associates, you aren't hiring just one lawyer — you get the full power of our statewide defense team. Our firm includes certified DWI scientists, former judges, magistrates, law enforcement officers, and even an ex-FBI agent, all working together to strengthen your defense. Every case is personally overseen by our founder, Ben Michael, ensuring you receive the highest level of representation.
Proven Commitment to Your Defense
We know how much is at stake after a DWI arrest. That’s why we take a proactive, evidence-driven approach — challenging breath and blood test results, examining officer conduct, and fighting to keep your license and record clean.
You're also getting:
- A free, confidential case evaluation: A representative will review your case immediately and provide a realistic outlook.
- Unmatched local knowledge: Familiarity with Blanco County courts, local prosecutors, judges, procedures, and typical plea offers.
- Aggressive defense strategies: We may be able to challenge officer conduct, field sobriety tests, or whether the stop/search was lawful. Our DWI scientists will carefully analyze your BAC test results.
- ALR hearing representation: Ability to help with Administrative License Suspension hearings, ignition interlock, etc.
- Clear communication: Explaining your options, likely outcomes, costs, and strategy every step of the way.
- Decades of experience: We've been handling DWI and criminal defense cases for years across Texas, including in Blanco County and Johnson City.
- A proven track record: Many of our clients have seen charges dismissed or significantly reduced, and our five-star Google reviews show clients are happy with the results.
- Personalized attention: You’ll speak with one of our senior trial attorneys, not be handed off to someone else
- We handle the details: We keep track of deadlines, request hearings, file motions, and respond to notices – missing deadlines can hurt your case.
- Transparent fees and a commitment to protecting your driving privileges, reputation, and freedom
Four Ways a Strong DWI Defense Can Help You
- Dismissal or reduction of charges: Sometimes a DWI can be reduced to a lesser offense, or dismissed entirely if the evidence is weak.
- Keeping your driving privileges: We will fight to protect your license at your ALR hearing (you don't even have to attend), and if that isn't possible, we will help you get an occupational license.
- Minimizing penalties: Even if convicted, better representation might reduce jail time, lower fines, or reduce license suspension.
- Avoiding long-term damage: A DWI can affect your job, insurance rates, reputation, and future legal opportunities. A good lawyer helps protect more than just your case.
Three Ways to Protect Yourself after a DWI Arrest
Remain silent: Don’t talk to the police without your attorney – anything you say can be used in your case.
Document everything: Write down the details, including the location, time, what happened, who was involved, any breath or blood test, witnesses, etc.
Contact us immediately: The earlier you begin building your defense, the better.
