The Laredo, TX DWI / DUI Lawyer Who Has Your Back

The legal limit for driving in Laredo, Webb County, and the state of Texas is at least a 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) level. To be charged with a DWI, you must have at least 0.08% of your blood composed of alcohol.

Different people have different limits. A heavyweight boxer might have a higher tolerance than a featherweight, but it depends on too many factors to assign a set number of drinks of any kind of alcohol. The best option is to find alternatives to driving home if you're drunk or to stay sober if you can't.

In Laredo and Webb County, the penalties depend on what happened when you were arrested and how many previous convictions you have had. Here are some possible consequences:

Your First Conviction:

• You may face up to a $2,000 fine
• You may face up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three being mandatory
• You may have your driver's license suspended for up to a year

Your Second Conviction:

• You may face up to a $4,000 fine
• You may face up to a year in jail
• You may have your driver's license suspended for up to two years

Your Third and Up Conviction:

• You may face up to a $10,000 fine
• You may face up to ten years in prison
• You may have your driver's license suspended for up to two years

Severe enhanced charges can be applied in some situations, such as driving with a minor in the car at the time of being pulled over. The penalties for such a charge include an additional $10,000 in fines, two years in jail, and another two years without your license.

Don't forget these two important things when being pulled over on suspicion of a DWI. First, you have the right to remain silent to avoid harming your own case. Exercise this right as much as you can. Second, you are likely being recorded by the police, so you should be on your best behavior. Acting irrationally will only harm your cause in court.

One of the most obvious tips for this situation is to listen to the police and pull over the car. Some people have tried to outrun squad cars. The lucky ones only faced worse charges in court while others harmed themselves or others.

Pull over in the safest manner possible at your earliest chance. The officer who pulled you over will get out of their car and walk to your window. They will ask you to provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Let the officer know where they are in the car and then slowly fetch them.

When asked why you were pulled over, never provide a reason. The police are looking for an admission of guilt here to help their chances against you in court. Instead, protect yourself by replying with "no, sir" or "no, ma'am." This will help you in court.

You will be asked to take a breathalyzer test and/or a field sobriety test to determine your level of impairment. If you know you're under the legal limit because you drank very little several hours ago or didn't drink at all, go ahead and take the tests to prove your innocence. If you doubt, even 1%, that you will fail the tests - don't take them. You can politely refuse and wait until you speak to your lawyer.

If you seem obviously drunk, you will be hauled into the police station for further testing. Once there, they might ask you to take a breathalyzer or blood test. These are another set of optional tests - just be aware that refusal might lead to the suspension of your driver's license. Failure will also likely lead to license suspension, so weigh your options before making a decision.

If you have refused everything up until this point, the officer might take the time to get a warrant to compel you to take the tests. At this point, you must legally take the tests.

Whether you fail or barely skim by on the skin of your teeth, your lawyer should be contacted immediately. Do not answer any questions without her or him by your side.