DWI Arrests are Incredibly Costly
Let us fight for you.
Arrested for DWI in Leander?
Very few things are nerve-wracking as going through a DWI Arrest.
If you were suspected of having a BAC over .08%, that is grounds for arrest on suspicion of DWI. It's one of the more common offenses in Leander.
However, just because it is common, that doesn't mean the Travis County prosecutor recommends light sentences for offenders. That's where we step in.
A DWI Can Mean Expensive Fines and Incarceration
Despite it being a common offense, the penalties for DWI are steep.
Incredibly steep.
The sentencing guidelines are:
First Offense:
- As much as a $2000 fine
- From 3 and 180 days in jail
- Losing your driver's license for up to a year
Second Offense:
- As much as a $2000 fine
- From one to 12 months in jail
- Losing your driver's license for up to 2 years
Third Offense:
- As much as a $10,000 fine
- From two to 10 years in prison
- Losing your driver's license for up to 2 years
- Permanent felony record
That doesn't even include one of several enhancements for driving with an underage passenger.
Don't Let One Mistake Set You Back
There are other long-term costs as well. A DWI means revocation of your license, it makes the job hunt more difficult, and your insurance will skyrocket.
The gravity of the situation necessitates a strong defense from an experienced attorney.
You need someone to fight for you. Make sure you find a lawyer with experience who will fight for you, and offer the best possible defense.
Michael & Associates Fights For You
The team at Michael & Associates has been arguing DWI cases in court for nearly ten years.
After several hundred cases in and around Leander, our track record is clear. We usually get our clients a dismissal or reduction of charges.
We offer clients a high-touch, white-glove DWI defense. No one fights for a client harder than we do. We spend hours creating a custom defense plan tailored specifically to your case.
The larger firms, aren't like us. We don't treat you like a case close as fast as possible. We offer you a direct line to Ben Michael - our managing partner - who will go over the defense plan and help you understand the case.
At Michael & Associates, we offer the best criminal defense available. Call us today so we can build your custom defense together.
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
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Allegations: Officers pulled the client over, alleging that he was swerving in traffic. After they failed a sobriety test they were taken to the station.
Result: Dismissed through a procedural error.
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Allegations: Our client was pulled over and refused to take the breathalyzer. They also failed a field sobriety test so they were arrested for suspicion of DWI. This was a second offense arrest.
Result: Plea bargain reached for reckless driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Allegations: Client was arrested after failing to signal a lane change. Officers administered both a breathalyzer and a blood test.
Result: Full dismissal of the case
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Leander, the average annual cost of car insurance is $744. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,071, an increase of $327.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $708 | $780 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,020 | $1,123 |
| Increase | $312 | $343 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,212 | $660 | $684 | $582 | $480 | $564 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,745 | $950 | $985 | $838 | $691 | $812 |
| Increase | $533 | $290 | $301 | $256 | $211 | $248 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Two things set us apart from other, larger firms. The white glove treatment we offer clients, and the best defense possible.
Other firms out there promise the stars but deliver nothing. They see clients as a paycheck and churn through cases as quickly as possible. Not us. We take a limited amount of cases and focus on one case at a time. We fight for YOU.
With Michael & Associates, we limit our caseload weekly, and it shows in our results.
We give our clients Ben Michael's personal cell phone number, and they are encouraged to text him anytime morning or evening. At the larger firms, you are lucky if your message gets returned that same week.
Ben explains every step of your case, to make sure you know the customized plan for your defense. he understands that this experience is overwhelming at times, and will help you achieve the best possible result.
Michael & Associates accepts a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We don't cover:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Driving While Intoxicated in Leander
In Leander, Travis County, and the entire state of Texas, a driver caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher risks being arrested for suspicion of DWI. That number represents the amount of alcohol you consumed.
A lot of things can affect your BAC, such as the amount of time that has passed since you stopped drinking, as well as your height, weight, and sex.
In Leander, the punishment for a DWI infraction will depend on your previous record.
1st Offense
- As much as a $2,000 fine
- Six months in jail, with a three-day mandatory minimum
- Losing you license for as much as a year
2nd Offense
- As much as a $4,000 fine
- 30 to 365 days in jail
- Losing your license for as much as two years
3rd Offense
- A $10,000 fine
- Two to ten years in prison
- Losing your license for as much as two years
Sentence enhancements are added for driving with underage children, which include:
- As much as $10,000 in increased fines
- As much as two years in jail
- Additional six months of driver's license suspension
Never, ever, run from the officer stopping you. Things will only get worse. When stopped always be extremely respectful, and always assume that you are being filmed.
As the officer approaches your vehicle, roll down your window and keep your hands visible. They ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Tell the officer where they are in the car, and ask if you can reach for them. Then reach for them slowly
One question officers always ask will be if you know the reason for the stop. Simply reply "No, Sir" or "No, Ma'am." The officer is trying to establish probable cause for the stop, so don't help them and remove an avenue of defense for you later.
It is within your rights to refuse both a field sobriety test and the breathalyzer test. If you think you might fail, then you should refuse these by respectfully telling the officer that you aren't comfortable completing the tests without speaking to your attorney first.
You may still be arrested for suspicion of DWI if the officer perceives slurred speech, alcohol smell, or bloodshot eyes. If you are arrested, you might be asked to take a blood or breath test. You are subject to full license suspension if you refuse or fail the test, but you will lose your DL if you are convicted anyway. A lawyer can help you fight either situation. The police can get a warrant to compel you to take the test, but the process will move slowly.
Respectfully stay silent during any questioning, and contact an attorney at the earliest chance you have.
It doesn't matter if this is your first offense or your third. Never accept a guilty plea for DWI. The stakes are too high. Call Michael and Associates to give yourself the best defense possible.
Helpful Locations for Leander Residents
Leander Courthouse
(512) 259-1239
201 N Brushy St
Leander, TX 78641
leandertx.gov
Leander Police Department
(512) 528-2800
705 Leander Dr
Leander, TX 78641
leandertx.gov
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(512) 649-7316
652 N Highway 183 #335-3008
Leander, TX 78641
Department of Motor Vehicles
(512) 464-3700
13730 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
dps.texas.gov