Facing Down an Expensive DWI Charge New Braunfels?
We're here to help.
A DWI Charge in New Braunfels is No Joke
In fact, it can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person's life. Both for your bank account and your mental health.
The city of New Braunfels defines a DWI as driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content above 0.08. It's sadly one of the more common crimes around the area.
Because it's so common, the government of Texas, along with the Comal and Guadalupe Counties, don't look kindly upon DWI violators.
They want to make an example out of offenders, so punishments can be expensive, time-consuming, and socially harmful.
That's why Michael & Associates is here to help.
How Expensive Can a DWI Be?
Extremely expensive.
Here are the penalties for DWI convictions:
1st Offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
2nd Offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine
- Between 1 and 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
3rd+ Offense:
- 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
Don't Let One Mistake Ruin Your Future
Not only will the government come after you for money and criminal charges. They can take away your license, and any DWI charge will make it harder for you to find a job or get affordable insurance.
As we said, it's no joke. You owe it to yourself to fight it as best you can.
But you don't have to fight alone. In fact, you want someone experienced who knows how they fight and how to defend against it.
Michael & Associates Knows How to Defend You
We've been fighting DWI cases for nearly a decade.
We've faced literally hundreds of DWI cases in and around New Braunfels, and we've got a majority of them dismissed or reduced.
We provide high-touch, white-glove DWI defense, treating each case individually so we can get you the best possible outcome.
Unlike many larger, cheaper firms, you aren't just a number to us. We value your time and circumstances.
To prove it, you get full access to Ben Michael - our managing partner - and to our best lawyers who can explain everything and make you comfortable.
Michael & Associates wants you to have the best chance at winning. Schedule a free case review so we can start formulating 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 New Braunfels
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Location: New Braunfels, TX
Allegations: Police claimed that the client was swerving between lanes as the reason for pulling him over. The Client failed his sobriety test and was taken to the police station.
Result: Dismissed after motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Location: New Braunfels, TX
Allegations: Police pulled the client over and he refused a breathalyzer. They implemented a sobriety test, which the client failed. He was taken into custody for his second offense.
Result: Case Pled Down to Reckless Driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Location: New Braunfels, TX
Allegations: Police arrested the client after he ran a stop sign. They then administered a breathalyzer and blood test.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In New Braunfels, the average annual cost of car insurance is $696. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,002, an increase of $306.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $720 | $672 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,037 | $968 |
| Increase | $317 | $296 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,056 | $612 | $612 | $558 | $504 | $516 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,521 | $881 | $881 | $804 | $726 | $743 |
| Increase | $465 | $269 | $269 | $246 | $222 | $227 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates promises two services: white glove treatment, and our total effort to achieve the best outcome possible.
Plenty of lawyers will charge you less and promise the world, but when a case gets tough and you have questions, where do you think they'll be? Do you think they're going to risk their time and effort for such a cheap price? More likely, they are going to take the easiest way out, and all too often that means cutting a deal that's not necessarily best for you.
At Michael & Associates, we limit our number of cases so that when we say to you that we'll give yours the attention it deserves, we mean it.
To prove our point, you'll get Ben Michael's personal cell phone, and you can text him anytime day or night. Other firms will stick you with a secretary and maybe a call back 3 days later if you're lucky.
Ben will walk you through every step and detail, and make sure that you feel comfortable the whole way through. We know how stressful this ordeal is, and it's our goal not only to get you the best possible outcome but to also make this as painless as possible.
We take on pretty much any type 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. Currently, we're taking on cases for all counties between Austin & San Antonio.
Driving While Intoxicated in New Braunfels
In New Braunfels, Comal and Gaudalupe Counties, and the rest of Texas, drivers caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be charged with driving while intoxicated. BAC is a measurement of how much alcohol is in your blood.
The number of drinks that will put you at a BAC of 0.08% depends on a number of factors, including the strength of the drinks, the time passed since consuming, your gender, your weight, and your tolerance.
In New Braunfels, 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
First, pull over immediately and safely. Don't try to evade the police, as you will likely fail to outrun them and will face further charges.
Once the officer approaches your vehicle, be extremely polite and obedient. The officer will first ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Tell them where these are located, and slowly move to retrieve these items.
Officers will typically ask if you know why they pulled you over. Simply say "No Sir" or "No Ma'am". This is because, in court, an officer must have a reason to justify pulling you over. You don't want to admit that they had a good reason.
You have the right to refuse both a field sobriety test and a preliminary breathalyzer test. If you believe you will fail, it is a good idea to refuse these. Simply state that you're not comfortable with either test and that you'd like to speak with your attorney before doing so. Always assume you are on video, so be as polite and even-keeled as possible.
You may still be arrested on the grounds of slurred speech, alcohol smell, or bloodshot eyes. Once arrested, you'll likely be asked to take a blood or breath test to establish BAC. If you do refuse, you are subject to a license suspension. However, if you fail the test, you are also subject to a license suspension. In either case, 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. Never plead guilty or give up when charged with a DUI. Whether it's your first or third DUI, fighting it will almost always yield a better outcome for you.
Helpful Locations for New Braunfels Residents
New Braunfels Courthouse
(830) 221-4180
550 Landa St.
New Braunfels TX 78130
nbtexas.org
New Braunfels Police Department
(830) 221-4100
1488 S Seguin Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
nbtexas.org
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(830) 625-0057
1142 Eikel St
New Braunfels, TX 78130
aa.org
Department of Motor Vehicles
(830) 629-5020
119 Conrads Ln
New Braunfels, TX 78130
dps.texas.gov