Understanding the DWI Process in Texas

San Antonio DWI Lawyer

A DWI legal process starts with an individual's arrest for driving while intoxicated. From that point, you are taken to jail, where you will be booked and formal charges will be made against you. You will face criminal allegations of breaking the law by driving while intoxicated, as well as action taken by the Texas Department of Public Safety to suspend your driver's license for a period of time. These are two separate sets of charges that will have to be addressed independently of one another by highly skilled lawyer John J. Fox.

The drivers' license issue will be one of the first to be handled, as this is an immediate matter that must be tackled within fifteen days after receiving notice of suspension from the arresting agency to challenge it in a DMV hearing. There are many defense tactics that can be employed in this hearing and waiving your right to contest the suspension will result in your license being automatically suspended and you will lose your driving privileges.

After the DWI Arrest

Depending on the severity of the arrest circumstances, you may either post bail or will be released, with a court date set for their arraignment. If you are not notified of this court date, find out when it is set for or have your attorney help you. The arraignment hearing is the next step, which is where the defendant will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty, although in many cases, it will be assumed that you are entering a "not guilty" plea and the next court date will be set, which is referred to as a "pre-trial conference."

This is where your San Antonio criminal defense attorney will have an opportunity to request that evidence be suppressed, certain matters get dismissed or enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution and present these matters to the presiding judge. If the case is not disposed of at this point, a trial date will be set and your lawyer will need to prepare for your case to be defended in front of a judge and jury. At the trial, you will either be found not guilty, in which case your charges would be dismissed, or guilty, which would take you to sentencing. A guilty verdict can result in severe punishment such as incarceration, fines, and a criminal record, so you will want to make sure that your choice of legal representation is made thoughtfully. You will want a law firm with proven results and extensive experience to stand by you throughout the DWI process.

The Law Firm of John J. Fox is prepared to provide you with the high level of representation you need and has a proven ability to win for our clients. We will zealously apply every possible measure in your defense to aggressively help protect your future freedom, driving privileges, and legal record.