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Top- Rated DWI Attorneys & Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Award Winning DWI Lawyers
Why do I need your Criminal Defense Lawyers or DWI Attorneys?
Texas state prosecutors work hard to secure convictions in their cases. If arrested, or being questioned, you should consult with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible. It is likely we can minimize penalties you face: jail time, hefty fines, and damage to your reputation. It is critical to hire a criminal defense attorney with significant experience, a strong reputation, and the knowledge to defend your case. The criminal defense lawyers and DWI attorneys at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys are not afraid to challenge prosecutors.
We work vigorously to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced. If a dismissal is not possible, our Austin criminal defense attorneys continue to negotiate with prosecutors, while building the strongest defense we can for trial. We investigate, interview, and work to exclude damaging evidence. The team of Criminal Defense Attorneys at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys has defended thousands of cases with an astonishing dismissal rate.
Do I need an experienced DWI Lawyer?
Getting charged with impaired driving is different from other criminal charges. A Texas DWI conviction can never be expunged. This means a previous conviction can be used decades later to enhance a new DWI arrest. Not only do you face jail time and fines, you also have to defend your driver’s license at a civil hearing against the Texas Department of Public Safety’s administrative suspension. With much of our livelihood in Texas connected with being able to drive places, you need quality representation to protect your freedom and license. The scientific nature of Driving While Intoxicated charges necessitates an experienced DWI defense lawyer with knowledge of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, the intricacies of breath and blood tests, the possible errors in test results, the scientific data to argue the reliability of these tests, and the experience to articulate how the possible issues impact your case.
Should I hire an experienced Domestic Violence Attorney?
Causing, or threatening to cause, bodily injury against a member of your family or household can have serious, permanent consequences. There is a low bar for officers to arrest you and it’s not unusual to rely mostly on witness testimony rather than physical evidence. The downside to this is an alleged “victim” can cause self-harm or make up a story that could lead to a lifelong conviction. Similar to Texas DWI convictions, a Domestic Violence conviction will lead to an enhanced charge if you are ever arrested for Domestic Violence again in Texas. In addition, the violent nature of domestic violence and the associated conviction may impact your current or future employment. With these potential consequences it is in your interest to hire an experienced Domestic Violence Attorney.
Why should I hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for Drug Charges?
From the simple possession of marijuana all the way up to the distribution of controlled substances, drug charges are treated seriously in Texas and they can carry lifelong consequences. No matter the offense, you need quality legal representation with your drug charge to get the best outcome. A few unexpected consequences of a Drug Conviction in Texas are a possible driver’s license suspension and losing eligibility for federal student loans. These in addition to potential employment issues, future housing applications seeing you have a drug conviction, and having a permanent criminal record are critical reasons to hire and experienced drug charges lawyer if you are facing charges.
Do I need a Criminal Defense Lawyer to fight Weapons Charges?
It is possible to get charged with a Weapons Charge when arrested for a non-weapon related crime. A common weapons charge we encounter is a concealed handgun license holder arrested for a non-weapon related crime, such as Driving While Intoxicated. In addition to the DWI, the client is also charged with Unlawful Carry of a Weapon because the presence of the weapon in the vehicle while “engaged in criminal activity” leads to the UCW charge. A Class B or higher conviction for a weapons charge could lead to jail time, fines, the potentially the inability to own a legal handgun in Texas. The laws and regulations governing weapons are complex. The experienced team of Criminal Defense Lawyers at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and skill necessary to maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome to your case.
How do I Consult an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney?
Every criminal case is different. What is common to all criminal cases is the need for an experienced, zealous, and aggressive criminal defense attorney. At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys our team of Criminal Defense Lawyers know what to look for, have the knowledge to navigate your case, and the experience to fight for the best outcome to your case. When you call our office, or submit a web form, we will schedule a Free Consultation for you to meet with one of our team members.
At your Free Consultation we will discuss the specific facts of your case, the consequences of a conviction, and apply the facts of your case to the law and our experience. This will allow us to give you an idea of the way we would fight your case along with the outcome we would strive to achieve. The consultation typically last 30 minutes but may go longer depending on the case facts. Our goal is for you to feel knowledgeable about your case and options whether you hire us or not.
In addition to discussing the specific facts of your case we will also discuss payment and options. A criminal charge is not something most people are budgeting for. This surprise expense often makes it difficult to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys we want to help those charged with a crime even if they can’t pay in full at the outset.
A few ways we make affordability easier for clients is:
1. Flat Fee representation.
Although there are a growing number of attorneys who offer flat fee representation it is still common to charge a “Trial Fee”. This is an additional fee if your case needs to go to trial. We don’t agree that these cases are truly “Flat Fee”. A “flat fee” should be the fee you pay for representation and not part of the fee but an additional fee if your case needs it. We charge one fee for representation of your criminal case.
2. No Trial Fee.
We don’t agree with charging a trial fee. If you hire the attorneys at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys for your case we expect to get you the best outcome we can. We don’t try to get you the best outcome we can unless the State doesn’t agree. There are times the State’s prosecutors may not want to give us the outcome we seek. When this happens we don’t expect you to settle for the best pre-trial offer the prosecutor will give you. We expect to go the next round of fighting.
The best outcomes frequently require we have the ability to go to trial. We never want someone to hire us and have to settle just because they don’t have more money to finish the case. It is rare that a case goes to trial but a critical part of achieving the best outcome sometimes require we prepare for trial and make the State truly dig into the potential issues with the case to get a great outcome. This is why our flat fee includes trial.
3. In house payment plans.
A criminal charge is not something most people budget for. We do not want anyone to settle for inadequate or inexperienced representation because they are unable to pay us upfront. As such we generally allow clients to pay a small fee up front followed by monthly payments. We will discuss the flat fee and payment terms during your Free Consultation.
If you have been accused or charged with a crime, or you are unhappy with your current representation, consult our firm. All of our consultations are at no cost to you, confidential, and protected by the attorney-client privilege. Call 24/7 to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers and dwi attorneys.
Top-Rated Austin DWI Attorneys
How Can I Keep My Texas Driver License?
When you first acquire your driver’s license, you sign a contract evidenced by your signature under your picture. Specifically, you agreed to abide by the Implied Consent Law. Essentially, you agreed you will provide a breath and/or blood sample if arrested for a DWI. The State then agrees to provide you with a driver license. If you do not the implied consent law authorizes a police officer to confiscate your driver license and automatically suspend it if 1) you provide a sample .08 or higher; or 2) you refuse to provide a breath and/or blood sample.
Your criminal defense attorney only has 15 days from the date of arrest to file for an ALR hearing. Filing the request in a timely manner means your driver’s license will NOT be suspended, if at all, pending the ALR hearing. If the request is sent after 15 days, an ALR hearing will not be granted. This has two effects: 1) you waive the opportunity to have a hearing, so your license or privilege to drive on Texas roadways will then be suspended after 40 days from the date of arrest; and 2) the opportunity to cross examine the police officers is lost which in forfeits the ability of your DWI lawyer to question the officer under oath.
Do I Have to Answer Police Questions During a DWI Traffic Stop?
An officer who suspects that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will likely ask you questions such as:
- Where are you coming from?
- Where are you going?
- How many drinks have you had tonight?
These questions are designed to get the evidence to arrest you for DWI. Additionally, your answers are likely being recorded and will be used against you. For that reason, we recommend that you give officers any more information than is necessary. This means nothing more outside of identifying yourself and providing proof of insurance. The less evidence the officer has against you the more likely your case will be dismissed later.
Do I Have to do the Field Sobriety Tests?
Even though it may not seem that way, the field sobriety tests are completely voluntary. You should not submit yourself to the field sobriety tests for the same reason you should not answer police questions: it provides police and prosecutors with more evidence against you. As your DWI lawyer we suggest politely declining. The officer will attempt several times to get you to do the tests. Keep politely declining and say, “My friend is one of the best DWI attorneys and he said these test are not accurate and not to do them.”
Do I Have to Give a Breath or Blood Sample?
No, you do not have to give the officer your breath or blood sample. There is very little upside to providing a sample and providing one is not likely to prevent you from going to jail. Moreover, the tests used by law enforcement have flaws that can result in inaccuracies that work in favor of the state. It is likely you will have your license suspended for refusing these tests, however, you will not be providing significant pieces of evidence for the State to use against you.
As your DWI lawyers we have seen many blood tests that were delayed because a warrant was needed because of a refusal. This extra time allowed for the client’s BAC to decrease and help achieve a better outcome for the case. If suspected of a DWI for drugs we encourage getting a private test as soon as possible. At worst we don’t use it, at best it may lead to a dismissal. This goes for both illegal and prescription drug DWI arrests.
Will it Help Me if I Consent to a Search?
No. Never consent to any searches of your person or your vehicle by the police. Police may not search you or your property without probable cause. Consented searches are also very difficult to challenge in court. Politely tell them, “My criminal defense lawyer said never consent to a search.” An illegal search may lead to the State unable to use the illegally found evidence against you.
Now is Not the Time to Fight Your Case!
Although it’s not illegal to argue or disagree with a police officer, it usually does more harm than good. The best strategy is to remain polite, assert your rights, and wait to fight your case in court. As your criminal attorneys we can’t stress enough the importance of keeping quiet.
Remain Silent!
Trying to talk your way out of being arrested may seem like a good idea. Don’t do it! We highly discourage saying anything because it can be used against you. Additionally, as your Criminal Defense Lawyer we recommend not arguing with the officers. You will not change the officer’s decision for the arrest. Rather, you will provide footage that the State’s prosecutors may try to use to convict you or charge you with another crime.
What if I Have a Previous DWI Conviction?
Each additional DWI you get will get harsher and harsher punishment. Other aggravating factors, such as having a child in the vehicle or a high BAC will also increase the punishment.
What are the Penalties for a DWI Conviction?
A 1st offense DWI Penalty without any enhancing factors is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours. This equals a 1st offense Driving While Intoxicated penalty of:
- Up to $3,000 in fines. If your BAC is over a .15, the possible fine may be up to $6,000.
- Jail time between 3 days and 180 days.
- License suspension for up to 2 years.
- DWI intervention or education program.
- Possible ignition interlock device.
Note: An experienced DWI attorney will likely keep you from serving any jail time.
A 2nd offense DWI Penalty without any enhancing factors is a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 30 days. This equals a 2nd offense DWI penalty of:
- Up to $4,500 in various fines.
- Jail time between 30 days and 1 year.
- License suspension between 180 days and 2 years.
- Ignition Interlock Device (Breath device in vehicle)
A 3rd offense DWI Penalty without any enhancing factors is a felony of the third degree. This equals a 3rd offense penalty of:
- Up to a $10,000 fine.
- Jail time between 2 years and 10 years.
- Rehabilitative confinement for alcohol treatment
Other Consequences for DWIs
Outside of jail time and fines, you can face other consequences from having a DWI conviction on your record.
- A DWI Can Jeopardize Your Career. A DWI on your record can make it more difficult to get a job or a professional license. Some employers and licensing boards see a DWI as a possibly dangerous substance abuse problem that could endanger patrons or patients.
- A DWI is Evidence Against You in Child Custody Disputes. Your ex could use your DWI as a way to further limit your access and visitation. This is especially true if your DWI involved having a child in the vehicle.
- You Could Have Immigration Issues. Certain types of DWI convictions can cause you to lose your green card and render you deportable. You could also face issues when you return from international travel or apply to become a U.S. citizen.
- You Could Lose Your Right to Possess Firearms. If your DWI conviction is a felony, you will lose your constitutional right to own firearms.
Can I Get a DWI Off My Record?
An experienced DWI attorney may be able to navigate to an outcome that will allow an expungement of the DWI. Texas law currently prohibits expungement of DWI convictions.
An expunction is the destruction of your arrest and associated criminal record. It allows you to legally deny the arrest for the offense. To qualify for an expunction of a DWI arrest, your case must end in a dismissal or Not Guilty at Trial. However, a case that concludes with a conviction might qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure.
An order of nondisclosure seals your criminal record and only certain agencies can have access to it. For the most part, this is only available to first time DWI offenders with no other criminal history outside of fine-only traffic offenses. A DWI cannot involve an accident involving another person, including your passenger. Finally, anyone convicted of a DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher is ineligible for a nondisclosure. The waiting period for sealing a DWI conviction is 2-5 years, depending on the final disposition.
The DWI & Criminal Defense Attorney Promise to You
Our team of Criminal Defense Lawyers, DWI Attorneys, and support staff are committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Stephen’s arrest while in the military led him to start his own firm. He had a terrible experience with the lack of communication from the attorney he hired. Throughout the case he was only able to get one call back and never another update on his case.
As such, Stephen ensures his staff and attorneys are available for phone calls and always keep you up to date on your case. You can rest assured that we will do everything possible to resolve your DWI case with a positive result. We pride ourselves on our high success rate in the complicated field of Texas DWI Law. Using our expertise and experience, we will devote tireless energy as we advocate as your criminal defense attorney.
