DWI Accidents & Criminal Charges
If you have been arrested for an Austin DWI after being involved in an automobile accident, our team of lawyers at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to provide you with the defense and legal counsel you need.
Penalties for a DWI conviction following an accident can be the most severe, depending on the circumstances of your case. It is imperative to your case to have legal counsel that is knowledgeable, capable, and motivated to defend you against these charges. The team at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys is not only experienced in defending DWI clients in DWI cases involving accidents, but two of the team have also made DWI arrests while in law enforcement prior to becoming a lawyer and one member of the team is a former felony DWI prosecutor! This experience gives us a unique perspective in DWI cases and insight into the specific skills needed to defend your charges.
There are several ways that an accident, even without serious injury, can impact the outcome of your case. One way is the field sobriety test. After an accident the person may not be a candidate for the standardized field sobriety tests to determine intoxication. However, law enforcement officers often still attempt to conduct the tests as part of the arrests. This is counter to the training the officers receive on how and when to conduct the standardized field sobriety tests.
There have been instances where we have obtained dismissals on DWI charges after an accident by knowing how to counter the DWI charge. In fact, we even had a DWI dismissal after an accident for a client who had previously served seven years on an Intoxication Manslaughter charge in another state by knowing where to look and how to fight the arrest after a DWI accident.
If you have been arrested…
Your FREEDOM is potentially at stake. A conviction can have a huge impact on your job, relationships, and your future. You need to act fast.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES?
The state of Texas takes DWI offenses very seriously, especially when the alleged offense results in an accident involving other vehicles. In 2015, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that 886 fatal accidents within the state that year involved an intoxicated driver.
If the case does not involve serious injury you will face the same consequences as a non-accident DWI. However, using our knowledge of the studies behind the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests; we can show the Jury that the test results may not be valid because of the accident.
Because of the threat to public safety, penalties for DWI accidents are especially severe in order to serve as a disincentive. If someone else was “seriously” injured in an accident where the defendant was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Texas law provides for a charge of intoxication assault.
This is a third-degree felony with penalties including:
- At least 2 but no more than 10 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in court fines
- Between 160 and 600 hours of community service
An accident involving intoxicated driving and resulting in a fatality could lead to a more severe charge of intoxication manslaughter. At Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are here to provide you with the information you need about your rights and the legal defense you deserve.
Proven Defense by a Former Law Enforcement Officer
Many people who are charged with an Austin DWI just assume there is no way to fight it. They think the best they can hope for is a smaller fine or a reduction in the amount of time they lose their license. We focus on defending anyone accused of a DWI. With the right legal counsel, there are other outcomes. Depending on the facts of the case, what if…
- Instead of months of suspension, you don’t lose your license at all?
- Instead of making a deal for probation, you never get convicted?
- Instead of having a DWI conviction, your record stays clean?
- Instead of cutting bad deals, you get a vigorous DWI defense?
While every case depends on the facts and circumstances at play, mounting an aggressive defense to DWI charges may be your best option. The Austin Criminal Defense attorneys at Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, handle all drunk driving cases, defending clients in both the criminal proceedings and driver’s license hearings.
Don’t trust just anyone with your DWI defense. Contact the law firm of Stephen T Bowling, DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, at 512-599-9000 to schedule your free consultation with an Austin DWI lawyer or San Antonio DWI attorney to discover some strategies we pursue in defending Driving While Intoxicated cases.
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Testimonials
“This guy honestly won’t give up. He’ll look at all the different angles when he builds your case. Definitely recommend.”
by Chelsea M.
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“I would highly recommend this team to anyone in need of a team of serious lawyers who can get you the results you need. “
by Ryan M.
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“David Thomas is a highly recommended attorney! He was able to resolve a case within months, which was taking another attorney 3 years.”
by Somira K.
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Sworn to Protect Our
Client’s Liberty.
KEPT US UP TO DATE EACH STEP OF THE WAY
Stephen Bowling, reviewed our case and discussed his recommendations clearly. He kept us up to date each step of the way with continued explanations. He was readily available for questions/concerns through the process. We would reach out to them again in the future for any legal concerns.
Helen
VERY COMMUNICATIVE AND VERY UNDERSTANDING
Stephen is Great, Great , Lawyer!! He give you weekly updates on not just your case but also on what’s going on with his firm as well!!! Stephen is also very communicative and very understanding on any situation!! I would hands down Refer Stephen to anyone with any situation!!! Great job Stephen words can’t describe what you have done for me!!!!
