Important Thing to Know after a DWI Arrest
Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated can be frightening. Most Texas residents who are charged with a DWI are normal, upstanding, law-abiding citizens. All it takes is a momentary lapse in judgment or an unfortunate mistake for good people to find themselves being treated as criminals. If convicted of a DWI, individuals can face a range of serious consequences, including a criminal record that may impact them for life. At Stephen T Bowling & Associates we practice exclusively as DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers. Whether you have been charged with a first offense DWI or are facing a felony charge, we will fight to mitigate the negative consequences, with our extensive law enforcement experience and detailed knowledge of the science behind a DWI arrest, we have had DWI charges of all levels dismissed. Here are the steps you need to take to get the process rolling.
Step One: Contact Stephen T Bowling & Associates
Following a DWI arrest, contact us right away at (512) 599-9000. We are available nights and weekends. We have had instances where a DWI charge was dismissed after we obtained evidence that would have otherwise been lost if we wouldn’t have sought it out immediately. These vary based on the case but a few we have seen are obtaining security camera footage or photos of the arrest area. We will schedule a free consultation where we explain the process and potential defenses to your DWI case. We will answer all your questions, such as: Is your license suspended immediately after a DWI arrest, What happens when you refuse a breathalyzer, and how much does a DWI cost? Our hope is that this will take away some of the stress of the unknown. You do have options that may result in a dismissal or a lighter penalty. We treat our position as DWI lawyers as a passion rather than a job. As such, we are happy to share our knowledge and tips to anyone going through this stressful time.
Step Two: Arrange a DMV Hearing
In Texas, if you are arrested for driving while intoxicated, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended unless an Administrative License Revocation hearing is requested. In order to appeal the suspension, you will need to arrange a hearing with the Department of Public Safety. This hearing is a civil case that is not connected to the criminal case in any way other than the evidence stems from the same event. We utilize this hearing to gather evidence that may help the criminal case. In fact, we’ve had cases dismissed on the criminal side based on testimony the officer provided during this hearing. This hearing must be requested within 15 days of the day you received notice. Once our team is acting as your Austin DWI Lawyer we will request this hearing on your behalf. All motions and dates pertaining to the license will be uploaded into the client portal in the Client Center so you are always up to date on the status. We strive to ensure you are able to drive to and from work and around Texas without issue.
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.
Step Three: Fight the DWI Charges
You are innocent until proven guilty. It may not feel that way based on bond conditions and the hassle that comes with having a pending criminal charge. The standard for an officer to arrest a person is far different than the standard for the state to convict that person. This means that although you were arrested it does not necessarily have to lead to a conviction. Despite the facts surrounding the arrest we will attack the charges with vigor on your behalf. We do this by challenging the methods and procedures used to arrest you and the science of the DWI breath or DWI blood test. We will make a determined effort to show that there is enough reasonable doubt to have the charges dismissed or establish other reasons why a conviction may not serve the best interests of justice will work tirelessly on your defense. No matter the facts, the team at Stephen T Bowling & Associates will work tirelessly as your DWI Lawyers to defend your case.
Step Four: Minimize the damage
If you are found guilty of a criminal offense, you will experience both mental and physical hardship. This can be in the form of serving jail time, dealing with probation, or dealing with a license suspension and surcharges. A DWI on your criminal record can preclude you from many employment opportunities and can permanently affect your reputation. In fact, a DWI in Texas can never be expunged, although it may be sealed. In some circumstances you may even be deported for a DWI conviction. As your Texas DWI Lawyers, we work diligently to prevent you from being convicted. The primary goal is to get a result in your case that will minimize the damage caused by a potential conviction. We will pursue your case until we are convinced that you have received a fair outcome, defending you all the way through a trial if necessary. Hard work and determination is what you can expect from our team. The main thought to keep in mind is no matter the outcome your life is not over.
Resources
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.
Reviewed at Google
“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.
Reviewed at Google
“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.
Reviewed at Google
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!!!!
