{"id":876,"date":"2023-08-15T23:29:33","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T05:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/?page_id=876"},"modified":"2023-11-26T20:14:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T03:14:29","slug":"dwi-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"DWI FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_It_Mean_to_Be_Intoxicated_in_the_State_of_Texas\"><\/span>What Does It Mean to Be Intoxicated in the State of Texas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The State of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.49.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas defines \u201cintoxication\u201d<\/a>&nbsp;as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body. It also defines it as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. The Prosecution is only tasked with proving that a driver falls into one of these definitions.&nbsp;<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#What_Does_It_Mean_to_Be_Intoxicated_in_the_State_of_Texas\" title=\"What Does It Mean to Be Intoxicated in the State of Texas?\">What Does It Mean to Be Intoxicated in the State of Texas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#What_Are_the_Differences_Between_a_DWI_and_a_DUI\" title=\"What Are the Differences Between a DWI and a DUI?\">What Are the Differences Between a DWI and a DUI?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#If_Stopped_by_the_Police_After_Drinking_What_Should_I_Do\" title=\"If Stopped by the Police After Drinking, What Should I Do?\">If Stopped by the Police After Drinking, What Should I Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#How_Soon_Can_I_Speak_With_My_Attorney_if_Stopped_for_a_DWI\" title=\"How Soon Can I Speak With My Attorney if Stopped for a DWI?\">How Soon Can I Speak With My Attorney if Stopped for a DWI?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#Should_I_Take_a_Field_Sobriety_Test\" title=\"Should I Take a Field Sobriety Test?\">Should I Take a Field Sobriety Test?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#What_Can_Happen_if_I_Am_Convicted_of_a_DWI\" title=\"What Can Happen if I Am Convicted of a DWI?\">What Can Happen if I Am Convicted of a DWI?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#How_Long_Do_DWI_Convictions_Stay_on_My_Record\" title=\"How Long Do DWI Convictions Stay on My Record?\">How Long Do DWI Convictions Stay on My Record?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#Is_It_Mandatory_to_Have_an_Ignition_Interlock_Device_Put_in_My_Car_to_Get_Out_of_Jail\" title=\"Is It Mandatory to Have an Ignition Interlock Device Put in My Car to Get Out of Jail?\">Is It Mandatory to Have an Ignition Interlock Device Put in My Car to Get Out of Jail?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#What_is_a_Restricted_License_and_How_Do_I_Get_One\" title=\"What is a Restricted License and How Do I Get One?\">What is a Restricted License and How Do I Get One?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#Can_I_Get_Probation_or_%E2%80%9Cdeferred_Adjudication%E2%80%9D_Instead_of_Jail_Time\" title=\"Can I Get Probation or \u201cdeferred Adjudication\u201d Instead of Jail Time?\">Can I Get Probation or \u201cdeferred Adjudication\u201d Instead of Jail Time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#What_if_There_is_a_Child_in_the_Vehicle_When_Im_Arrested_for_a_DWI\" title=\"What if There is a Child in the Vehicle When I\u2019m Arrested for a DWI?\">What if There is a Child in the Vehicle When I\u2019m Arrested for a DWI?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/resources\/dwi-faq\/#Working_With_an_Experienced_Attorney\" title=\"Working With an Experienced Attorney\">Working With an Experienced Attorney<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Differences_Between_a_DWI_and_a_DUI\"><\/span>What Are the Differences Between a DWI and a DUI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though similar, there is a clear difference between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.txdot.gov\/inside-txdot\/division\/traffic\/safety\/sober-safe\/intoxication.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)<\/a>&nbsp;in Texas. To be charged with a DUI, you must be under the legal drinking age of 21, be arrested while operating a motor vehicle in a public place, and have any amount of alcohol detected in your system. It is important to note that you do not have to be intoxicated to be charged with a DUI. DWI charges indicate that you are over the age of 21, and operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_Stopped_by_the_Police_After_Drinking_What_Should_I_Do\"><\/span>If Stopped by the Police After Drinking, What Should I Do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In any circumstance, it is imperative that you are respectful of the law enforcement officer that has pulled you over. You do not have to answer any of the officer\u2019s questions and can request to speak with your attorney before facing any questions. However, if you have only had one or two drinks, in some instances, it may be okay to let the officer know this as this is not a clear indication of intoxication. Though in most scenarios, it is top to contact your attorney.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Soon_Can_I_Speak_With_My_Attorney_if_Stopped_for_a_DWI\"><\/span>How Soon Can I Speak With My Attorney if Stopped for a DWI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to popular belief, you do not have the right to immediately speak to your attorney when pulled over for a DWI. In the State of Texas, you only have the right to speak with your attorney after the police officers on the scene complete their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dps.texas.gov\/section\/driver-license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">initial investigation<\/a>&nbsp;and you have been booked in jail. It is important to remember this and not answer questions or participate in tests on the scene. As this information can be negatively used against you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Take_a_Field_Sobriety_Test\"><\/span>Should I Take a Field Sobriety Test?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be thinking, \u201cI\u2019ve only had one drink\u201d or \u201cI can certainly pass a field sobriety test.\u201d However, the police will use the results of these tests to help build their case against you. In most instances, it is top if you politely decline their requests and opt to speak with your lawyer after being arrested. It is important to note that your license can be suspended for up to two years (in severe cases) if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test. However, you have the right to request a hearing with the State Office of Administrative Hearings to circumvent this. It must be done within 15 days of the arrest though.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Happen_if_I_Am_Convicted_of_a_DWI\"><\/span>What Can Happen if I Am Convicted of a DWI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Texas, mandatory jail time is levied against people convicted of a DWI. That can range from three days to 10 years depending on how many times you have been convicted of the offense. Furthermore, you will heavy face fines ($2,000 to $10,000), likely probation, license suspension, and be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. It should be noted that you will have to pay for the installation yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Do_DWI_Convictions_Stay_on_My_Record\"><\/span>How Long Do DWI Convictions Stay on My Record?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>DWI convictions to not drop off of your record. They stay indefinitely. If it is your first offense, you may be eligible to apply for a \u201cnon-disclosure.\u201d Which means that your record cannot be seen by everyone. However, you will have to wait at least two years after your probation period ends before applying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Mandatory_to_Have_an_Ignition_Interlock_Device_Put_in_My_Car_to_Get_Out_of_Jail\"><\/span>Is It Mandatory to Have an Ignition Interlock Device Put in My Car to Get Out of Jail?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If it is your first offense of DWI, some judges show leniency and do not require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle as a condition of your bond. However, if you have been convicted of a DWI before, you will have to have one installed. Furthermore, you will not be able to drive any vehicle that doesn\u2019t have one installed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Restricted_License_and_How_Do_I_Get_One\"><\/span>What is a Restricted License and How Do I Get One?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This can also be called an occupational license. It gives a person convicted of a DWI the ability to drive a non-commercial vehicle for a limited amount of reasons to such as driving to work, taking care of essential household or personal obligations and\/or for educational reasons. If approved, you must fulfill other requirements within 30 days of the order for the actual license to be issued. They include showing proof of SR-22 insurance, paying a license and reinstatement fee as well as an SR-37 form.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_Get_Probation_or_%E2%80%9Cdeferred_Adjudication%E2%80%9D_Instead_of_Jail_Time\"><\/span>Can I Get Probation or \u201cdeferred Adjudication\u201d Instead of Jail Time?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are few crimes in the State of Texas that do not allow for deferred adjudication. DWI offenses are one of them. However, if you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for probation or community service in lieu of jail time. This will depend on your record and how severe your DWI case it. Furthermore, it will be at the judge\u2019s discretion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_There_is_a_Child_in_the_Vehicle_When_Im_Arrested_for_a_DWI\"><\/span>What if There is a Child in the Vehicle When I\u2019m Arrested for a DWI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, DWI offenses are classified as a misdemeanor. However, if you are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/fort-worth-dwi-lawyer\/dwi-with-a-child-passanger\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">convicted of DWI with a minor<\/a>&nbsp;(under the age of 14) in the car, you could be convicted of a felony offense.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working_With_an_Experienced_Attorney\"><\/span>Working With an Experienced Attorney<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, DWI offenses are complicated. From the moment of arrest to the trial, there are many pitfalls that you will want to avoid in order to have your case potentially dismissed, your charges decreased, or have a lighter punishment imposed. At Cole Paschall Law we have almost&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/fort-worth-dwi-lawyer\/\">30 years of experience with DWI offense<\/a>&nbsp;and intend on using our expertise to fight your case. If you have been arrested for DWI,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/contact\/\">give us a call&nbsp;<\/a>as soon as you can so we can get to work on your case.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does It Mean to Be Intoxicated in the State of Texas? The State of&nbsp;Texas defines \u201cintoxication\u201d&nbsp;as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":789,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page_practice-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/876"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=876"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/876\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1793,"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/876\/revisions\/1793"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/colepaschalllaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}