Frisco DWI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for First-Time DWI, Multiple DWI, Felony DWI, and More in Frisco, TX

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you may face multiple types of serious legal consequences. The effects of a DWI charge may impact nearly every aspect of your life. In addition to large fines and a potential jail sentence, transportation may be more difficult due to a driver's license suspension, and your employment opportunities may be limited due to a DWI conviction on your record.

You will need to determine how to respond to DWI charges, and with the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, you can take steps to avoid a conviction or reduce the penalties that could affect your life. At Barbieri Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers can provide the legal help you need, advising you on the defense strategies that may be available. We will take steps to minimize the consequences you may face or have DWI charges dismissed altogether.

Legal Help From a DWI Defense Attorney

When you are dealing with a DWI charge, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process and intimidated by police officers or court officials. Our attorneys can assist with your case by:

• Evaluating the Legality of the Traffic Stop: A law enforcement officer must have a valid reason, known as reasonable suspicion, to pull a driver over. If you were arrested after a traffic stop that was conducted without sufficient cause, any evidence gathered may be challenged in court.
• Reviewing Field Sobriety Test Procedures: Physical tests that officers ask drivers to perform during traffic stops may determine whether there is probable cause to arrest a person for DWI. These tests must be administered according to strict guidelines. Improper instructions, poor testing conditions, or medical conditions may have affected your performance. Our lawyers can argue against the results of any tests that were performed.
• Challenging Breath or Blood Test Results: The tests performed to measure a person's blood alcohol concentration after a DWI arrest can serve as crucial evidence in a case. However, chemical testing devices must be properly maintained and operated. Errors in administering tests, calibrating devices, or handling samples can raise doubts about the validity of the test results.
• Negotiating With Prosecutors: In some cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed through effective negotiation. Our attorneys will identify the options that may be available, and when appropriate, we may seek to have charges dropped or negotiate plea agreements that will allow for reduced penalties, probation, or deferred adjudication.
• Defense in Court: Our lawyers will work to secure an acquittal when possible. If necessary, we can provide representation during a trial and present a compelling defense backed by evidence, legal arguments, and close cross-examinations of police officers or other witnesses.

Penalties for DWI in Texas

A conviction for DWI can lead to serious consequences, even for a first offense. The penalties will increase with each additional offense, and in some cases, felony charges may apply based on the factors involved in a case. Potential charges and penalties may include:

• First-Time DWI Offense:If you have no previous DWI convictions, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. This could result in a sentence of up to six months in jail, with a minimum sentence of 72 hours. You may also face a fine as high as $2,000, and your driver's license will be suspended for up to one year.
• Second DWI Offense: With one previous DWI conviction on your record, another DWI will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. You could be sentenced to up to one year in jail, with a minimum sentence of 30 days. The maximum fine will be $4,000, and your driver's license will be suspended for up to two years.
• Third or Subsequent DWI Offense:With two or more previous DWI convictions on your record, subsequent charges will be classified as third-degree felonies. If convicted, you will face a minimum prison sentence of two years and a maximum of 10 years. The fines may be as high as $10,000, and your license will be suspended for up to two years.
• Felony DWI: In addition to repeat offenses, DWI may be charged as a felony if it involves serious bodily injury (intoxication assault), death (intoxication manslaughter), or if a child passenger under the age of 15 was in the vehicle. Intoxication assault is a third-degree felony, and intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. DWI with a minor passenger is a state jail felony that could lead to a sentence ranging from six months to two years.

Representation for Underage DUI

Drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from drinking and driving in Texas. A minor can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they have any alcohol in their system, even if they are below the standard adult legal limit of 0.08 percent BAC. Penalties may include fines up to $500, a driver's license suspension lasting between 30 days and 180 days, community service for eight to 40 hours, and mandatory alcohol education classes.

At Barbieri Law Firm, our lawyers work with families to help young clients against these DUI charges. We work to protect the futures of children who have been arrested for drinking and driving, helping to limit the long-term consequences of a criminal record.

Contact Our Frisco, Texas DWI Defense Attorneys

When you have been charged with DWI in Frisco, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights and preserve your driving privileges. The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm can review the circumstances of your arrest, explain your options, and build a defense strategy that will help you resolve your case successfully. To schedule a free, confidential consultation and begin defending your future, contact our Frisco DWI lawyers at 972-424-1902.