What do you do after a Texas DWI arrest? Should you accept losing your license and paying thousands of dollars in fines? Or should you try to fight the charges against you? The Fort Worth DWI attorneys at Hoeller & McLaughlin PLLC are here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the five most important things to keep in mind after law enforcement arrests you for DWI.
1. Breathalyzers and Blood Tests Aren’t Always Accurate
Though law enforcement places a lot of weight behind breathalyzers and blood tests, they’re not always completely accurate in determining your how intoxicated you are.
For example, since blood samples change many hands during analysis, there’s always the chance that your specimen suffered contamination. Also, both breath and blood tests require the use of machines that need to be carefully calibrated and maintained. If these machines are not properly cared for, they cannot give accurate results.
If you had to participate in a breathalyzer or blood test, or if the arrest occurred in a “No Refusal” county, speak to a DWI lawyer to learn how you can contest your results.
2. Sobriety Tests Aren’t Sufficient Proof
While prosecutors use Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) as undeniable proof of your level of intoxication during arrest, your DWI lawyer knows better.
Sobriety tests are nothing more than balance exercises aimed at gathering evidence against you. Just because you failed a One Leg Stand test, doesn’t mean you’re intoxicated. Though, law enforcement believes that once misplaced step is worthy of a Texas DWI arrest.
In truth, a failed field sobriety test could be the result of other physical, medical, or weather conditions. Because these tests are carried out in such a precise manner, they are open to human error. If none of these factors were considered during your Texas DWI arrest, your results are useless.
It is vital to remember that failed sobriety tests aren’t enough to prove that you are guilty of a DWI. With the help of your Texas DWI lawyer, you can fight the results of your field sobriety test.
3. Law Enforcement May Make Mistakes
Remember, a Texas DWI arrest does not make you guilty.
Police officers are human beings and make mistakes just like everyone else. These mistakes can result in wrongfully conducting a field sobriety test, or inaccurately administering a breathalyzer or blood test. Sometimes, law enforcement officers even make mistakes in following certain protocols as well.
We’ve defended numerous defendants whose cases were thrown out simply because the officer made mistakes during the stop or arrest. To learn more about how we may be able to help you avoid a DWI conviction, contact us today.
4. Challenge the Suspension of Your Driver’s License
More than likely, after your Texas DWI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety will suspend or revoke your driver’s license. Law enforcement will often make you feel like losing your license is your only option at the time of your arrest.
However, that’s not true. You can fight your license suspension.
Act fast though, as you only have 15 days after receiving your notice of suspension or revocation to challenge it. Your Texas DWI lawyer will file an ALR hearing request to contest your license suspension. As soon as the state office receives your lawyer’s request, the suspension of your license will halt until your hearing takes place.
You don’t need to drive with an Occupational Driver’s License and pay thousands of dollars to reinstate your license. Our team at Hoeller & McLaughlin PLLC have successfully contested numerous ALR proceedings.
If you have just received your Texas license suspension notice, contact a DWI lawyer as soon as possible. You don’t have to lose your license because of your Texas DWI arrest.
5. Not All DWI Attorneys Are Created Equal
DWI defense is complex. Every case requires an unique approach based on the various legal, physical, and scientific factors. You need specialized talent to defend you. Let’s put it this way, would you let any random doctor perform brain surgery on you?
No. You want a doctor that is both experienced and knowledgeable. Likewise, when it comes to Texas DWI, you need a specialized DWI lawyer to defend you.
Contact a Texas DWI Lawyer Today
When your life, license, and livelihood are on the line, you need to speak to a DWI attorney who can help you avoid the penalties of a DWI conviction. Our lawyers at Hoeller & McLaughlin PLLC will help you fight your Texas DWI arrest and the charges against you.
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Highly recommend! Colin thank you so much for your dedication. Thank you for actually wanting to sincerely help and give us the best outcome we can get. You are by far one of the best. You helped my bf reschedule a court date after it was missed and was able to give him the same plea deal. Thank you again Colin.
Kassandra H
Absolutely wonderful! Collin was fantastic. He really fought for me and I am very happy with the outcome of my case. He really fought for my case to have a positive outcome and was supportive, easy to get ahold of when needed and walked me through everything. I would definitely recommend him to anyone and everyone!!
Stephanie M
I would highly recommend Hoeller McLaughlin. They helped my husband on a probation violation case and did an excellent job. Dustin Trammel was our attorney and he communicated with us and was supportive and helpful throughout the process. Very good legal service and would recommend this firm.
Hillary G
Colin by far has been one of the BEST attorneys in Ft. Worth. His dedication and attentiveness really shows not only in court but with the client and family. Great communication, easy web portal and friendly staff. 5 stars are NOT enough. Thank you Colin
Stephanie Alvarado
I can not say enough about how grateful I am that Dustin Trammel was my attorney! Having no experience with court proceedings, Dustin explained everything and stayed in touch with me the entire time. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney! Very highly recommend!!
Brenna Mills
