Being charged in Texas with driving while intoxicated carries the risk of severe penalties as well as heavy costs. Even a first DWI offense can mean serving jail time in addition to paying fines, court fees and other related costs. A defendant may also have to observe probation conditions, attend DWI driver education programs and perform community service. All of these consequences must be considered in mounting the strongest defense possible at the earliest stages of a DWI case.
The near-term monetary costs, even for a first DWI offense, are significant. A convicted offender might expect to pay the following charges:
Although attorneys’ fees must be added to the cost, they are essential to raising an effective defense that can help reduce the penal consequences and long-term effects of a DWI conviction. A conviction may lead to personal and financial problems after the court case is closed. A defendant may lose his or her job if driving is a job function, if a security clearance is required or if the DWI otherwise violates the employer’s policy. A DWI conviction may also be a precursor to divorce and in turn can cause problems in securing child custody or visitation. Finally, a DWI will surely cause the offender’s auto insurance premiums to increase dramatically.
Kevin L. Collins, P.C. is a full-service criminal defense law firm in San Antonio, Texas. Our attorneys are highly experienced in defending people with DWI charges and the related administrative matters. If you have been accused of DWI, feel free to contact us online or call 210-598-8629 for an initial consultation.