Katy DWI Lawyer

Katy DWI Attorney

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can lead to strict penalties that limit your freedom. Facing criminal charges can be confusing and stressful, but you aren’t alone. A Katy DWI lawyer can guide you through this process and build a defense that may lead to reduced penalties or the dismissal of charges.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we are committed to criminal defense cases and have helped over 5,000 Texans fight against criminal charges. We can defend against DWI and DWI-related charges, protecting your rights and your freedoms. Our attorneys can push for dismissal of charges and reduced sentences to limit a DWI’s impact on your future.

DWI Charge

Drinking and driving can lead to dangerous driving decisions and devastating tragedy. In Katy, there are about 20 alcohol-related crashes a year. In Texas, you are legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08%, but you can be charged with a DWI even if your BAC is below this limit, as long as alcohol or drugs impair your driving ability.

Understanding Additional Charges

It is possible to face additional charges for a DWI. Some common charges include:

• Chemical test refusal: Under Texas’s Implied Consent Law, you must submit to chemical testing if you have been arrested for DWI. Refusing or failing a chemical test can result in Administrative License Revocation (ALR). Your lawyer can help you combat this charge and prevent license revocation through an ALR hearing.
• Open container: It is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the car, even if you were not actively drinking from it or are sober. If you receive a DWI charge and an open container charge, the open container charge increases in severity and can greatly increase the consequences of a conviction.
• Child endangerment: Child endangerment charges can occur if there was a child under the age of 15 in the car while you were DWI. Child endangerment is a felony and results in severe consequences, including a fine of up to $10,000, up to 2 years in prison, and potentially losing custody or visitation rights of your child.

Penalties for DWI in Katy, TX

DWI in Katy, TX carries strict penalties that reflect the danger of drinking and driving. In Harris County, alcohol-related crashes resulted in 30.7% of traffic deaths, placing it in the worst 25% of Texas counties for alcohol-related traffic deaths. Penalties can be even harsher if aggravating factors are present. For your first DWI offenses, penalties could include:

• A fine of up to $2,000
• Between 3 and 180 days in jail
• License suspension for up to 2 years
• DWI education or intervention program
• Between $1,000 and $2,000 annually for up to three years to keep your license
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

For a second DWI offense, penalties could include:

• A fine of up to $4,000
• Between 1 month and 1 year in jail
• License suspension for up to 2 years
• DWI education or intervention program
• Between $1,000 and $2,000 annually for up to three years to keep your license
• Installation of an IID

A third DWI offense is a felony, carrying more serious penalties such as:

• A fine of up to $10,000
• Between 2 and 10 years in prison
• License suspension for up to 2 years
• DWI education or intervention program
• Between $1,000 and $2,000 annually for up to three years to keep your license
• Installation of an IID

Why Hire a DWI Lawyer

An experienced Katy DWI attorney can guide you through your DWI charges, protect your rights, and build a strong defense. During an arrest, contacting a lawyer can protect your right against self-incrimination, as your lawyer can advise you when speaking with law enforcement. They can also protect against warrantless searches and seizures and prevent police misconduct.

To craft a defense tailored to your case, your lawyer will use their knowledge of DWI laws and can gather evidence that supports their defense while stopping illegally obtained or faulty evidence from being used against you. In many DWI cases, evidence of a misadministered chemical test or illegal traffic stop can be used as grounds to dismiss DWI charges.

FAQs About Katy, TX DWI Laws

Are the Penalties for DWI Different for Someone Under 21?

Yes, if an individual under 21 operates any motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs, they could be sentenced to different penalties than someone over 21. Penalties could include a fine of up to $500, participation in an alcohol education program, and a license suspension of up to one year, or longer if the educational program is not completed.

A judge may permit only a 90-day license suspension with community service and the installation of an IID.

How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Record in Katy?

In Katy, a DWI conviction is on your record indefinitely and is visible during a background check. This could potentially impact your employment opportunities and professional licenses, insurance costs, mortgages and loans, or ability to own a firearm. You may be eligible to expunge or seal a DWI from your record. A DWI lawyer can determine eligibility and help you file a motion to seal or expunge the DWI.

Do You Have to Install an Ignition Interlock Device in Katy?

Installing an ignition interlock device (IID) is often required as a penalty for a DWI conviction in Katy, especially if there are aggravating factors such as a child in the car or repeated offenses. An IID can prevent future DWI charges by analyzing your BAC and preventing you from starting the engine if you are intoxicated.

How Long Ago Does the Court Look for Prior DWI Offenses?

In Texas, there is no limit on how long ago a DWI occurred for it to be used to calculate whether a current charge is a repeated offense. No matter when a prior offense occurred, it can be used to determine how many offenses you have and whether your current charge is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Speak With an Experienced Katy DWI Lawyer Today

DWI charges are stressful, but you don’t have to fight alone. A skilled DWI attorney at Greco Neyland, PC can help you navigate the legal system with confidence and build a defense against your charges. Contact us today for a free consultation and to hire a DWI Lawyer who can lead to an optimal outcome in your DWI case.