What Can I Do If I Have Been Charged With Drunk Driving?

 Posted on May 18, 2025 in Uncategorized

If you have been charged with drunk driving in Texas, legally known as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), you may be concerned that your temporary judgment error could have significant negative effects on your life. You may have heard that drunk driving in Texas can carry steep penalties, which vary depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. You are likely worried about losing your driver’s license, and about the reputational harm that this charge can cause. These concerns are all understandable. You should know that an experienced Decatur, TX criminal defense attorney can advise you on what you can do if you have been charged with a DWI. 

What Is Considered Drunk Driving in Texas?

Under Texas law, you are considered legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol is 0.08 percent or above or when you do not have normal mental or physical control of yourself because of the use of alcohol or other controlled substances and drugs. 

What Should You Do If You Face Drunk Driving Charges?

Get Out of Jail

First things first, if you have been charged with a DWI, you should post bail in order to get out of jail. If the bail is set too high, speak to an attorney to get representation to help reduce the amount. 

Do Not Drive Without a License

If your driver’s license has been suspended, this is likely only a temporary result. However, driving without a license can put you at risk of further penalties, including a driver’s license suspension. 

Do Not Admit Guilt or Discuss Your Case

It may hurt your case if you admit guilt, so do not admit any guilt until you speak to an attorney. Likewise, do not discuss your case or the events that led to the charges, especially in public or on social media. What you say could come back to hurt you and be used as evidence in your criminal case.

Hire an Attorney

A DWI charge can carry serious penalties. An experienced attorney will help you fight your charges and build a strong defense. Keep in mind that you have 15 days to request a hearing to keep your driver’s license, so it is recommended to have an attorney on hand before that hearing. 

Formulate a Defense Strategy

You and your attorney will formulate a defense strategy, taking into account the many defenses available in a Texas DWI case, including issues with a faulty breathalyzer test, field sobriety test, or police procedural violations. 

Call a Decatur, TX Criminal Defense Attorney for DWI Charges

Everyone deserves legal representation, even when you have made an error in judgment that led to a DWI charge. At Godwin Law Firm, PLLC, attorney Timothy D. Godwin is a former highway patrol trooper and an experienced Hays County, TX criminal defense attorney. If you seek skilled representation to fight your DWI charge, call the law firm for a complimentary consultation at 940-255-0000.