Trichter & LeGrand, PC, Offers Guidance on New Texas DWI Penalties
Industry: Legal Services
New penalties have an impact on fines and ignition interlock device requirements
Houston, TX (PRUnderground) March 13th, 2020
Having a DWI or DUI in Texas carries big implications, says Houston law firm Trichter & LeGrand, PC. Their legal team has been busily fielding questions about new penalties put into effect on September 1, 2019.
The new penalties include deferred adjudication for first DWI offenders. In this instance, a judge can order deferred adjudication for those who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .15 or less. With deferred adjudication, first time DWI offenders receive probation and an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. When their probation is complete, the DWI charge doesn’t go on their record; in the case of a second offense, however, the first offense could be referenced.
Increased fines for DWI convictions were put into place, including up to $3000 in fines for a first offense, and these must be paid within 36 months. Subsequent offenses include fines of up to $4500 and up to $6000 for driving with a BAC of .15 or above. With deferred adjudication, a judge can waive fines.
Lastly, the new DWI laws put into place dictate that an ignition interlock device must be installed in order to post bond if arrested for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger.
The team at Trichter & LeGrand, PC, reminds people that if they are arrested and charged with a DWI or DUI in Texas, they aren’t just fighting one case. Instead, they are fighting two: one against the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the suspension of their drivers license and a criminal case against the State of Texas. Offenders must act within 15 days, or they will lose their driver’s license and first case by default.
Since 1980, Trichter & LeGrand, PC, has been a trusted DWI specialist in areas including driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, boating while intoxicated (BWI), and flying while intoxicated (FWI). Gary Trichter, founder of Trichter & LeGrand, PC, was the first DUI specialist in Texas and has authored and co-authored 46 legal and aviation articles. He’s also spoken at 46+ seminars on criminal defense and DWI.
The Trichter & LeGrand, PC, team also includes experienced DUI lawyers Leslie LeGrand (five time Super Lawyer), Aaron White, and Greg Houlton. To date, the firm has a record including thousands of cases won and dismissed.
More information can be found at https://www.texasdwilaw.com/.
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About Trichter & LeGrand, PC
Trichter & LeGrand, PC, offer leading Texas DUI and DWI defense, proudly serving Greater Houston, Sugarland, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, League City, Galveston, and Bellaire.
