For those who have been charged with a DWI offense in Texas, finding the right Dallas DWI lawyer can be almost as daunting a task as dealing with the police. There are literally hundreds of attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who advertise their DWI defense services, but picking somebody out of the Yellow Pages may make a difficult circumstance worse. While time is of the essence, it is best to look for Texas DWI attorneys who have specific DWI or DUI experience, who can help with retention of drivers license and defense against criminal charges, and who offers a free consultation.
Texas DWI law
A blood alcohol level (BAC) of more than .08 constitutes drunk driving in Texas but DWI charges may be leveled at a lower BAC if, for instance, the driver is weaving or showing other signs of impairment. Many first offenses are Class B misdemeanors, which still carry stiff penalties including 72 hours to six days of jail time, mandatory community service and fines of up to 2,000.
Experience counts, but so does comfort level
As DWI laws are complex and change through time, people charged with a DWI will want to find a local Dallas DWI lawyer who understands what the police are looking for, knows the ramifications of field sobriety and blood tests and how to poke holes in police reports. Finding the attorney with strong legal strategy skills is paramount. At the same time, it necessary to be able to establish a rapport with the lawyer, feeling comfortable that he or she has the best interests of their client at the forefront at all times.
Resources are available to help those who are not sure how to go about choosing a Dallas DWI lawyer. Contact the Texas Bar Association or check out online resources such as FindLaw.com or Lawyers.com, among others.