Dallas Drug-Related DWI Lawyer
If you were arrested and charged with a drug-related DWI in Dallas, the Law Office of RJ Harber is ready to help defend you. RJ Harber has the experience necessary to fight back against the allegations you face, and he will work hard to deliver the best-possible outcome for you.
A DWI conviction can be very costly, so it is important to mount an aggressive defense as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you could face jail time, may be forced to pay hefty fines, could lose your driving privileges for a period of time.
To prevent a single charge from impacting your life and livelihood, it is important to hire a skilled defense lawyer. Dallas DWI lawyer William ‘RJ’ Harber has over ten years of experience defending Texans charged with DWIs. He understands the Dallas and Tarrant County courts and will fight for you to get the best possible outcome. Contact RJ Harber today by filling an online form or calling (214) 389-1189 for a confidential initial consultation.
What are the laws that regulate drug-related DWIs?
Several laws regulate DWIs and impose heavy consequences. In Texas, legal intoxication occurs when a person is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), intoxication may also result from drug use. In fact, Texas laws also allow for a DWI charge as a result of drug use even if it was a prescription drug that caused you to be pulled over.
Texas law states that legal intoxication may occur from the use of alcohol, controlled substances, drugs, or any combination of these items which prevents normal mental and physical functions. In addition, the fact that you or your loved one may have been entitled to use a particular drug is not a defense under the Texas Penal Code. This means that having a valid prescription to use a drug would not be a valid defense in Texas criminal courts.
However, other defenses may exist, and it is important to talk to a qualified lawyer to discuss these possible defenses. The need for a lawyer is even more important if you are found to be in possession of an illegal drug at the time of the DWI. Additional charges may be added to your DWI for possession of certain drugs under either state or federal drug laws. A lawyer will be able to determine how best to protect your rights under state and federal laws.
What are the penalties for a drug-related DWI charge?
If you or a loved one are facing a drug-related DWI charge, it is important to know what the penalties may be. In Texas, the penalties for DWI charges change based on the frequency of offenses. Consequences can include fines, jail time, license suspension, fees, and other punishments. The progression of penalties for DUI convictions in Texas, according to TxDOT, includes:
- 1st DWI offense
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- License suspension for up to a year
- An annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years in order to retain your driver’s license
- 2nd DWI offense
- A fine of up to $4,000
- Between 1 month and 1 year in jail
- An annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years in order to retain your driver’s license
- 3rd DWI offense
- A $10,000 fine
- Between 2 to 10 years in prison
- An annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years in order to retain your driver’s license
Moreover, if you are found to be in possession of an illegal drug at the time of the DWI, additional charges may be added to your DWI, such as possession charges. Talking with an attorney will help you determine how to defend against the penalties you may be facing after being stopped and charged for a drug-related DWI.
Do I need a lawyer to defend me against a drug-related DWI Charge?
Hiring a lawyer is one of the best actions a person can take after getting a DWI charge. A lawyer will be able to listen to your story, analyze any existing evidence in your case, investigate the incident leading to your arrest and charge, and take time to develop defenses. Without a lawyer, on the other hand, you may be more likely to take whatever deal the prosecutor gives you.
Regardless of whether you think you are innocent or not, there are procedural and constitutional protections available for every defendant. A skilled lawyer will be able to determine whether proper protocols were followed for any field sobriety tests, breath tests, blood tests, and arrests. Your lawyer will also be able to determine whether you are still eligible for independent blood testing or whether other defenses might work for your case.
Why Choose RJ Harber to Represent Me?
RJ Harber is a former Tarrant County prosecutor, so he understands how local criminal courts work and how prosecutors assemble DWI cases. His dedication to criminal defense for over a decade means he has relationships with expert witnesses, private investigators, and other experts. These experiences and relationships allow him to understand how to approach a case and present the best evidence and defenses in a drug-related DWI case. Regardless of whether your DWI charge involved allergy medication or a controlled substance, RJ Harber will help you try to minimize the fines, jail time, and other consequences you may be facing.
Contact Us
RJ Harber understands all of the consequences that a drug-related DWI charge may lead to. He also knows the importance of having an attorney that understands Dallas criminal courts well so that you have the best chance of having charges dropped or reduced.
If you or a loved one are facing a drug-related DWI charge, you deserve an experienced lawyer that understands the charges you’re facing and knows how to build the strongest defense on your behalf. RJ Harber has worked as a criminal defense lawyer for over a decade and has the experience and skill to get you the best result possible. Contact the Law Office of RJ Harper today at (214) 389-1189 for a confidential consultation.