DeSoto DWI Lawyer
PROTECTING YOUR FREEDOM & YOUR BUSINESS
DWI charges in DeSoto can quickly become overwhelming, with serious legal and personal implications. At Gallian Firm, we offer proactive defense strategies to help you manage the complexities of your case. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights, ensuring that you are informed at every stage, and working towards a favorable resolution tailored to your specific circumstances.
Why Choose Gallian Firm As Your DWI Defense Lawyers
Choosing the right lawyer to defend you against a DWI charge is crucial for achieving the best possible result. Here’s why Gallian Firm is the best choice for your defense:
- Experienced DWI Defense Lawyers: Gallian Firm has extensive experience defending clients against DWI charges in DeSoto and the surrounding areas. We understand the ins and outs of Texas DWI laws and will apply our knowledge to your case.
- Personalized Attention: We know that every case is unique. Gallian Firm offers personalized legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your situation. Our lawyers take the time to listen to your story and build a defense that is right for you.
- Aggressive Defense: We don’t back down when it comes to defending our clients. Gallian Firm fights to get charges reduced or dismissed, and we are not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary. We will work to minimize the impact of a DWI charge on your life.
- Client-Centered Approach: From your initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, Gallian Firm keeps you informed every step of the way. We value open communication and are committed to ensuring you understand your options.
When you choose Gallian Firm, you are selecting a legal team that is dedicated to providing skilled, aggressive defense to protect your rights.
DWI Defense Services Offered by Gallian Firm
Gallian Firm offers a full range of DWI defense services to clients in DeSoto. Our attorneys are experienced in handling various types of DWI cases, including:
- First-Time Offenders: If this is your first DWI offense, Gallian Firm can help minimize the penalties and avoid long-term consequences like a permanent criminal record or excessive fines.
- Repeat Offenders: Facing charges for a second or third DWI offense can lead to harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and mandatory alcohol treatment programs. Gallian Firm has experience defending repeat offenders and will work to reduce the impact of the charge.
- Felony DWI: If you are charged with a felony DWI, such as driving while intoxicated with a child passenger or causing a serious accident, the penalties can be much more severe. Gallian Firm is equipped to handle felony cases and will build a defense that addresses the seriousness of the charge.
- Commercial Driver DWI: For commercial drivers, a DWI charge can result in the loss of your livelihood. Gallian Firm understands the challenges commercial drivers face and is committed to protecting your driving privileges and your job.
- Underage DWI: Underage drivers are held to a zero-tolerance policy in Texas, meaning that any trace of alcohol in their system can result in a DWI charge. Gallian Firm can help defend underage drivers and minimize penalties, especially when dealing with first-time offenders.
Whatever the details of your case, Gallian Firm is here to provide expert legal representation. We will investigate the facts of your arrest, challenge evidence where possible, and work to secure the best outcome for you.
Understanding Texas DWI Laws and Penalties
Texas takes DWI offenses very seriously, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe. Here is an overview of Texas DWI laws and the potential consequences you may face:
- First Offense: A first-time DWI offense in Texas can result in a fine of up to $2,000, a jail sentence of up to 180 days, and a license suspension of up to one year. You may also be required to attend an alcohol education program.
- Second Offense: For a second offense, the penalties are much harsher. You could face a fine of up to $4,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, and a license suspension of up to two years. In some cases, a court-ordered alcohol treatment program may also be required.
- Third Offense: A third DWI offense is classified as a felony and can lead to a fine of up to $10,000, 2 to 10 years in prison, and a license suspension of up to two years. Repeat offenders face long-term consequences that can affect their lives in many ways.
- Felony DWI: DWI charges become a felony if they involve aggravating factors, such as having a child passenger under 15 years old or causing a fatal crash. The penalties for felony DWI charges can be severe, including prison time and a fine of up to $10,000.
- DWI with a Child Passenger: If you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger under the age of 15, you could face state jail felony charges, resulting in a sentence of 180 days to 2 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Understanding the severity of these penalties is essential. Gallian Firm will work to reduce or eliminate these penalties by using a range of legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.
What to Expect After a DWI Arrest in DeSoto
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in DeSoto, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect:
- Booking and Processing: After your arrest, you will be taken to jail for booking and processing. During this process, a breathalyzer or blood test may be administered, and you will be formally charged with DWI.
- Bail Hearing: After booking, a bail hearing will take place. A judge will determine whether you are eligible for bail and, if so, set the amount required to secure your release until your court date.
- License Suspension: If you failed a breathalyzer or refused to take the test, your driver’s license will be suspended. You have 15 days from the arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest this suspension.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Before your trial, a pre-trial conference will occur. This is when your attorney will meet with the prosecutor to discuss the evidence, explore the possibility of a plea deal, or prepare for trial.
- Trial: If a plea deal is not reached, the case will go to trial. Your defense attorney will challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution and work to prove your innocence or reduce the charges.
Gallian Firm will guide you through each step of the process and ensure your rights are protected.
ALR Hearings and Protecting Your Driver’s License After a DWI
One of the first things you’ll face after a DWI arrest in Texas is the potential suspension of your driver’s license. If you failed or refused a breathalyzer test, your license will be automatically suspended unless you request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest.
Gallian Firm can represent you during the ALR hearing and work to keep your license intact. We will challenge the evidence and argue for the retention of your driving privileges. Losing your license can have a significant impact on your daily life, and we are dedicated to helping you avoid that outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Charges
Q: How long does a DWI stay on my record in Texas?
A: A DWI conviction in Texas will remain on your record for life unless you are granted an expungement or order of nondisclosure. However, some individuals may be eligible for a nondisclosure order after completing certain conditions.
Q: Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Texas?
A: Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test, but this may lead to an automatic license suspension and other penalties. Gallian Firm can help you navigate the consequences of refusing a test.
Q: Will I go to jail for a first-time DWI offense?
A: Jail time is not guaranteed for a first offense but could be part of the penalties if convicted. Gallian Firm will work to reduce the severity of your penalties.Q: Can a DWI charge be dismissed?
A: It’s possible for a DWI charge to be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence or if the arresting officer violated your rights. Gallian Firm will thoroughly investigate the case to explore all potential dismissal options.
Get Guidance From Our DeSoto DWI Lawyer Today
Facing a DWI charge in DeSoto can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal support, it becomes more manageable. At Gallian Firm, we offer strategic representation designed to meet your specific needs. We will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are safeguarded. Call us at (214) 432-8860 for a free consultation today.
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Meet The Team
Gregg Gallian
PARTNER
Jaclyn Gallian
PARTNER
Jay Hickey
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
What Our Clients Say
“Gallian Firm helped me win my case against all odds.”
Jen B.