There are a lot of ways to get a DWI in Rockwall County. At Guest and Gray, our least “criminal” clients are always our DWI cases, especially our Rockwall DWI clients. Rockwall has a lot of entertainment options, including bars and restaurants. And with no public transportation options, it isn’t uncommon for people to drive home after having a few drinks. Keep in mind that just because you are arrested for DWI in Rockwall does not mean you are guilty. However, it does mean that it’s time to get a serious Rockwall, TX DWI defense lawyer to fight the case.
At Guest and Gray, we have a team of Rockwall DWI defense lawyers ready to help you fight your case. Many Rockwall defense lawyers are solo practitioners and work alone. Guest and Gray Law Firm has three former DWI prosecutors with decades of DWI experience ready to make the system work for you. We routinely secure favorable results for our DUI clients, including getting cases dismissed through aggressive pre-trial litigation, questioning chemical test results, and attacking the government’s evidence at trial.
What Is an ALR Hearing?If you were arrested for a Rockwall DWI, you have 15 days to request an ALR hearing and fight to save your license. An ALR hearing is our first chance to fight your case and protect your right to drive.
If you are arrested for DWI, and you refuse to give a specimen of breath or blood, or you provide a specimen that comes back with a blood-alcohol content of .08, then the Rockwall Police should talk your license and give you a “Temporary Drivers Permit.”
This permit is good for either 40 days or until you have an ALR hearing. If you do not request an ALR hearing, then your license will be suspended 40 days after you are arrested. If you request a hearing, your license is good until at least the date of the ALR hearing, and if we win your ALR hearing, your license may not be suspended at all. If you lose your license, we can file for an Occupational License (a work permit), so you can drive to work and for other essential reasons.
What Happens After My ALR Hearing?After your ALR hearing, you will have a court date within a few weeks of your arrest in most cases. At your first setting, we will appear and make sure we have received all the discovery (police reports, videos, 911 calls) for your case. We will then take that information through our DWI defense process. We have a system in place that gets the best result for our clients. We often use expert witnesses to help prepare your defense, and we employ our team of lawyers and veteran criminal assistants to help. When you hire a Rockwall, TX DWI defense lawyer at Guest and Gray, you are not alone in your fight.
What Are the Punishments for a Rockwall DUI?A first-time DWI conviction is usually a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor carries up to six months in jail, up to a $2,000 fine, and community service of at least 24 hours. While Texas DWI law allows for jail time after a first DUI conviction, it is our experience that most judges impose probation; typically, between 12-18 months, but judges can sentence you to up to two years of probation. Judges also usually fine you around $1,000, but it can be up to $2,000. On top of this, there are the surcharge fees that you will be required to pay yearly to the state. These usually range from $1,000-$2,000 per year.
There may be other conditions of your sentence. For example, the judge may require you to submit to drug or alcohol testing, to look for employment, and to place an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Were You Arrested for a Rockwall, TX DWI Offense?If you were recently arrested and charged with a DWI, reach out to a Rockwall, TX DWI defense lawyer at Guest and Gray. At Guest and Gray, we have successfully defended countless clients against DWI charges and look forward to discussing how we can help with your case. We understand how Rockwall County courts work and what it takes to get the outcome you are looking for. You can reach Guest and Gray’s Rockwall County criminal defense lawyers at 972-564-4644 or through our online contact form.