Abilene, Texas, and the entire Lone Star state, takes driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) seriously. Therefore, you face high costs associated with a DWI conviction. Below is a review of the penalties and expenses accompanying a DWI conviction in Abilene, TX.
The costs of a DWI cover the legal consequences of the offense, the fines and court and probation costs, attorney fees, and insurance expenses. To reduce these costs, invest in the services of a DWI lawyer in Abilene.
Possible Monetary Penalties and Costs
Costs of a DWI conviction in Abilene can vary based on these additional charges:
Fines
Drunk-driving fines can reach $2,000 for a first offense, and $10,000 for multiple offenses.
Posting a Bond
Posting a bond to pay for bail is usually between $500 and $1,000. The bond amount is the money needed for the bail to secure a defendant's release from jail while awaiting trial.
If the defendant posts the entire amount as a cash bond, they receive a refund of the entire bond amount minus administrative fees after the trial, regardless of the outcome.
Most defendants go through a bail bond company to get out of jail. This involves paying 10 percent of the bond amount while the bail bond company pays the rest. You must meet the court's and bail bond company's conditions to receive a refund. You'll still need to pay a part of the bond for restitution, court fees, or fines.
Court Costs
In addition to fines, how much the case will cost depends on its complexity – court costs may range from $200 to $500 or more.
Probation Fees
The probation department charges people granted probation monthly fees ranging from $50 to $100.
Interlock Ignition (IID) Device
Many DWI offenders must install ignition interlock devices in their cars, which prevent them from starting if alcohol has been drunk beforehand. Installation and the monthly monitoring costs for these devices may range between $60 to $100/monthly. You may need to use the IID for as long as two years.
Alcohol Education/Treatment Programs
Depending on the situation, DWI offenders may need to take alcohol education or treatment programs, which can cost up to several hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Attorney Fees
A privately paid attorney will charge for their services, with fees depending on the circumstances of the case.
Towing and Impound Fees
Towing fees and storage for impounded vehicles following your arrest may range from $100 to $500.
Lost Income
Time spent in jail, at court appearances, and in classes might lead to income losses that further burden you financially. You might also lose your job altogether.
On average, the cost of a DWI in Abilene will set you back from $10,000 to $20,000. You'll owe more for a repeat offense or an aggravating circumstance.
Therefore, a DWI charge can have serious and long-lasting ramifications. If you forget this before you get behind the wheel after drinking, call a DWI lawyer immediately.
How a DWI Can Increase Your Insurance Premiums
A DWI can lead to significantly increased rates for insurance - at least for several years. What you pay will depend on the insurance company, your age, your driving history, and the details of the DWI offense.
Your insurance company must file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This certificate shows you have the state's required liability coverage. While the form does not directly affect your insurance rates, the filing can substantially increase your premiums.
You'll usually pay about $800 more yearly for minimum coverage or around $1,200 yearly for more extensive coverage. However, the rates can escalate further, depending on the factors surrounding the arrest.
Based on the facts of the arrest, below are projected estimates of how much your insurance rates may increase.
First Time DWI
Your insurance rates for a first-time DWI offense can jump from 80 percent to 200 percent. For instance, if you pay $1,000 for your current insurance premium, you can pay from $1,800 to $3,000 or more per pay period.
Multiple Offenses for DWI
When you have multiple offenses, you're considered high-risk. You can pay as much as $5,000 or more yearly. These rates can last three to five years, with some policies charging the higher rates for as long as seven to ten years.
Some insurers may refuse to renew a policy or deny insurance coverage entirely if you have a DWI conviction. Every available insurance plan can pose a substantial burden on your budget.
Why It's Worth It to Hire a DWI Lawyer
Hire a lawyer if you find yourself facing a Texas DWI charge because you will need help with:
Complex DWI Laws
Certain factors in Texas’s intricate DWI laws can affect the charges and potential consequences. A seasoned DWI attorney understands these complexities and can offer guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Potential Defenses
A skilled DWI lawyer can identify defenses that might help reduce the charges or even lead to the dismissal of your case. These defenses can involve questioning the legality of the traffic stop, challenging the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breath/blood tests, or advocating for reduced charges based on certain circumstances of the arrest.
Negotiation and Plea Bargaining
Attorneys specializing in this area are well-versed in court procedures. They have established relationships with prosecutors and can negotiate to potentially lessen charges or secure plea deals - leading to reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options.
Protection of Rights
Throughout your arrest and legal proceedings, an attorney will safeguard your constitutional rights at each legal step. They will also ensure that law enforcement and court procedures follow proper protocols.
Facing Challenges
A seasoned DWI lawyer can carefully review the evidence presented by law enforcement, such as calibration and maintenance records of Breathalyzers and the credentials of the arresting officer.
Reducing the Impact of a Conviction
A DWI conviction in Texas comes with consequences that can have dire effects in terms of jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. However, options like probation, community service, or participation in rehabilitation programs can significantly lessen the impact.
Preserving Employment and Professional Credentials
Some industries like transportation, education, and healthcare have zero tolerance for convictions. Therefore, hire a lawyer who can guide you through the process and minimize any effects on your career or license. Losing the ability to get a job in your field can cripple you financially.
Contact a DWI Lawyer in Abilene Right Away
The advantages of hiring a DWI attorney outweigh the costs. This is especially true when thinking about the long-term repercussions of a DWI conviction in Texas.
An attorney can offer advice. Safeguard a defendant's rights and potentially secure a favorable outcome in legal proceedings. Contact a lawyer for a better outcome if authorities charged you with DWI.
David M. White
Attorney
David M. White is an attorney with offices in Abilene and San Angelo, Texas. His practice is focused on Personal Injury cases and Criminal Defense. Mr. White attended Texas Tech University where he earned a B.B.A. in Finance in Honors Studies in 2002, graduating magna cum laude. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Texas Tech University School of Law in 2006.
If you, a friend, or family member need legal advice, please feel free to contact our firm for a free consultation with David White, a Personal Injury attorney in Abilene, Texas.
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