Should You Accept a DWI Plea Bargain?

In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense. Even first time offenses carry sentences encompassing minimum jail terms and possible financial penalties. Subsequent offences can result in even more serious repercussions. If you were arrested and charged with DWI, you should consider hiring an experienced Texas DWI attorney to aid you in your legal defense.

Texas police and prosecutors often pride themselves on taking a hard stance on DWI offenders and obtaining convictions. District attorneys and sheriffs do not run on records of being soft on crime and may attempt to further their political gains by racking up arrests and convictions.

Quite often, county solicitors or district attorneys would rather offer the suspected offender a plea bargain to obtain an expedient end to case. In Texas, prosecutors do not have the option to lower DWI charges to reckless driving involving alcohol, sometimes referred to as “wet reckless.” DWI charges in Texas carry minimum jail sentences and suspension of driver’s licenses.

Compared to the maximum possible sentences DWI charges carry, anything less may be framed as a plea bargain by prosecutors. No matter the deal, Texas DWI defendants should consult with an attorney in order to discern if the plea deal is fair of if it is their best interest to take the case to court.

Why should I hire a DWI attorney?

Prosecutors are, by their very profession, trained attorneys. They are familiar with the law, penalties for offenses, and spend many days in court. DWI suspects, on the other hand, do not. The deck is already stacked against suspects, who are usually just ordinary citizens with little, if any, legal training.

Some Texas prosecutors may rest on the evidence collected by the police and the very arrest as a sound indictment of the accused. However, cases are not always airtight and the right attorney may be able to recognize the symptoms a weak case.

A skilled Texas DWI attorney can analyze the cast against his or her client and determine whether or not it would be prudent to take a plea deal or prepare for trial. Arresting officers do not always properly initiate traffic stops or follow procedure when making arrests and an attorney may be able to exploit these improprieties.

Get the legal advice you need after your DWI arrest

As with almost any other legal matter, individuals accused of DWI in Texas should consult experienced and qualified legal counsel. For over 15 years, Andrew J. Williams has built a law practice focusing on defending the rights of the accused.

As a Texas Board Certified trial lawyer, Andrew J. Williams has the legal experience needed to scrutinize evidence, cross examine witnesses, and negotiate any plea deal that may be in the best interest of his clients.

The Law Office of Andrew J. Williams serves clients in Kingwood, Texas throughout Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, and San Jacinto County. Contact us about your DWI charge and let us help you in your time of need.

Andrew Williams, an experienced attorney who can challenge evidence in a DWI case
About the Author: Andrew Williams
I am a criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years experience defending people accused of wrongdoing. I am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only ten percent of attorneys in Texas are board certified in their respective field. I practice criminal law exclusively in both state and federal court including appeals of criminal cases.