DUI/DWI CASE IN NORTH TEXAS: HOW TO AVOID CONVICTION, JAIL, AND FINES

With the high cost of a DUI/DWI, it is best to try to avoid a charge and conviction. Put simply, a DUI/DWI charge and conviction is expensive. Even if this is your first DUI/DWI conviction, you will incur a high cost while navigating the legal system. If there is a crash resulting in your DUI/DWI arrest, you can expect the cost of the conviction to skyrocket.

The cost of the first DUI/DWI conviction is not a set fee and varies widely depending on circumstances such as the effectiveness of your defense strategy, the particular circumstances surrounding your arrest, the judge, and many other factors. A Texas Department of Transportation survey recently revealed that the cost of a first time DUI/DWI ranges from $9,000 to $24,000.

Keep in mind the above costs are the upfront, administrative penalties for a DUI/DWI charge and conviction. There are numerous, and often costly, consequences to a DUI/DWI, including a spike in the cost of insurance coverage. Moreover, there is a risk of job loss or inability to obtain a job as a result of your charge and conviction, especially in fields that require driving such as commercial trucking.

There is also an emotional cost to your charge and conviction: you will endure inconvenience, embarrassment, and wasted time as a result of time spent incarcerated and or dealing with the administrative hassle of a DUI/DWI charge and conviction. With this in mind, consider following the tips in this post to avoid paying thousands of dollars in convictions and penalties. If you are already facing a DWI or DUI charge, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Peugh Law Firm today for a free consultation.

First, it is important that you educate yourself on how law enforcement detects and identifies drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While many impaired driving behaviors can, and often are, ignored by law enforcement during the day, exhibiting the same behaviors at night will often result in law enforcement pulling you over and running you through a DUI/DWI screening. This is especially true for the hours between midnight and 4 am, when driving under the influence is most common. There is also an increase in DUI/DWI related stops during holiday weekends such as Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Impaired driving behaviors include the following:

1. Failure to use turn signals when turning or changing lanes;
2. Erratic speed;
3. Erratic lane changing;
4. Swerving;
5. Bumping a curb or sidewalk while turning or parking; and
6. Failure to stop at red lights or stop signs

Note, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of behaviors.

Second, it is important to understand how blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) works and keep the following things in mind:

1. Typical alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, and spirits can all have the same levels of pure alcohol. As such, they will appear the same way in your breathalyzer.
2. Remember your BAC will keep rising after your last drink.
3. Know that after peaking, your BAC will drop at a rate of about 0.015 per hour. For example, if you have a BAC of 0.05, it will take about 3.33 hours for your BAC to drop to 0.00 (0.05 divided by 0.015 gives you 3.33).
4. Breathalyzer tests are not always reliable and could exaggerate your BAC. Thus, keep this in mind if using a personal breathalyzer and try to keep your BAC as far below the maximum legal limit as possible. In addition to potentially avoiding an arrest, keeping a low BAC level will reduce your chances of crashes, injuries, and could ultimately save your life.
5. You can still get charged for driving under the influence even when your BAC is under the legal limit. Avoid being pulled over by keeping your car in good working order. For example, driving with a busted taillight is an excuse for law enforcement to pull you over. Obey all the traffic lights as you drive. Use your signals as you change lanes and do not make rolling stops.
6. Pace your alcohol intake. Do not take more than one drink every hour in order to keep your BAC low.
7. Consider eating food and drinking non-acholic drinks in between alcoholic drinks.
8. Avoid gulping or otherwise quickly consuming an alcoholic beverage. Sip, savor and enjoy your drinks.
9. Avoid punches or any drinks that come in unusual shaped or sized glasses and containers. This is because It is hard to know the amount of alcohol in such drinks. Therefore, pacing yourself becomes difficult.
10. Note that the only sure proof ways to avoid a DUI/DWI are not to drink at all or use a designated driver or driving service.

Following these tips will help you negate the chances of a DUI or DWI and the expense and hassle that comes with a charge and conviction. If you are arrested for a DUI/DWI, you should contact a lawyer whose specialty is defending DUI/DWI cases.

The Peugh Law Firm specializes in DUI/DWI defense. We have the experience and expertise to help you. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.