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First Offense DWI in Texas

Consult Our Motivated and Aggressive Amarillo DWI Lawyer

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and sometimes that is for the better, and other times for the worse. Out of all the states in the country, Texas has some of the harshest penalties in store for anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), even if it is the first offense on their driving or criminal record.

What can one person do when law enforcement officials and the criminal justice system are breathing down their neck, trying to bury them under heavy punishments? When you retain the services of Amarillo DWI Attorney D. Chris Hesse, you will receive professional and effective legal representation. We have committed 100% of our law firm to criminal defense, and we are not keen to surrendering or settling for "second best."

The people of the Texas Panhandle trust us due to our numerous accolades and achievements:

There is no time like the present to protect yourself. Call (806) 350-6785 today.

Excessive Penalties for First Time DWIs

Alcohol, car keys and handcuffs - first offense DWI in Texas

Everyone is capable of making a mistake, and who among us does not like the occasional drink with friends on a night out. If a police officer catches you behind the wheel with alcohol in your system, you can expect an arrest and harsh penalties to come your way. Believe it or not, even if your actions do not hurt anyone, the punishments you face will not lessen.

In the state of Texas, a first time DWI charge is a class B misdemeanor punishable by:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • $2,000 fine
  • 1-year license suspension
  • Mandatory DWI education course

If the driver's BAC level is above .15%, the charge will be increased to a class A misdemeanor and will be given harsher penalties.

Implied Consent in Texas

Under Texas implied consent law, all drivers have agreed to submitting to a breath or blood test when arrested for driving while intoxicated. Depending on your prior record, refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test or blood test can result in a license suspension of 180 days to two years.

How Can a DWI Charge be Reduced?

One strategy to fight your DWI charge is to get it reduced to a lesser charge. If you have been charged with DWI in Texas, it may be possible to plea bargain for a “wet reckless” charge. When a DWI charge is reduced to reckless driving it is referred to as “wet reckless.” With the help of our DWI attorney, you may be able to avoid the serious penalties of a DWI charge by plea bargaining for a wet reckless charge.

No Lookback Period in Texas

Many states will only consider a DWI conviction as “active on your record” for the extent of a lookback period of several years. In Texas, there is no lookback period. A first offense DWI in Texas will permanently be a problem for you, as it could add penalties to subsequent DWIs, even if they occur decades in the future. This is just one of the many reasons why you need to take your first time DWI offense case seriously and start thinking about how you can challenge it right away.

Our Focus is Criminal Defense, Our Objective is Your Freedom

No matter severely the charges against you may seem to be stacked in your disfavor, our DWI attorney in Amarillo will not back down. If a total dismissal of your charges is not on the table, we can push for a reduction of your charges, perhaps even letting you hold onto your driver’s license, and in turn, your livelihood.

Arrested for your first DWI offense? Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation!

Recent Reviews & Testimonials

  • He handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care

    “I first called Chris because he was a veteran, which as a vet myself I wanted somebody who understood me and my situation. I hired Chris because he was exactly what I wanted, and needed in a lawyer. Chris handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care.”

    Eric

  • Highly recommend

    “My name is Eddie and I am a former client of Mr. Hesse . I would like to say I think he did a great job on representing me. Mr. Hesse was very clear, informative and sensitive to my situation at a very low point in my life. He called sometimes just to check on me and ask how was I doing. That really meant a lot to me. Not to mention he was very active, proficient and professional with my case. Thanks again David C. Hesse you are highly recommend.”

    Eddie

  • 100% satisfied with Mr. Hesse

    “I am speechless and 100% satisfied with Mr. Hesse work. He was very professional in what he does. During my case Mr. Hesse made me feel that he actually cared and listened to my situation. Hesse is on top of his game. Not only did Mr. Hesse help me resolve my issue but he gave me great advise I wouldn't have expected any better attorney than Mr. Hesse himself. He is a hard work attorney who you won't be disappointed in!”

    Anonymous

  • I would recommend him to others

    “Attorney Hesse was hired and immediately started working for us. He was thorough and precise in his research. He answered all our questions and kept us informed as to next steps and the expected outcomes. It was a great relief to find someone in our area who would be a real advocate for his client. Attorney Hesse was professional and consistent throughout the entire process and we never felt like we were being pushed aside for a more lucrative client. I would recommend him to others and would hire him again should the need arise.”

    Kathy

  • One of the most caring and savvy lawyers I know

    “You could say I have lived a colourful life. Did the college thing because the family expected It. However, I did manage to rack up several arrests in my former life. Well, as anyoneknows after some point your bond is no longer low and the the potential time vastly increases. I played college athletics and got in my share of bar fights; they were brushed under the rug and I got a slap on the wrists. Several years went by and I thought the monster in me was tamed, but last year I was at a Christmas party and once the beer was gone, the "good stuff" was cracked open. And with the liquor and family, exes, baby daddies, and a brother in law I can not stand: one thing led to another. Long story short I took a punch and like anyone with a history of fighting, I swung back. But a lot harder. Well, I get arrested. Even though it was self defence. But. Judges don't look at the person. They just see the record and a recurring problem. My bond was amazingly high and all the sudden I'm facing a felony and they are throwing numbers around like monopoly money. Well, luckily I got in touch with Chris Hesse. He told me to calm down, and reached me on a personal level. For the first 20 minutes we talked about who will win the Super Bowl. Lol. Not only did he fight for me, he showed he cared when everyone else seemed to just want to throw the book at me. He got my assult charge and disorderly conduct charges dismissed!! No court fees. And I was able to bring in the New Years around my friends, and grass and my own bed! Lol. He worked with me on the attorney costs. And has become my go to guy if I have any legal questions. He makes himself available. I never once did not get a answer or at least a call back that day. To this day I opened my own barbershop, just bought a new car, and a new home. If I woikd have had ANYONE else. I would have been a number and been on paper with ridiculous demands knowing I wasbeinv set up to fail. I owe so much to Chris. I live in Houston. I'll miss him. But I still know he is a phone call away. For advise. Or just bs. Trent”

    Trent