Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense in the state of Texas. Depending on the situation, you may face major fines and time in jail, as well as losing your license to drive a vehicle. While it is not always possible to avoid every mistake associated with DWI charges, you do want to be aware of the biggest DWI mistakes and take measures to avoid them. An experienced DWI attorney (like Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC) can help you understand your rights and provide the best possible outcome for your case. Here are some common pitfalls that many people make when charged with a DWI.
Admitting to Drinking
The first mistake in any DWI case is admitting to the officer that you were drinking. If you are pulled over or stopped at a roadblock, then you want to exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer an officer’s questions. You do have rights and you are not required to answer whether or not you were drinking.
In the state of Texas, DWI charges apply when you have blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, or when you’ve lost your mental or physical faculties due to the introduction of drugs or alcohol. Admitting that you were drinking gives the officer a reason to look further into your situation. Do not make the mistake of admitting to drinking.
Pleading Guilty to Avoid the Court Case
The idea of going through the legal system can seem intimidating. You do not always want to go through the legal system because you are worried about losing the case or just want to avoid the stress of the case. This is a big mistake when you are charged with a DWI. Not only will the charges remain on your driving record, you will also lose the chance to defend against the charges. In some cases, the charges do not apply because your blood alcohol level was below the legal limit or there are other circumstances that impact your case. Pleading guilty does not allow a lawyer to look into the situation and determine your options.
Assuming the Officer Was Following the Law
While it is always a good idea to assume that an officer is following the law, that is not always the case. In some situations, the officer does not follow proper protocols or does not have legitimate reasons for his or her suspicions of a DWI. Allowing a lawyer to investigate the situation and verify the details will help with your defense.
Charges of driving while intoxicated lead to serious consequences in Texas. That is why you want to work with Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC to defend your case and avoid the biggest mistakes associated with DWI charges.
