When you've been arrested for a DWI in Texas and you don't think it's fair, you need a lawyer who can protect your rights...make sure you're treated fairly...and who knows how to get results. You've just found that lawyer. I understand that you're probably feeling confused, angry, or somewhat fearful about what's happened to you. The process of being arrested, taken to jail, fingerprinted, and photographed was probably very dehumanizing to you. I sincerely sympathize with that. To be honest with you--you're faced with a charge which can have serious outcomes. I don't want to scare you, but let me give you a glimpse of what's in store for you. If your case goes the wrong way you could lose your license . . . your insurance could go up or be canceled . . . you could face substantial fines, it could hurt you when you apply for a job, and you could even go to jail. By taking a guilty plea, you have gone from making a bad decision to a worse decision. One that will cost thousands of dollars and will severely impact your life for many years to come. Refuse to accept a plea bargain, unless absolutely necessary.
My goal is to get you off, to keep your record clean, and to prevent you from losing your freedom and your license to drive. You see . . . my practice is based on the belief that you were arrested when you shouldn't have been. At the very least, I'll make sure that you're being treated fairly.
The District Attorney prosecutes these types of cases all day. He knows--and is willing to use against you--all of the fine legal points that are available to him. The law says that he only needs to prove that after drinking you were not able to drive your car safely or that your blood alcohol exceeds a certain limit. That sounds pretty cut and dried, but it's not quite as simple as that. You see, if challenged, the DA also has to show that the arresting officer made the arrest properly, that you were properly advised of your rights, that the equipment he used to test you was working accurately, and even that the person operating that equipment was certified to operate it. If he gets information which may prove you innocent, an attorney can make him give you that information also.
Many people think they are going to be able to represent themselves. This is the second worst decision a person could make, the first being hiring a lawyer to plea guilty. I know about people who have represented themselves because they come to hire me for their second DWI and during the interview I learn enough to know I probably could have gotten the first DWI dimissed, or reduced to another charge such as wreckless driving, or obstruction of highway.
DWI cases have serious consequences. For a first offense they include loss of driving privileges for one year, up to a two thousand dollar ($2000.00) fine, up to six months in jail, surcharges of three to six thousand dollars and increasing insurance rates or loss of insurance coverage. As you can imagine, the consequences are even more severe for a second or higher offense. Don't take a chance when you can easily obtain qualified and competent legal advice.
DPS estimates that a DWI could cost as much as $17,000.00 if you are convicted. Contact Joseph LaBella and know that your rights are being protected?