Miranda Warning

Know your rights if arrested for drunk driving in Texas

Everyone's heard it on cop shows: You have the right to remain silent ... It's known as the Miranda warning. When police officers arrest individuals, they are required to inform them of their rights - the right to a lawyer and the right to avoid self-incrimination.

If you are pulled over for DWI in Texas, however, you may not hear it read to you.

Contrary to popular opinion, in DWI cases, police are not required to inform you that you are being investigated for a crime and you have a right to consult an attorney before answering any questions or performing any sobriety exercises. If you are aware of your rights as an American, however, you should politely refuse to comply until you are provided an opportunity to consult with an attorney.

The Miranda warning, or your Miranda rights, must be read after you are arrested, if the officer is going to interrogate you. A police officer, however, is not required to give a Miranda warning if the motorist is not in police custody. You are only entitled to hear your Miranda rights read to you if you are in police custody and the officers wish to question you.

Contact a DWI defense lawyer to learn more

If you were charged with DWI in Texas and need an attorney to protect your legal rights, call 1-800-395-5951. You can also reach us by completing the online contact form. You can trust Amanda Webb - DWI Lawyer to fight for you.