After getting arrested for a DWI in Texas, there are certain things you need to do to protect your rights and future. However, there are many mistakes people commonly make that can actually hurt their case. To avoid further legal trouble, it is critical to learning what these mistakes are.
The following are the most common mistakes people make after a Texas DWI arrest:
- Not doing anything about your charges – Ignoring the fact that you got a DWI arrest doesn’t mean it will go away. On the contrary, it will make matters worse. You run the risk of serving an administrative license suspension before being sentenced another period of revocation. If you fail to attend your court hearings, you could be subject to an arrest warrant and increased penalties.
- Talking too much – Many people believe they can talk themselves out of a situation—especially a DWI—if they are able to communicate “their side of the story.” However, anything you say to the police can and will be used against you in court. So trying to rationalize how having only a few drinks before driving isn’t going to work in your favor. Exercise your right to remain silent until an attorney is present.
- Assuming you are guilty – Just because you got arrested for DWI, doesn’t mean you are guilty. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a crime. If you plead guilty, you lose the opportunity to present a viable defense to either get your charges dismissed or reduced.
- Failing to regain your driving privileges – Without your driver’s license, it can be difficult to drive back and forth from work, school, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, and any other place to your home. Not only does an administrative license suspension hearing enable you to protect your driving privileges, but also help you and your attorney discover the evidence law enforcement has against you. Additionally, driving on a suspended license can result in additional penalties on top of ones you face for DWI.
- Not hiring an attorney – To avoid making any of the mistakes mentioned above, it is wise to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. Just because a DWI is a misdemeanor in Texas, many people assume that they don’t need an attorney to fight these charges. However, a conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and other penalties that can make life extremely difficult. Having legal representation ensures you will get the best results possible in your case.
If you are interested in hiring experienced legal counsel after a Texas DWI, contact our Hidalgo County DWI attorney at The Law Office of Rene A. Flores PLLC today.