Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Laredo, TX DWI
Law enforcement in Texas arrested over 70,000 people for driving while impaired, according to 2014 statistics from the state’s Department of Public Safety. Too many people take a risk by drinking and driving and rightfully face the consequences. But, if you find yourself in this predicament, you have the right to defend yourself and minimize the repercussions you face for your mistake.
Your DWI Arrest in Laredo
A DWI arrest in Laredo will have instant consequences. First, you are going to spend a short time behind bars, a few hours, maybe the whole night. Secondly, you will be prohibited from driving temporarily. You have some control over how long you spend in jail and what happens to your driver’s license. When you hire a DWI attorney in Laredo, you have a better chance of getting out of jail faster and keeping limited driving privileges.
Jails and police stations in Laredo:
Laredo Police Department
4712 Maher Ave.,
Laredo, TX 78041
laredopd.com
Webb County Jail
1000 San Agustin Ave.,
Laredo, TX 78040
Inmate locator:
http://www.cca.com/facilities/webb-county-detention-center
Some inmates are in ICE custody, and you need to call the Laredo facility at (956) 727-4118 and find out if the person you are looking for is being detained. You can also visit the address listed below:
San Antonio Field Office
4702 East Saunders
Laredo, TX, 78401
How do I get out of jail?
Before you can be released from a Laredo lockup, a judge must decide if you should be released and how much bail is required. Bail is the money you pay as an assurance to the courts you will appear in court to answer to your charges.
To get out of jail, a judge must approve your release and will set your bail. A judge may decide to release you on your own recognizance without requiring you to pay any bail. It is difficult to get released on your own recognizance, but a criminal defense attorney in Laredo may be able to convince a judge.
Several factors are considered to determine the bail amount you must pay including your criminal history, criminal history, the seriousness of your DWI charges and your trustworthiness. Your bail can be as little as a few hundred dollars up to $50,000 grand.
Sometimes a person is released on their “own recognizance,” which means they aren’t required to pay bail, and their word acts as a guarantee they will show up on their court date. It is unusual for a judge to release a DWI suspect on their “own recognizance,” but it isn’t unheard of and more likely if you have legal representation.
If you must pay bail, you can pay the full amount if you have access to the much cash, or you can get a bond and pay a percentage of your bail down to secure your release.
How much bail is required depends on different factors associated with your arrest including your blood alcohol concentration, prior DWI offense, whether you caused a deadly accident or had your minor child in your vehicle. If you were right at the legal threshold, have no prior offenses, your bail can be as little as a few hundred dollars. The more aggravating circumstances that apply to your arrest, the higher your bail amount will and you could have to pay thousands. A judge is responsible for your bail amount and can be swayed into giving you a lower bail amount by an experienced defense lawyer.
Driver’s License Suspension is Instant
On top of spend hours or a day in jail, your driver’s license is suspended. You can request an Administrative Hearing to have your driving privileges restored while your case is being settled. You have fifteen days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing. Whether you are facing a DWI or a charge for refusing a breath test, you can request limited driving privileges.
Texas Department of Public Safety- Laredo
1901 Bob Bullock Loop,
Laredo, TX 78043
What if I’m Convicted of a DWI in Laredo?
There are criminal and administrative penalties associated with a DWI, but the ways you will pay for a conviction don’t end there.
You are going to spend thousands, possibly more than $10,000, over the course of the next few years. The administrative costs which include license reinstatement fees and installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device. There are also the criminal penalties which include fines, courts costs, probation and cost of DUI education courses.
What many people don’t realize about their DWI charge is that it will impact their job and personal lives. Losing your driver’s license could make you chronically late or unable to get to your workplace. Many people, commercial drivers especially, lose their jobs because they can’t get there or their employer has a zero-tolerance policy.
Criminal penalties for a DWI in Laredo include but are not limited to the following:
Jail: 3 days minimum; maximum 180 days
Fines: $2,000
Driver’s License: Suspension possible but not mandatory
Jail: One month up to one year
Fines: $4,000 fine
Driver’s License: Suspension for two years; $2,000 annual surcharge
Jail: Two years minimum; maximum ten years
Fines: $10,000 fine
Driver’s License: Suspension up to two years; $2,000 for three years which is used to maintain your license
Why Should I Hire a DWI Attorney?
By now you’ve noticed the penalties for a DWI can be severe, but may still be on the fence about hiring an attorney, but you have nothing to lose by speaking to one.
The DWI and criminal defense lawyers at USAttorneys.com will go the extra mile to keep you from being convicted.
Unfortunately, not everyone can avoid conviction, and their best hope is to get their penalties reduced. You can depend on one of our legal teams in Texas to look out for your best interests.
Texas has a large immigrant population, and they too find themselves in trouble for drinking and driving and need to know how their charge is going to affect their status. USAttorneys recommends you speak with an immigration lawyer in Texas.
