I’m Fighting a DWI in San Antonio, Are There Alternatives to DWI Court?
A DWI conviction is bad, having one on you record will be much more trouble than you know. Even if the criminal penalties are minimal, a drunk driving conviction is going to have a ripple effect and before you realize it has impacted your personal life and your job. One question people ask our DWI lawyers in San Antonio: Do I have to go to DWI court?
First things First: Getting Out of Jail in San Antonio
If someone is arrested for a DUI, they will likely be taken to one of the following jails in San Antonio:
Central Texas Detention Facility
218 S Laredo St. # 2,
San Antonio, TX 78207
Bexar County Adult Detention Center
200 N Comal St.,
San Antonio, TX 78207
You may also need to visit one of the courthouses below:
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa,
San Antonio, TX 78205
San Antonio Municipal Court
401 S Frio St.,
San Antonio, TX 78207
The Bexar County government has a tool you can use to find out where the person you need to bail out is located: http://apps.bexar.org/CMAGSearchList/.
Once out of jail, it’s time for you to decide how you are going to move forward. As you are probably aware, you can ask for a trial before a jury or judge, but that can be costly and time-consuming. Some people don’t have the time or will to take their case to court. You may feel the same way and want to pursue an alternative. In Texas, you may be eligible for a DWI diversion program, or you may be able to negotiate a plea bargain.
Texas DWI Diversion Program
Texas has a pretrial intervention program for first-time DWI offenders. It gives individuals the opportunity to avoid having a conviction on their record as long as they successfully complete the program and keep a clean record. This program also allows immigrants to avoid having an arrest and conviction on their record which in some circumstances, can result in deportation, even with legal status.
To be eligible for pretrial diversion, you must meet the following requirements:
No previous arrests
Must plead guilty
Have a valid driver’s license when you are arrested
Three letters of recommendation
Undergo substance abuse evaluation
Be employed or attend school
The program is tailored to each individual’s case, so requirements to complete the program will vary according to the dictates of a court. There is a monthly fee for supervision. Once you complete the program, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion to dismiss your case.
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
101 W Nueva St.,
San Antonio, TX 78205
Plea Bargains in Texas
The pre-trial intervention program is not a good fit for everyone which is why you might consider a plea bargain. You will be able to reduce your charges and minimize sentencing, but you will still have to plead guilty to a wet reckless or careless driving charge. If in the future, you are arrested for a repeat DWI your plea bargain is going to count as DWI for sentencing purposes.
If you are facing a repeat DWI offense, a plea bargain will be your only alternative to a trial, so it’s important to get the best deal possible. That’s the goal our criminal defense attorneys in Texas, to resolve your case so that it doesn’t have such a negative impact on your life.
Want an Alternative to DWI Court? Hire a DWI Lawyer in San Antonio
Are you curious about what a DWI lawyer can do for you? USAttorneys.com encourages you to learn all the reasons you should hire a lawyer by arranging a case evaluation. Our website is your portal to the best DWI defense lawyers in San Antonio. Find one near you and set up a time to talk about alternatives to DWI court in Texas.
