Silsbee, TX Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

There is no time limit. Once you have been arrested, the charges are filed. You should get a lawyer to represent you immediately because there are some time limits with regard to driver's license matters. The amount of time that it takes for the case to get into the court varies county to county; by arresting agency; based on the types of evidence (because blood takes longer); and the level of offense - felony v. misdemeanor. The statute of limitations is tolled while the charge is pending and you are on bond.

Mandatory Sentence: Under 66-8-102(E), the sentence for a first conviction for DWI must include the following, none of which may be suspended, deferred or taken under advisement: 24 hours of community service. DWI schoola driver rehabilitation program for alcohol or drugs approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau of the State Department of Transportation. Alcohol or drug abuse screening program approved by the Department of Finance and Administration. An ignition interlock drivers license must be obtained and an ignition interlock device must be installed and operating on all motor vehicles driven by the offender for one year. Unless it is determined that the offender is indigent, the offender must pay all costs associated with having the ignition interlock device installed on the appropriate motor vehicles. 66-8-102(N). Discretionary Sentence: Under 66-8-102(E), the sentence for a first conviction for DWI may include the following: Imprisonment up to 90 days total. Fine up to $500. Additional hours (no limit) of community service for DWI arrests. Costs of any court-ordered screening and treatment programs. 66-8-102(R). Additional Considerations. Any time spent in jail for the offense prior to conviction must be credited to any term of imprisonment imposed by the court. 66-8-102(E). If the defendant fails to complete any court-ordered community service, screening program, treatment program or DWI school, or fails to comply with any other condition of probation, within the time specified by the court, the defendant must be sentenced to at least 48 additional consecutive hours in jail. Any such jail time shall not be suspended, deferred or taken under advisement. 66-8-102(E). If the sentence is partially or fully suspended or deferred, the period of probation may extend beyond 90 days up to one year.