Driving While Intoxicated — DWI Charges
If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI or DWI in Laredo, Texas, or the Webb County area, experienced legal representation can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
Have you been charged with a DUI or DWI in Laredo, Texas?
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI) are laws designed to keep Texas drivers safe on roads and highways. Due to increased enforcement, law officers across Webb County are vigilant in stopping and charging drivers suspected of impaired driving. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including loss of liberty, suspension of driving privileges, and significantly higher insurance rates.
The Vela Firm examines every aspect of the traffic stop and the evidence gathered — including the legitimacy of the stop itself — to build a strong defense on your behalf.
The Texas Law for DWI & DUI
Violations
- Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for adults operating a motor vehicle.
- Zero Tolerance Law: Drivers under 21 may not operate a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
- Refusing a breath or blood test can trigger an automatic license suspension under Texas's implied consent law.
What the Firm Examines
- Was the traffic stop legally justified?
- Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?
- Was breathalyzer or blood testing equipment properly calibrated and maintained?
- Were your constitutional rights respected throughout the arrest process?
Criminal Penalties for DWI Under Texas Law
Texas imposes escalating penalties based on the number of prior DWI convictions and the specific circumstances of the offense. The following outlines the general penalty structure:
| Offense | Classification | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| First DWI | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000, license suspension up to 1 year |
| First DWI (BAC ≥ 0.15) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000, license suspension up to 1 year |
| Second DWI | Class A Misdemeanor | 30 days to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000, license suspension up to 2 years |
| Third DWI (or more) | Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000, license suspension up to 2 years |
Additional consequences may include mandatory ignition interlock device installation, DWI education programs, community service, and a permanent criminal record. The sooner a defense strategy is put in place, the better positioned you are for preliminary hearings and negotiations.
DWI and DUI Lawyer in Webb County
Oscar A. Vela, Jr., P.C. has been practicing criminal law in Laredo, Texas for over 19 years. The firm provides a dedicated team approach, investing its legal professionals fully in each case — from discovery through trial. A proactive defense begins with a single decision: contacting an attorney who will fight to protect your rights.