What Happens After My DWI Arrest?
DWI Defense Lawyer in San Antonio
For most individuals charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), it is their first run-in with the law. Driving while intoxicated arrest cases can be very stressful and will cause the defendant to ask some very serious questions.
Questions include:
- How will it affect my reputation?
- Do I have to go to jail?
- Are my rights being violated?
- Will I lose my license?
- What will happen to my job?
After being arrested for alleged drunk driving, you should take every measure possible to ensure that your rights are fully protected. Contact my firm at your earliest convenience to discuss your case with Kerrisa Chelkowski!
Exercise Your Rights
If you have been placed under arrest, you are granted certain rights that need to be acted upon. The purpose of your U.S. Constitutional rights is to protect you from incriminating yourself.
You have the following rights that you should exercise if arrested for DWI:
- Right to remain silent - You do not have to answer questions from the police or investigator at the time of your arrest.
- Right to an attorney - You will be given the opportunity to contact your DWI attorney to inform him or her of your arrest.
- Right to refuse a field sobriety test - Field sobriety tests can often result in inaccurate results.
Protecting Your License
If you refused to take a chemical test, you will be taken into custody and taken to the police station. Your license may be temporarily suspended and your vehicle may be impounded.
After your arrest, you will need to request an ALR hearing within 15 days of being served with a Notice of Suspension. You will then be able to continue driving until the date of the hearing. If you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended.
Court Appearances
Your first appearance will typically occur 30 days after your arrest. Your defense attorney will discuss your DWI with the county attorney to determine the most appropriate resolution. During the suppression hearing, the court may suppress some of the evidence found against you if your rights were violated. You can then request either a bench trial or a jury trial.
As your attorney, I can fight for your rights during this difficult time. I am a former prosecutor and am prepared to work toward a positive case resolution on your behalf.
Find answers to other common DWI FAQ here, or contact us today.
