Austin TX DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), you are likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what the future holds. Whether this is your first DUI on North Interstate Highway 35 or a fourth DWI occurring on East 4th Street, you need a skilled defense team to support you. Likewise, if you are the parent of a college student facing charges, an Austin, TX, DUI/DWI defense lawyer is here to protect your child’s rights.

Why Choose Rountree Law Firm for a DUI/DWI Case?

With over 11 years as a former prosecutor, attorney Andrew Rountree knows his way around a courtroom. He has stood on both sides of a case and can use this knowledge to the advantage of his clients. He also understands that this is a time of anxiety and fear for most clients and wants to offer you the compassionate care and trusted counsel you deserve. Facing criminal charges of any nature can be scary, but with Andrew Rountree on your side, you can feel confident.

What Counts as Driving While Intoxicated in Austin?

Every year, over 800,000 Americans are arrested for suspected driving under the influence. When you are facing DWI or DUI charges in Austin, it is essential that you understand how the state defines these charges. A DWI charge or DUI charge refers to being in the actual operation of a motorized vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These charges can carry serious penalties and are treated as a state-level crime in most cases.

Under Texas law, intoxication is defined in two separate ways. These two conditions include:

• You do not have the normal use of your physical or mental faculties by way of the introduction of alcohol, a drug, a prescription medication, or over-the-counter drug, a controlled substance, a dangerous drug, or a combination of these substances into your body. This can happen regardless of what your blood alcohol content level shows.
• You are found to be in operation of a motorized vehicle with a BAC, or blood alcohol content level, of 0.08% or higher, even if your mental and physical faculties seem intact.

When you or a loved one is charged with a DUI or DWI, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible who can look at the circumstances of your arrest and the facts that are present in order to determine the correct strategy for your case.

Texas State Penalties for DUI/DWI Charges

Facing a DWI or DUI charge can come with severe penalties if you are convicted. These penalties typically involve some combination of hefty fines, jail time, community services, probation, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the potential loss of employment. In fact, individuals with a permanent criminal record or criminal conviction see an unemployment rate of 30% across the nation. We do not want to see that happen to you.

At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to help you better understand the penalties you could face so that you know why it is so important to hire strong legal counsel and defense. Depending on the nature of your offense, the penalties can vary:

• First DWI/DUI offense. For a first-time DUI offender, you will likely face a fine of up to $2,000, jail time that lasts anywhere between three and 180 days, the suspension of your driver’s license for up to a single year, and required DWI classes. If you are eligible, you could also receive deferred adjudication or probation.
• Second DWI/DUI offense. If this is your second DWI or DUI offense in a certain amount of time, you could face fines up to $4,000. You could also spend anywhere from one month to a year in jail, and lose your driver’s license for up to two years. Mandatory DWI education classes may also be required. If you are eligible, you could also receive deferred adjudication or probation.
• Third or subsequent DWI/DUI offense or DWI/DUI with a child passenger. If this is your third or subsequent DWI or DUI charge or you drive while intoxicated with a child passenger, the penalties involved can become devastating. These types of cases are felony level offenses. Meaning you could face a fine of up to $10,000, be subject to anywhere from two to 10 years in prison, and lose your driver’s license for up to two years. Mandatory DUI/DWI education may be required as well. If you are eligible, you could also receive deferred adjudication or probation.

In certain cases, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device, or IID, into your vehicle. The installation of these devices has been shown to reduce repeat offenses by 70%. At Rountree Law Firm, however, we are here to fight the possible required installation of an IID.

How We Build Your Defense

At Rountree Law Firm, defending you against all charges is our main priority. When you hire our team, we can review your case and help determine the DWI/DUI defense that makes the most sense for the charges you’re facing. Common ways in which we can build your defense strategy include the following:

• Challenging the traffic stop and arrest. Our team is here to determine whether the police had reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop and probable cause to arrest you for a DUI or DWI.
• Calling into question any testing. We can then look at the evidence involved in your case and determine whether any tests were administered incorrectly or if any chemical tests were not properly calibrated or processed.
• Negotiating for a charge reduction or dismissal. We can then work to secure reduced charges where possible, and even work to have your case dismissed completely should the potential for such an action exist.
• Preparing for a court trial. If negotiations prove unsuccessful unfruitful, Rountree Law Firm is not afraid to take your case to trial. We have served on over 60 trials over the years and are ready to fight for you before a judge or a jury.

Experienced Legal Help You Can Trust

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Hire a DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

Even when facing a serious DUI or DWI charge, hope is not lost. With the right attorney on your side, your rights can be protected, and the penalties you may face can be avoided or minimized. When you hire a DUI/DWI defense lawyer from Rountree Law Firm, you know you are getting calm, compassionate, and confident legal representation. Call our offices at 512-262-8080 to learn more about how we can help and schedule your initial consultation.