Guadalupe County DWI Lawyer
A DWI arrest in Guadalupe County can quickly spiral into a serious legal battle. Whether you were stopped in Seguin, Schertz, Cibolo, or another part of the county, you may be facing jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Texas courts do not take these cases lightly, and prosecutors here work hard to secure convictions.
At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we understand how overwhelming this situation can feel. We will guide you through the legal process, fight aggressively to protect your rights, and keep you fully informed every step of the way. We serve clients throughout Guadalupe County and will develop a defense strategy that fits your unique situation. Call our office for immediate assistance from a skilled and experienced Guadalupe County DWI defense lawyer dedicated to your success.
What Happens After a DWI Arrest in Guadalupe County?
A DWI arrest triggers two parallel proceedings, the criminal case, which determines your guilt and any potential penalties if convicted, and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, which is a civil matter that can suspend your driver’s license, even if you win the criminal case.
You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing. Missing this deadline typically results in an automatic license suspension. Acting quickly is essential. Our team can handle both the criminal case and the ALR process to give you the best chance of protecting your driving privileges and avoiding harsh penalties.
DWI Penalties
The severity of DWI penalties depends on whether this is your first offense, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and whether any aggravating factors are present. Potential penalties for a first-offense DWI can include up to 180 days in jail (minimum 3 days), up to $2,000 in fines, driver’s license suspension for up to 1 year, DWI education courses, and an ignition interlock device in some cases.
The penalties increase significantly for second and subsequent offenses, making it even more important to fight any DWI charge that comes your way. A second-offense DWI can result in up to 1 year in jail, up to $4,000 in fines, license suspension up to 2 years, and a mandatory ignition interlock device.
A third or subsequent DWI is charged as a third-degree felony. Punishment if convicted can include 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, license suspension up to 2 years, and a long-term ignition interlock device.
Aggravating factors, such as a BAC of 0.15 or higher, causing an accident that involves serious injury, or having a child passenger, can lead to enhanced penalties even for a first offense.
Comprehensive DWI Defense Strategies in Guadalupe County
We leave no stone unturned in your defense. Our strategies may include, for example:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Questioning field sobriety test procedures
- Disputing breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
- Evaluating whether officers followed proper arrest protocols
- Identifying procedural or constitutional violations
Every case is different, and we will tailor our defense to the specific facts surrounding your arrest.
ALR Hearings: Protecting Your Texas Driver’s License
The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is separate from your criminal case, but it is just as important. Just as in your criminal case, you have the right to a hearing before your license is suspended, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney at this hearing If you do not request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest, your license will likely be suspended automatically.
At the ALR hearing, we can cross-examine the arresting officer, challenge the evidence presented, and argue against the license suspension. Even if the decision is to suspend your license, we can still work to obtain an occupational license so you can continue to drive to work, school, and other essential destinations.
Collateral Consequences of a DWI Conviction
The legal penalties are only part of the story. A DWI conviction can also cause:
- Increased insurance premiums
- Employment challenges, especially in jobs requiring driving
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
- Required ignition interlock devices, at your expense
- Court-mandated alcohol education or treatment programs
We work tirelessly to reduce or eliminate these long-term consequences.
Communication, Strategy, and Results You Can Trust
At The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway, we don’t leave our clients wondering what comes next. We are highly responsive and communicative, always keeping you in the loop as we develop your defense strategy. Whether your best option is to challenge the charges in court or negotiate for a reduction or dismissal, we will explain your options clearly and fight for the most favorable outcome.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Future in Guadalupe County DWI Cases
The sooner you get experienced legal help, the better your chances of successfully defending your case. Don’t let a DWI arrest in Guadalupe County define your future. Contact The Law Offices of David C. Hardaway today to schedule your confidential consultation. Our Guadalupe County DWI defense attorney is ready to stand with you and fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your license.
