Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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Are DWI Laws in Texas Tough? What Should I Expect?

DWI laws in Texas are stringent, aiming to deter and penalize individuals who operate vehicles while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, thereby posing a significant risk to public safety.

DWI offenses in Texas are categorized based on factors such as the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), previous convictions, and whether there were any injuries or fatalities resulting from the incident. The legal BAC limit in Texas is 0.08% for most drivers, with stricter limits for commercial drivers and individuals under 21 years of age.

Texas DWI Penalties can be severe, particularly when aggravated by factors such as high BAC levels, prior convictions, or if the offense resulted in injury or death. First-time offenders may face fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and probation or jail time. Subsequent offenses escalate in severity, with longer license suspensions, higher fines, and a higher risk of confinement in jail or prison.

The societal impact of DWI in Texas is profound, as groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) claim that impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries. DWI incidents can also devastate families both emotionally and financially. Victims of DWI crashes, when they occur, endure physical injuries, emotional trauma, and often face long-term challenges in recovery and quality of life.

Legal defenses for DWI charges in Texas can include challenging the validity of breath or blood tests, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, or arguing mitigating circumstances such as necessity or involuntary intoxication. However, given the serious nature of DWI offenses and the potential consequences, hiring a Top DWI Lawyer is crucial for navigating the complexities of the legal process.

For offenders, rehabilitation and treatment programs may be part of sentencing, aimed at addressing underlying issues related to alcohol or drug use and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. These programs can provide valuable support in promoting long-term behavioral change and preventing future incidents. A Top DWI Lawyer may recommend some of these programs to present as mitigation when negotiating a DWI case.

DWI in Texas represents a significant public safety concern, with strict laws and penalties designed to deter impaired driving and protect the community. By enforcing these laws effectively, providing support for victims, and promoting education and prevention efforts, Texas continues its commitment to reducing the incidence of DWI-related tragedies and promoting safer roadways for all residents.
In summary, this is why it is important to hire Mimi Coffey, a DWI Board Certified attorney with over 29 years of experience. Contact our DWI Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation today.

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Mimi Coffey

Mimi Coffey is a trial attorney with 24 years experience. She is the founder of The Coffey Firm, serving Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. She is board-certified in DWI by the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) and is a Regent of the NCDD. Mimi Coffey also listed on several “top” directory listings such as DWI attorneys Tarrant County, DWI Lawyer Fort Worth, DWI attorney Dallas County, DWI attorneys Collin County and DWI attorneys Parker County. I am very involved with the community DFW caring DWI lawyer, Texas Tech School of Law foundation and I enjoy using the skills I have developed to give back to the community. She has also appeared numerous times as a legal commentator for CNN, National Fox News, as well as local Dallas/Fort Worth stations on DWI-related stories. She is also a frequent speaker at both national and statewide seminars. She is a prolific trial attorney with a proven trial record. She has tried over 300 cases, with 80% of them being jury trials in her 18-year career. Her success includes everything from .21 breath tests, blood tests to 3 car accident cases just to name a few. Mimi’s cases have also made good case law for the State of Texas. For example, in Tarvin v. State, it was found that weaving within your own lane was not a traffic violation. In Lajoie v. State, the courts determined that the defendant’s request to have his attorney must be suppressed as opposed to used as evidence of guilt. She is the author of Texas DWI Defense: The Law and Practice. She is also the author of three nationally-published articles and four statewide articles. Mimi has twice attended Indiana University’s Borkenstein Course for state toxicologists both on alcohol and drugs. She has also completed the NHTSA SFST Course, SFST Instructor Course and the 12-Step DRE Mini-Course Program. She is also one of the first attorneys in the United States to attend the Axion Labs Gas Chromatography Training. Her minor in college was Geology lending her a comprehensive and disciplined scientific mind when it comes to scientific and mathematical issues such as blood and breath testing. Mimi has won the President’s Heart of a Champion Award presented by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) numerous times. Mimi also led the effort to get the State Bar of Texas’ Board of Legal Specialization to recognize the NCDD’s DWI Certification. Mimi has been active in 4 legislative sessions in fighting against bad DWI laws. Her efforts prevented the breath/blood test refusal as being a separate crime. She has advocated for true deferred adjudication for DWI. Mimi also sued a Dalworthington Gardens police officer for illegally drawing blood. Since her lawsuit, the 2nd Court of Appeals ruled against police officers drawing blood. (The Court of Criminal Appeals overturned this). Mimi also sued the Texas Department of Public Safety for its double jeopardy surcharge program. Since the initiation of her suit, Texas DPS has instituted amnesty programs based on one’s earning potential.

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