The most common criminal law cases that come to The Garza Law Firm in Bexar County and surrounding areas are for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The difference between the two is that DUI involves minors (under 21) and DWI is the charge for individuals 21 years and older.
In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications, regardless of BAC. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
Martin S. Garza, family lawyer in San Antonio, has bonding authority as Surety in Bexar, Comal, Kendall and Bandera counties. If you or a family member are in jail, he can be reached 24/7 to post a bond. If you then choose to retain him as your attorney of record, half of your bond fee will typically be applied to your legal fees with The Garza Law Firm.
If you are stopped, be ready to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you refuse to take a blood or breath test, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for 180 days. You will typically be asked to take field sobriety tests and/or submit to an intoxilizer breath sample. You may refuse all tests, including a blood test. However, your license may be suspended for up to 180 days. The Garza Law Firm is prepared to obtain a court order for an occupational license which will allow you to drive during the suspension period.
*After two or more DWI convictions in five years, you must install a special ignition switch that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you’ve been drinking.
