DWI Overview

Proven DWI Defense Attorneys

Aggressively Fighting Your Texas Drunk Driving Charges

Criminal defense of DWI and related charges
License suspension and occupational permits

The majority of people arrested for drinking and driving have never been in this frightening predicament before. Even if you have a past drunk driving conviction, you no doubt have many fears and questions. The Plano, Texas law practice of Christopher N. Hoover, P.C. offers answers and an honest assessment of your situation. Our legal opinion is based on closely examining the facts of your case, and backed by a solid record of winning cases at trial or securing lesser penalties upon conviction. DWI is all we do - we are formidable criminal defense trial lawyers, but the only cases we take involve alcohol and automobiles.

• The Good News: You probably will not serve substantial jail time for a DWI, unless there was a serious accident or multiple prior offenses.
  
• The Bad News: A DWI stays on your record. Texas law does not allow deferred adjudication for DWI.
  
• The Ugly: The penalties and consequences of a DWI conviction are severe. Even a first offense can result in a criminal record and probation, loss of license, steep fines and reinstatement fees, high insurance, and possible ramifications for employment and housing. More serious charges can involve jail or prison, lengthy license revocation, an ignition interlock on your vehicle and an ankle bracelet to monitor your drinking (SCRAM).

Effective Representation for All Aspects of Your Texas DWI

There are two parts to every drinking and driving case: (a) the criminal prosecution and (b) the civil hearing on driver's license suspension for refusing or failing a chemical test. These are separate proceedings in different courts, with different judges and rules of evidence. At Christopher N. Hoover, P.C., our highly trained lawyers are fully prepared to defend clients in both arenas. We aim to avoid a conviction if at all possible, and we fight for your driving privileges.

Criminal Defense of DWI and Related Charges

Driving While Intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor; at least 95 percent of people receive no jail sentence. Incarceration would generally come into play only if you have a very high blood-alcohol content, multiple prior offenses, or you caused serious injuries a DWI-related accident.

We represent clients in all alcohol-related offenses:

• DWI - BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .08 or greater or other proof of driving while intoxicated
  
• DUI - Persons under age 21 can be charged for having any alcohol in their system, with the same penalties as DWI
  
• Repeat offenses- Penalties rise dramatically for a second, third or more DWI's, no matter how many years ago your prior offense(s) occurred.
  
• Intoxication assault/intoxication manslaughter- You will face felony charges if anyone was seriously injured or killed in a drunk driving accident
  
• Public intoxication - Passengers are often charged with this misdemeanor offense, damaging their credibility as witnesses in the driver's DWI case
  
• DWI while already suspended
  
• DWI with child passenger
  

In 10 years of handling strictly DWI cases, Chris Hoover has tried hundreds of cases before a jury, and helped many hundreds of people get dismissal of charges, a jury acquittal, or lesser penalties if found guilty.

After your arrest, we sit down with you to answer your questions about DWI and explore all the facts of your case: your version of events, the arresting officer's report, any videotape evidence, and the results of chemical tests of your blood, breath, or urine. From these facts we can prepare many effective defenses to get evidence excluded, get charges dismissed or reduced, or to create reasonable doubt at trial.

License Suspension and Occupational License Hearings

Under Texas's implied consent law, your license can be suspended for (a) refusing to submit to a chemical test or (b) failing that test by registering a BAC of .08 or greater [.001 for under 21 CDL]. The Texas Department of Public Safety oversees a civil hearing process, separate from criminal proceedings, to give citizens a chance to challenge the suspension or seek limited driving privileges.

IMPORTANT! You must act quickly after a DWI to protect your license. From the date of arrest, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Failure to request a license suspension hearing will result in automatic suspension. Christopher N. Hoover, P.C. will stop the clock for you at no charge, even if you do not hire us to represent you.

It is possible to fight the license suspension (based on the facts of your case). If we cannot retain your full license, we also represent clients in an Occupational Driver's License hearing. This allows you to drive up to 12 hours a day during the suspension for work, school and household duties - you can go to the grocery store, carpool and do everything you normally do.

Qualified, Aggressive, Compassionate Representation

We understand how a DWI conviction and loss of license would create havoc and hardship in your life. Our attorneys have what it takes - and will do what it takes - to avoid conviction or minimize the penalties.

Contact Christopher N. Hoover, P.C. immediately for a FREE initial consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day at 1-888-252-4DWI, and we can meet you at our offices in McKinney or Dallas. We accept credit cards, or we can work out payment arrangements prior to taking on your case. We can also help if someone is currently in jail for DWI.