When it comes to a delicate subject such as a DWI, most people you come in contact with are unwilling to share their entire story and recollections of everything that happened to them and how it affected them. It seems these days people try to hide their unfortunate happenings rather than share them to help impact the decisions of future drunk drivers.
Costs and Timeline Associated to DWI
Upon my release from jail ($1500 bail), I immediately searched for a lawyer to help protect my rights I am obligated to and help ensure justice. Of the multiple lawyers I met with I chose to go with a lawyer who is admired in the Lubbock community and has been a past District Attorney for Lubbock County. His fee was $5000 upfront, and if we went to trial it would be another $5000. Immediately going into my situation I knew I wanted to take my case to trial because of the way I felt my situation was handled. On another note, when you make bail you have to call into the company that bailed you out once a week, every week until you receive your judgement. If you so happen to miss a call you are charged a $10 everyday you do not call. Being a college student, priorities manage to happen and I sometimes missed, for a week or two. Thats a couple more hundreds of dollars. After hiring a lawyer they most likely will handle most everything for you. A person is required to go to court 3 or 4 times before the actual judgement is handed own, having a lawyer means you do not have to attend these meetings. These meetings are discussions as to what is going to happen and what penalties are being placed upon you. Having a good lawyer helps out tremendously at this point. Originally I was expected to be on probation for 24 months, my lawyer was able to lower that number to 15. I was required to have a breathalyzer in my vehicle for 12 months, which has been reduced to only 8. I was initially suppose to perform 120 hours of community service which is now at 30 hours. The only items that remained unchanged were the alcohol classes and the amount of the fine to be paid, $500. After accepting this plea bargain I was required to pay court fees, which not many people know about, but amount to around the total or $1000. When a person is required to install a breathalyzer in their vehicle it typically costs between $200-300 depending on the make and model, thereafter each month you have it in your car there is a fee of $100-150. Fees are also required when meeting with your probation officer, depending on the county prices may vary. As you can see everything adds up quickly. According to the state of Texas after receiving a DWI your license is suspended until the judge decides to return it (30-120 days AFTER judgement). After you are required to pay the DPS a reinstatement fee of $125, this does not mean you have your license back yet. Depending on the judge your license can then be suspended 1-3 years; retaining your license is available at a cost of $1000 per year its suppose to be suspended. To date I've spent close to $12,000 and have yet to pay all my required fees. Bottom line it isn't worth it, one night or drinking and driving for a DWI on your record for the remainder of your life. Potientially hurting your later career and life. Find a sober driver.
Costs and Timeline Associated to DWI
Upon my release from jail ($1500 bail), I immediately searched for a lawyer to help protect my rights I am obligated to and help ensure justice. Of the multiple lawyers I met with I chose to go with a lawyer who is admired in the Lubbock community and has been a past District Attorney for Lubbock County. His fee was $5000 upfront, and if we went to trial it would be another $5000. Immediately going into my situation I knew I wanted to take my case to trial because of the way I felt my situation was handled. On another note, when you make bail you have to call into the company that bailed you out once a week, every week until you receive your judgement. If you so happen to miss a call you are charged a $10 everyday you do not call. Being a college student, priorities manage to happen and I sometimes missed, for a week or two. Thats a couple more hundreds of dollars. After hiring a lawyer they most likely will handle most everything for you. A person is required to go to court 3 or 4 times before the actual judgement is handed own, having a lawyer means you do not have to attend these meetings. These meetings are discussions as to what is going to happen and what penalties are being placed upon you. Having a good lawyer helps out tremendously at this point. Originally I was expected to be on probation for 24 months, my lawyer was able to lower that number to 15. I was required to have a breathalyzer in my vehicle for 12 months, which has been reduced to only 8. I was initially suppose to perform 120 hours of community service which is now at 30 hours. The only items that remained unchanged were the alcohol classes and the amount of the fine to be paid, $500. After accepting this plea bargain I was required to pay court fees, which not many people know about, but amount to around the total or $1000. When a person is required to install a breathalyzer in their vehicle it typically costs between $200-300 depending on the make and model, thereafter each month you have it in your car there is a fee of $100-150. Fees are also required when meeting with your probation officer, depending on the county prices may vary. As you can see everything adds up quickly. According to the state of Texas after receiving a DWI your license is suspended until the judge decides to return it (30-120 days AFTER judgement). After you are required to pay the DPS a reinstatement fee of $125, this does not mean you have your license back yet. Depending on the judge your license can then be suspended 1-3 years; retaining your license is available at a cost of $1000 per year its suppose to be suspended. To date I've spent close to $12,000 and have yet to pay all my required fees. Bottom line it isn't worth it, one night or drinking and driving for a DWI on your record for the remainder of your life. Potientially hurting your later career and life. Find a sober driver.