If you’ve been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Corpus Christi, Texas, you’re likely worried about what comes next. A conviction can affect your future in serious ways. You might lose your driver’s license, face steep fines, or even spend time behind bars. Your job, finances, and reputation could all be on the line. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that you still have options.

At Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, we know that your future matters. Our law firm brings together a team of accomplished attorneys with 100 years of combined experience. Over the years, our Corpus Christi DWI lawyers have helped clients facing challenging criminal charges fight for the best possible outcomes. We understand Texas DWI law, local court procedures, and how prosecutors build their cases.

If you’re facing DWI charges in Corpus Christi, taking the time to learn about your rights and the road ahead can make a difference. Contact us at (210) 500 0000 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review the facts of your arrest, explain your legal options, and guide you through each stage of your case.

How Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law Can Help If You Were Arrested for DWI in Corpus Christi, Texas

When the state believes you’ve been driving while intoxicated, they often see you as just another defendant to convict. Prosecutors may rush to judgment, and police officers might assume your guilt before knowing the full story. It’s our job to remind them that you are innocent until proven otherwise. At Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, we will fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Here are some of the ways we can help with your Corpus Christi DWI case:

• Investigating your arrest: We will look closely at the police report, dashcam or bodycam footage, and any breath or blood test results. We want to know if officers followed proper procedures and respected your constitutional rights.
• Challenging evidence: Field sobriety tests can be misleading, and breath or blood tests can be flawed. If something wasn’t done by the book, we’ll use that to your advantage. We’ll also check if any equipment was poorly maintained or if testing methods were questionable.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the charges or penalties by negotiating with the prosecuting attorney. Our team knows how to approach negotiations from a position of strength.
• Building a personalized defense strategy: No two DWI cases are alike. We take the time to understand your situation and then create a defense plan designed to get the best outcome possible. Whether that means challenging probable cause for the traffic stop or pointing out issues in the chemical testing process, we will tailor our approach to your unique circumstances.
• Representing you in court and at administrative hearings: If your case goes to trial, we’ll stand by your side and present a solid defense to the judge and jury. We can also represent you at license suspension hearings, helping you keep your driving privileges whenever possible.

With our criminal defense law firm in Corpus Christi, TX, you’re not just another case number. Our Corpus Christi criminal defense attorneys know what’s at stake and commit ourselves to fight for you and your future.

Understanding DWI Laws in Texas

In Texas, DWI laws are designed to keep our roads safe. Generally, you can be charged with DWI if you are found to be operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. “Intoxicated” is defined under Texas law as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or not having the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or other substances.

Key points to know:

• Per se intoxication: If your BAC is 0.08% or above, the state can argue you are intoxicated “per se,” meaning intoxication is presumed. However, this doesn’t mean you have no defenses. Faulty equipment or mishandled samples can lead to inaccurate readings.
• Under 21 or commercial drivers: The rules are even stricter if you’re under 21 or hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). For underage drivers, a BAC above 0.00% may lead to charges. For CDL holders, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%.
• Refusing a test: Texas has an implied consent law, meaning that when you drive on Texas roads, you consent to breath or blood testing if lawfully arrested for DWI. Refusing the test can lead to an automatic license suspension, but refusal can also deny the state certain evidence.

Because Texas DWI laws are complex, it’s crucial to have a lawyer who understands their nuances and how they apply to your specific situation.

Potential Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Corpus Christi

DWI penalties in Texas can vary greatly based on several factors. These include whether it’s your first offense, if there was an accident causing injury, or if you had a very high BAC. DWI charges are generally misdemeanors but can be felonies under certain circumstances.

Here are some possible penalties you might face:

• First offense: You could see fines up to $2,000, license suspension for up to a year, and up to 180 days in jail. Additional penalties like community service, mandatory alcohol education programs, and an ignition interlock device on your car may apply.
• Second offense: Fines could rise up to $4,000, and jail time can range from 30 days to a year. You may also face a longer license suspension and more restrictive conditions.
• Third or more offenses: The penalties become even more severe, with fines up to $10,000, possible prison time of two to ten years, and years-long license suspensions.

Additional circumstances can also increase the seriousness of your charges and penalties, such as:

Driving with a child passenger

• Having a BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Causing serious bodily harm or death

The financial burden, loss of freedom, and damage to your reputation that come with a DWI conviction can be devastating. Hiring an experienced Corpus Christi DWI lawyer can significantly improve your chances of achieving a better outcome.

Collateral Consequences of a DWI Conviction

Beyond the legal penalties, a DWI conviction can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. For example:

• Difficulty finding employment: Many employers run background checks, and a DWI conviction may raise red flags, making it harder to secure a job.
• Housing issues: Landlords sometimes deny housing applications from those with criminal records.
• Professional licenses: If you hold certain professional licenses, a DWI may result in disciplinary actions or even losing your license.
• Higher insurance rates: Auto insurance companies may view you as high-risk, resulting in much higher premiums.

These collateral consequences can persist long after you’ve served a sentence or paid a fine. By fighting the charges now, you can protect not just your immediate future but also your long-term interests.

Defending Against DWI Charges in Corpus Christi

The state must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a high standard meant to protect your rights. There are many potential defenses to a DWI charge, and your attorney’s job is to explore all options and find the one that fits your situation best.

Some common defenses include:

• Challenging the traffic stop: The police must have a lawful reason to pull you over. If they didn’t, any evidence gathered afterward might be inadmissible.
• Questioning field sobriety tests: Tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are not always reliable. Factors like uneven pavement, bad weather, or a medical condition might influence your performance. Your lawyer can argue these tests were not accurate measures of your sobriety.
• Disputing BAC results: Breathalyzers and blood tests must be administered and handled correctly. Faulty machines, improper maintenance, or poor handling of blood samples can cast doubt on the test results.
• Proving innocent explanations: Sometimes, certain conditions or behaviors might be mistaken for intoxication. For example, fatigue, allergies, or nervousness might cause red eyes or slurred speech.
• Violations of your rights: If the police violated your constitutional rights, your lawyer can ask the court to throw out any evidence stemming from that improper action.

Your attorney’s experience in building a successful defense can mean the difference between a conviction and a favorable outcome. At Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, we’ve seen many scenarios and know how to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.

Contact Our Corpus Christi DWI Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Facing DWI charges in Corpus Christi, Texas, doesn’t mean you have to accept a bleak future. With the right defense strategy and skilled legal representation, it’s possible to reduce your penalties or even avoid a conviction altogether. At Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, we bring together a team of attorneys with 100 years of combined experience. Since our founding, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping clients through some of the toughest moments in their lives.

Don’t leave your fate in the hands of the prosecution. Our Corpus Christi DWI lawyers are ready to fight for you. We will review your case, listen to your side of the story, and provide honest, straightforward advice on your next steps. Call us today for a free consultation.