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Rolando Cantu is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu. He is committed to providing aggressive and high level legal representation—successfully defending clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. He works on every case as a priority with personal attention, while prioritizing their needs. 

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515 Pecan Blvd. McAllen,

Texas, United States 78501
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The Undisputed Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for your DWI Case

Jun 06, 2022

The Undisputed Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for your DWI Case

If you have been arrested and charged with a DWI in Texas, you may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer. The answer is yes – hiring a lawyer is the best decision you can make in this situation. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. In this blog post, we will discuss the many benefits of hiring a lawyer for your DWI case.

The importance of having a lawyer represent you in a DWI case

When you are facing a DWI charge, you are facing serious penalties. These penalties can include jail time, probation, fines, and a driver’s license suspension. A lawyer can help you avoid these harsh penalties by fighting for your rights and building a strong defense on your behalf.


The Texas DWI laws and cases are complex. A lawyer who is familiar with these laws can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences. They can also help you develop a defense strategy that will give you the best chance of success in court.


In this section, we will discuss the benefits of having a lawyer represent you in a DWI case.

What a lawyer can do for you in a DWI case

As we have mentioned in our previous blog: DWI vs DUI: What's the difference?, DWI stands for driving while intoxicated, referring to a motor vehicle operator who is impaired by alcohol or drugs (legally intoxicated). In Texas, these offense penalties can range from community service and pay fines, to jail time if it’s a felony DWI.


Texas Penal Code 49.02 defines intoxication as “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body.”


In order to be convicted of DWI in Texas, the prosecution must prove that:

  • You were operating a motor vehicle
  • You were intoxicated at the time
  • Your blood alcohol level was .08% or higher. for commercial driver's license holders, .04% or higher
  • You were impaired to the point that you couldn't safely operate a vehicle
  • You were a danger to yourself or others
  • You caused serious bodily injury to another person
  • You caused the death of another person


A lawyer can help you challenge any of these elements that the prosecution must prove in order to convict you of DWI, but they also provide more benefits.

Get your license back after a DWI

Texas law states that if you are convicted of a DWI, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for 90 days. However, if you hire a lawyer and they are able to get your case dismissed, your license will not be suspended.


A lawyer can also help you get your license back after it has been suspended. They can file a petition with the court to have your license reinstated.

A lawyer can help protect your rights

When you are charged with a DWI, you have certain rights that the police and prosecutors must respect. A lawyer can help make sure your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.


A DWI lawyer can also help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences. They can explain the options available to you and help you make the best decision for your case.

Avoid a DWI conviction

A DWI conviction can have serious consequences, including jail time, probation, and fines. A lawyer can help you avoid these consequences by fighting for your rights and building a strong defense on your behalf.


They can also help you develop a defense strategy that will give you the best chance of success in court, like challenging the results of a breath test, questioning the arresting officer’s conduct or attacking the prosecution’s case.

Reduce the charges against you

When it comes to Texas drunk driving laws, there are two types of charges: DWI and DUI. A DWI is a more serious charge than a DUI. A lawyer can help you reduce the charges against you by negotiating with the prosecutor.


For example, if your case turns out to be a state jail felony or a class B misdemeanor, a lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to have the charges reduced to a class C misdemeanor or even dismissed.

Get the best outcome for your case

A lawyer will fight for your rights and work to get the best possible outcome in your case. They will investigate the circumstances of your arrest and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. They will also cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence that is being used against you.


A DWI conviction can have a major impact on your life. It can affect your job, your family, and your future. A lawyer can help you get your life back on track by fighting for your rights and getting the best possible outcome in your case.

Reduce your jail time

If you are convicted of a DWI in Texas, you could be facing up to 180 days in jail. However, if you hire a lawyer, they may be able to get your sentence reduced or even dismissed. Texas DWI law is complex, and a lawyer who is familiar with the law can help you get the best possible outcome in your case.


DWI penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the facts of your case. A lawyer will know what penalties you are facing and will work to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Avoid a permanent criminal record

The Texas legal alcohol limit is .08. If you are arrested for a DWI, you will be required to take a breath or blood alcohol concentration test to determine your blood alcohol content. If your BAC is .08 or higher than the legal limit, you will be charged with a DWI. A Texas DUI or DWI conviction can be worse if you had a child passenger, prior DWI convictions, or an extremely high BAC. In these cases, you could be facing a felony charge. A lawyer can help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.


A first offense DWI is a class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2000. A conviction for a DWI will go on your criminal record. This can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or get insurance. A lawyer can help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.


You might be interested: 5 mistakes people make that impacts their DWI case

Save money in the long run

The cost of a lawyer may seem like a lot of money up front, but it is nothing compared to the cost of a DWI conviction or DUI penalties. The cost of a DWI conviction can include jail time, probation, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license. A lawyer can help you avoid these costs by fighting for your rights and getting the best possible outcome in your case.

How to find the best lawyer for your DWI case

Hiring a lawyer is the best decision you can make if you have been charged with a DWI. A lawyer can help protect your rights, ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case, and help you get your life back on track. If you or someone you know have been charged with a DWI, contact an experienced DWI lawyer today.


An experienced criminal defense attorney will know how to handle your case and will work to get the best possible outcome. If you have been charged with a DWI, contact The Law Office of Rolando Cantu today.


Here at The Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we have experience handling DWI cases, DWI expungement, car accident cases, and more. We will work to get the best possible outcome for your case, offering an excellent attorney client relationship, affordable rates, and the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you with your case!

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