What happens if I plead guilty to a DWI charge?

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/ What happens if I plead guilty to a DWI charge?

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What happens if I plead guilty to a DWI charge?

Pleading guilty to a DWI charge in Texas results in a permanent criminal conviction. Additional consequences include loss of driving privileges, gun rights, travel restrictions, and immeasurable harm to future job opportunities and college and university admission.

Should I plead guilty to Misdemeanor DWI in Texas? First-time offenders should only plead guilty to DWI as an option of last resort. DWI charges in Texas, especially first-time offenses, can be beaten.
Should I plead guilty to Felony DWI in Texas? Felony DWI cases are complex. Repeat offenders face a maximum of 10 years in prison for a third offense. This is an enormous increase from the 1 year penalty a DWI 2nd offense carries.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I PLEAD GUILTY TO A DUI IN TEXAS?

Entering a plea of guilty to a DUI charge results in a permanent criminal conviction. Minors should never, under any circumstances, enter a plea of guilty to a DUI charge in Texas. The penalties for DUI are significantly different than those associated with a DWI charge. For this reason, there is simply nothing to lose in taking a DUI case, no matter the facts, to trial.

Can you go to jail for pleading guilty to DUI in Texas? No. DUI is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas. Aside from the initial arrest and detention, there is no jail punishment associated with DUI in Texas. However, a minor under 21 years old could face jail time if charged as an adult, with DWI.

Should I hire a lawyer for a DUI in Texas? Everyone charged with DUI in Texas should immediately hire an attorney. The State has enormous resources with which to seek a conviction. Considering the weight of the consequences, it is critical to do everything possible to avoid a DWI conviction. It starts with building a strong defense.

CAN YOU GO TO JAIL FOR PLEADING GUILTY TO DWI?

Every person charged with DWI in Texas is facing jail time. The maximum jail sentence for a first-time DWI offense is up to 1 year in a county jail. Repeat offenders at the felony level face up to 10 years in prison, but in certain circumstances, can face more time.

Can a DWI in Texas be Expunged? A DWI charge can be expunged if it resulted in a dismissal that did not involve community supervision probation. If a DWI was dismissed after probation through deferred adjudication it may still qualify to be sealed through an Order of Nondisclosure.

Difference between no contest and guilty plea? The main difference between no contest and guilty plea in Texas is that a guilty plea is a defendant’s judicial admission of guilt for the crime alleged where a no contest plea is not a defendant’s admission of guilt. In many instances the court will still find a defendant guilty under either plea. A major consideration in entering a no contest vs guilty plea is whether an admission of guilt will establish liability in a related context or litigation, like in a vehicular accident subject to civil damages.

WHY WOULD SOMEONE PLEAD NO CONTEST?

A criminal defendant would plead no contest in a deferred adjudication plea where the judge is withholding an immediate finding of guilt. Additionally, for defendants facing multiple charges or civil liability, pleading no contest to a misdemeanor might preserve important defense tactics in furtherance of an overall legal strategy.

How long does a no contest plea stay on your record? A no contest plea stays permanently on criminal records in Texas unless it is expunged. Expungement is the only way to clear these records as they do not automatically go away even if subject to a pardon or vacated on appeal.

What does no contest mean in court? No contest is a type of plea entered by criminal defendants in Texas who wish to resolve a charge without making an affirmative representation of guilt. A plea bargain strategy is best refined by consulting an experienced Texas DWI attorney or Texas criminal defense attorney and law firm.

BEST TEXAS DUI LAWYERS

Trey Porter Law provides powerful representation for people facing DUI and DWI charges across Texas. Results matter most when your freedom and future are on the line. Trey Porter Law brings over 40 years of combined experience, strategic knowledge, and a hard-earned reputationof winning to every case the firm takes on. The top-rated lawyers at TPL have a steadfast commitment to uncompromising results.

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M. Adams

Exceptional Defense Attorneys and firm.
I had the pleasure of being represented by Trey Porter Law. Attorney Joseph Strickland worked with me directly and was wit me at every court appearance and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. From the outset, they set clear expectations on how they could help me avoid jail time for my DWI charge.

What truly stood out was their unwavering support throughout the entire process. They were always accessible, promptly addressing any questions I had. Ms. Aisley would answer my call and respond to my questions on the spot. This was especially crucial when my school and potential employers raised concerns about my pending charges. Joseph Strickland provided guidance on how to navigate these external challenges, showcasing their commitment to their clients beyond the courtroom.

Their professionalism, transparent communication, and dedication to my case made a significant impact, and I am grateful for the positive resolution they achieved. I highly recommend Trey Porter Law Firm for anyone in need of a skilled and supportive defense attorney and team.

C. Pollock

After a search of attorneys in my area I sought out Trey Porter Law Firm, impressed by the detailed information provided on the website and resounding client endorsements. From the introductory phone call, direct meeting, subsequent calls/emails/texts, and throughout my court appearance and disposition, all dealings have been exceptional. Everyone on the team has been friendly and responsive, while still being highly professional. I also very much appreciate the proactive approach taken throughout my case.

J. Givens

Mr. Porter an amazing attorney, he help me get through my situation swiftly and professionally as well as save me time and money in the process. Working with Mr. Porter was a pleasure, he kept me well informed and updated throughout the whole process which made things so much easier for me to understand. Mr. Porter and his team took the stress out of stressful situation. Mr. Porter and his team was always easy to contact and return my phone calls and emails promptly. I cannot give enough praise to Mr. Porter and his team. I had another attorney in the beginning who wad basically going to railroad me. I would definitely recommend Mr. Trey Porter again and again. If you’re looking for a great attorney who is affordable and knowledgeable and will fight for you, Trey Porter is the attorney to choose. Definitely a five star attorney.

J. Franklin

Trey and his staff are great and make sure to help you with all your questions to get through the process. Trey worked out the best outcome for my issue and got me an opportunity to get my charge expunged. Trey and his team made a negative experience end on a positive note. Truly recommend this law firm for your legal issues.

J. McKibbon

I would like to thank Trey Porter and his team regarding my DUI case. I truly could not have expected a better outcome regarding my case. This outcome only happened because of his expert knowledge and dedication to his profession. Trey really took time to explain every step of the process to me which really helped me make critical decisions on how to proceed. I am lucky to have come across his name and will only refer people to Mr. Porter regarding DUI offenses. Trey, I want to thank you publicly. Your expert handling of my D.U.I. got my case reduced to an outcome I was very pleased with. Nothing against my driving record, no loss of license and I’m positive this wouldn’t have turned out so well without you. Thanks for your hard work, empathy and responsiveness it really meant a lot to me.

R. Valdez

We hired Trey Porter to assist us last year. From the initial consultation up to and including the court hearing, Trey had a straight forward approach to the situation at hand. He explained everything along the way and was available at any time to discuss/answer any questions we had either by phone/text/email. With his experience and professionalism, we obtained the best outcome possible. We would highly recommend Trey Porter with no hesitation whatsoever. Five stars is definitely not enough!

B. Cantu

I highly recommend Trey Porter! He is very professional and attentive to each situation at hand. He does not beat around the bush. Straight forward and explains things very well. Easy to work with. Contacts you before you have to ever contact him. Detailed oriented. Driven to get you the best deal possible in your situation. Him and his staff were absolutely amazing for my situation. Thank you!

B. Patel

Trey is a phenomenal attorney that gets the job done right! He is dedicated to help his clients. He made himself available and answered all my concerns immediately! I had faith in him and he continued to prove his expertise by helping me. I highly recommend Trey Porter!!

D. Lopez

Mr. Porter was exceptional! He answered all my questions, was thorough throughout my case. Really pushed to go above and beyond to get us the results we were needing. Excellent professional service and as a professional I can definitely say I recommend him.

C. Jef

100/100
Excellent experience with Mr Porter and TPL law offices. They fought for me and they won! I hired Mr Porter after an embarrassing incident. My license and employment were on the line. The office had excellent communication and personal service — even through text message! Totally recommend Trey Porter 100/100!

T. Royal

5 STAR!
I hired Mr. Porter to represent my son in a DUI case. I was worried a conviction would ruin his future. Mr. Porter and the whole office were friendly, thorough, and poised throughout. They respond to text and calls almost instantly. We are just finishing the expunction process after the case was dismissed!!! I am grateful to Mr. Porter and recommend him to one and all. Excellent from start to finish. Thank you TPL!

A. Renaud

Winning
I won with Attorney Trey Porter! Had a criminal DWI .15 charge, small accident, but no injuries. This was my first criminal charge of my life. Mr. Porter was great to talk to — as was the entire office staff and other attorneys. Everyone was SO NICE! 9 long months passed and my charge was dismissed. No probation. No conviction. This experience was well worth the money. I recommend Trey Porter, Attorney at Law.

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CHARGES DISMISSED

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15

Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.

CHARGES DISMISSED

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.

CHARGES DISMISSED

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+

Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest.

CHARGES DISMISSED

DWI 2ND

Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.

CHARGES DISMISSED

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.

CHARGES DISMISSED

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.

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