What Can I Do to Prevent License Suspension After a DWI?

If you have recently received a DWI, one of the main things that you are probably concerned about is the status of your license. Depending on certain conditions of your DWI conviction, like whether this is your first offense, your blood alcohol level, or whether you injured another driver or pedestrian, your penalties might be more serious. Having your license suspended is one of the most common penalties for DWI in Texas, but there are ways to avoid this punishment once you receive your DWI sentencing.

How Can I Limit the Possibility of License Suspension?

The severity and consequences of your DWI sentence will depend on how the judge views your particular case. There are a few things you can keep in mind during your arrest and after you receive your sentence to limit your chances of license suspension:

– Refusal of breathalyzer test: Police officers in Texas have the right to request a breathalyzer or blood test once you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence. Even though you also have the right to refuse a test, if you do so, you will have your license suspended for 180 days.
– File for an appeal: If you did refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, your license will be seized with a notice of suspension. With that notice, you will be informed of your right to an appeal, and you will have to appeal within 15 days of your arrest. If you file your appeal on time, you will be notified of your DWI hearing date.
– Attend a DWI hearing: At the hearing, you have the opportunity to fight against your license suspension. If you lose, the hearing officer will suspend your license for a specific period of time; this time will depend on whether you refused the breath or blood test, your BAC levels, and whether you had prior convictions or license suspensions.

DWI charges can result in very serious consequences, and having your license suspended can be detrimental to your personal life. Contact our attorneys today so we can represent you in the criminal hearing.

Mike Goolsby

A veteran in both civil court cases and criminal defense, Mike Goolsby is a respected lawyer with more than 16 years of experience practicing law. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas in 1990, followed by his J.D. from the prestigious Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1994. After earning his law degree, Mr. Goolsby worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. As a trial lawyer, he was able to gain exceptional access to the criminal court system in this major metropolitan area, giving him immeasurable, distinct experience that helped him build a solid foundation for his own private legal practice. Mr. Goolsby went on to practice civil law for Maverick Acceptance Group, a venture capital company. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge of the civil side of the law, adding to his already diverse portfolio of legal expertise. In 1999, he opened the doors of The Goolsby Law Firm and has been successfully serving the residents of North Texas ever since. As an attorney, Mr. Goolsby combines his experience in both the civil and criminal fields to offer unmatched legal representation to his clients. With a long list of satisfied clients, Mr. Goolsby continues to build his practice through fair and aggressive legal defense.