Arrested for DWI During the Holidays? Follow These 3 Strategies to Start the New Year Off Right

While the holidays are recognized for their endless merriment and bliss, they’re also known for being one of the most turbulent times on the roads.

As people rush to stores for some last-minute shopping and return home from New Year’s Eve parties, the risk of DWI accidents significantly increases, as some don’t drink responsibly and then attempt to drive home when they shouldn’t.

If you were charged with drunk driving during the holidays, make sure you take the right steps with the goal of getting your charges dismissed in the new year. Remember that just because you were charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Use this guide to get started.

1. Contact an Experienced DWI Lawyer Right Away

If you were arrested for drunk driving during the holidays, your first New Year’s resolution should be to put on your big boy pants and start the process of fighting for your rights immediately. Unlike the wine you may have drunk over the holidays, DWI charges do not improve with age—they turn to vinegar and grow more bitter over time. Hire a good attorney to start the process of developing a legal strategy to fight your charges.  

Once you hire your attorney, let them take over the process and file the proper motions and handle all other legal proceedings. In a DWI case, you’ll actually be facing two separate cases:

1. The administrative license revocation hearing (also known as the ALR hearing). This is to argue to the court to restore your driver’s license after it was revoked when you were arrested. You have 15 days after your arrest to schedule this hearing. Your attorney should be present so that they can listen to the evidence the state will use against you to keep you from getting your license back. The same evidence will be used against you in your criminal proceeding.

2. Criminal DWI charges. These are the charges that the state has levied against you for driving while intoxicated. They could be as minimal as a Class C misdemeanor for a first-time offense or as severe as a felony manslaughter charge if, while you were intoxicated, you were in an accident where someone was fatally injured.

2. Join a Local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group

The fact that you got a DWI doesn’t mean you have a drinking problem—especially if you were arrested after drinking responsibly. It also doesn’t mean that you can’t understand issues with alcohol better. By joining a local AA group, you both educate yourself on alcoholism and demonstrate to the court that you understand the gravity of your situation and are open to getting help if you need it.

Many of the other members in AA may have been arrested for DWI as well. They may provide moral support and help you navigate the ebbs and flows of the process. When combined with professional help from a lawyer, support from other people facing or who have faced a similar situation can go a long way in making things easier.

3. Understand Your Charges

Your lawyer will be key in helping you understand your DWI charges, but you can also do some research on your own. Read the statute on DWI in Texas and understand what the minimum and maximum penalties are for your particular charges. Ask your attorney what circumstances can contribute to more severe penalties and fines and what steps you can take to gain more favor in the eyes of the court. Your attorney should be able to recommend measures including attending AA meetings (as mentioned above) and substance abuse counseling.

As one of the leading DWI lawyers in Texas, JL Carpenter should be your first call. Over the years, she has successfully handled hundreds of DWI cases—both misdemeanors and felonies.

As an experienced and qualified criminal defense lawyer, JL builds a strong, aggressive defense for her clients. Click here to contact her today.

JL’s practice areas also include domestic violence, family violence, and drug possession, among others.