Texas is one of several states that takes a no-nonsense approach to drunk driving charges. State laws call for harsh penalties following a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction, which could mean years of tough challenges. After being charged with a DWI, drivers have the option to fight for a reduction or a dismissal.

Although a dismissal is ideal, it cannot happen in every scenario. An experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, however, can help you find an alternative solution. This could mean having the charge reduced to a lesser offense like reckless driving through a plea bargain with the prosecution.

Georgetown DWI Reduction Attorney

If you have been charged with a DWI, there may be options to avoid a conviction. Contact Georgetown DWI reduction attorney Michael J. Price to learn more about how you can challenge the charges. Michael J. Price has years of experience handling DWI cases, and he understands what it takes to obtain a reduction or a dismissal.

Price & Twine, PLLC represents clients in Georgetown and the surrounding areas in Williamson County, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Taylor, Hutto, Killeen, Temple, Belton and Harker Heights. Call (512) 354-1880 to schedule a free consultation. Begin fighting your drunk driving charges today.


Info on DWI Reduction


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Reducing DWI Charges in Texas

After a person has been charged with a DWI, a drunk driving defense attorney can help to determine the best course of action in seeking a reduction. This typically is done through a plea bargain with the prosecution. In these instances, an offender would plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving.

There are several factors that could help in determining whether a charge could be reduced. These could include:

  • Being a first-time offender with a clean criminal record;
  • Cooperating with arresting officers at the time of the offense;
  • Results of a chemical test show only slight intoxication;
  • The legality of the traffic stop is questionable; and
  • If the prosecution has a weak case.

Because the DWI charge cannot technically be amended, if a person accepts a plea bargain, the prosecution usually will withdraw the DWI charge and enter a charge of reckless driving instead. The process can be complicated. Having an experienced DWI reduction attorney can ensure the process goes as planned and you are not charged with both offenses.


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Benefits of Having a DWI Offense Reduced to Reckless Driving

A conviction for a DWI could have a significant impact on a person’s life. In addition to possible jail time and expensive fines, a person could face a driver’s license suspension, probation, substance abuse counseling, DWI school, the installation of an ignition interlock device and more.

According to Texas Pen. Code Ann. § 545.401, a person commits reckless driving if the person drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The offense is a misdemeanor, which could be punishable by a fine up to $200, up to 30 days in jail or both.

The penalties for reckless driving are less severe than those associated with drunk driving charges. Additionally, a reckless driving charge does not carry the same stigma as a DWI charge. A conviction for a DWI offense could affect professional licensing, obtaining employment and other professional opportunities.


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Obtaining a DWI Dismissal in Williamson County

An experienced DWI defense lawyer can fight to have the case dismissed using several different tactics. For instance, the attorney can challenge the legality of the traffic stop that leads to the drunk driving charge. If probable cause did not exist to stop the driver, the original traffic stop may not have been legal.

Other ways in which a DWI defense lawyer can fight to have the charges dismissed include:

  • Challenging the chemical test results;
  • Questioning if the person’s rights were violated;
  • Challenging field sobriety test results;
  • Police officer fails to appear for a hearing; and
  • Miranda Rights were not read at the time of the arrest.

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Finding a Williamson County Lawyer for DWI Dismissal

A DWI conviction could change the rest of a person’s life. Avoiding these harsh penalties is critical to keeping your life on track. If you have been charged with a DWI, contact Georgetown criminal defense attorney Michael J. Price.

Price & Twine, PLLC can work with you to obtain a favorable outcome in your case. Call (512) 354-1880 to schedule a free consultation with him. He represents clients in Georgetown and throughout Williamson County.