Cedar Park is a major suburb in the city of Austin that is approximately 16 miles from the downtown area. The area has grown exponentially over the year to a population of approximately 75,000 that was recorded in July 2017. It’s also home to the H-E-B Center, which is a live entertainment center that hosts events frequently.
Cedar Park can be a hot spot to visit since it’s close to the downtown life of Austin and commonly hosts entertainment events at the H-E-B Center. This means law enforcement are always on high alert looking for people who may have drank too much and decided to drive.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DWI in the Cedar Park area, it’s important you seek legal counsel that you can trust.
DWI Defense Attorney in Cedar Park, Texas
An DWI conviction can lead to incredibly serious penalties. The judge could sentence you to pay expensive fines, restitution, participate in a DWI class, community service, have an IID installed and even spend time in jail or prison. With such steep consequences, it’s highly advisable you gain excellent legal representation such as Price & Twine, PLLC.
Defense attorney Michael J. Price understands the serious nature of DWI charges and how to effectively fight back. He can access his extensive resources, skills and network for your case. Don’t wait another moment to protect your freedom and call (512) 354-1880.
Price & Twine, PLLC represents people throughout the greater Williamson County and Bell County area such as Georgetown, Cedar Park, Hutto, Liberty Hill, Taylor, Killeen, Belton and Temple.
Overview of DWI in Cedar Park
- DWI Statistics in Cedar Park, Texas
- Summary of DWI Penalties in Texas
- DWI Resources in Texas
- Additional Resources
DWI Statistics in Cedar Park, Texas
The state of Texas is currently dealing with a DWI crisis. Statistics from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program run by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) indicate that DWI-related crashes and injuries are on the rise. Cedar Park is unfortunately not exempt from these numbers. The following are some 2018 DWI statistics in the Cedar Park area.
In 2018, TxDOT recorded the following statistics for DWI activity in the city of Cedar Park.
- It was found in Cedar Park there was a total of 44 people;
- Law enforcement found 71 DWI related incidents in Cedar Park;
- Out of those crashes, only 27 of them didn’t lead to injury;
- 26 of those crashes lead to some type of bodily injury; and
- It was discovered that 5 people were seriously injured because of DWI-related incidents
In 2018, TxDOT recorded the following statistics for DWI activity for Williamson County.
- In Williamson County, there 347 crashes in 2018;
- DWI incidents that didn’t lead to injury was 461;
- Out of those accidents, 186 of them didn’t lead to injury;
- 73 of those crashes involved non-incapacitating injuries;
- It was discovered that 104 DWI crashes resulted in injury;
- 30 accidents involved some sort of serious bodily injury; and
- It was found that there were 12 fatalities from DWI incidents
Summary of Penalties in Cedar Park, Texas
The penalties surrounding drunk driving in Texas are incredibly serious. The consequences for DWI depend on the facts of the case and the offender’s criminal record. They can include serious fines, community service, license suspensions, annual fees, DWI classes and even time spent in jail or prison. If you’ve been accused of DWI, we suggest you review the statutory penalties for the crime below.
- First Offense – Class B Misdemeanor
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Up to 180 days in jail;
- Up to 100 hours of community service;
- Driver license suspension for up to 12 months; and
- Completion of a 12-hour DWI Education Program;
- Annual fee of up to $2,000 for three years by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Second Offense – Class A Misdemeanor
- A fine of up $4,000;
- Up to 12 months in jail;
- Up to 200 hours of community service;
- Completion of a DWI Education Program;
- Driver license suspension for up to two years; and
- Annual fee of up to $2,000 for three years by DPS
- Third or Subsequent Offense – Third-Degree Felony
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Up to 10 years in prison;
- Up to 200 hours of community service;
- Driver license suspension for up to two years; and
- Annual fee of up to $2,000 for three years by DPS.
If specific factors were present during the crime, then your charges could be enhanced. Driving under the influence with a child passenger under the age of 18 will lead to a state jail felony. The penalties for a state jail felony include the following:
- Up to 2 years in state jail; and
- A fine of up to $10,000
If officers discovered that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or over .15, then your charges may be elevated to a class A misdemeanor. The consequences for a class A misdemeanor include the following:
- Up to 12 months in jail; and
- A fine of up to $4,000
DWI Resources in Cedar Park, Texas
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – DWI-related suspensions are handled at the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The department can administratively suspend your license if you refused DWI testing or submit and failed a chemical DWI test. You can contest this suspension by scheduling a hearing with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Driver Education Programs – One condition commonly associated with driving under the influence is required participation in a driver education program. The program focuses on rehabilitative lessons, how alcohol or controlled substances affect the body and statistics surrounding driving under the influence crashes in Texas.
Williamson County Clerk – You will likely be required to visit the Williamson County clerk if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence. Nancy E. Rister is the current clerk and can help you file or look for any court document that you need for your case.
Williamson County Court Division – Find more information about the Williamson County court by visiting their website. Here you can access information about the trial process, important forms, court records and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Additional Resources
DWI Laws in Texas – Visit the official website for the Penal Code to learn more about driving while intoxicated offenses (DWI) in the state of Texas. Find more information about the penalties, elements for the crime and administrative suspensions with DPS.
Texas DWI Statistics – Visit the official website for the Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to learn more about data and statistics related to DWI-related crashes and incidents in Texas. Find more information about the number of fatal crashes, accidents involving injury and more information related to DWI.
Defense Lawyer for DWI in Williamson County, Texas
If you or someone you know has been accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in the Williamson County area, it’s important you have legal representation you can trust. One great option is to contact Price & Twine, PLLC. Attorney Michael J. Price understands the ins and outs of the Texas court system and can use his skills to fight for your case.
Price & Twine, PLLC can collect evidence, file motions and do whatever needed to fight for your case. Set up your first appointment free today by calling (512) 354-1880. Price & Twine, PLLC accepts clients throughout the greater Bell County and Williamson County, Texas area.