Don't Give Up Your Rights Without A Fight. Choose Marcus Wilkerson
DWI Charges: What You Need To Know
Being arrested for a DWI does not mean you are automatically guilty. In fact, it is possible to challenge field sobriety tests, breath test results blood test results, and whether the DWI arrest protocol was properly followed. Marcus Wilkerson can help you fight DWI/DUI/BUI/BWI charges. He has successfully challenged DWI and DUI charges for clients throughout Texas, and especially Southeast Texas.
Mr. Wilkerson primarily serves Jefferson County, Orange County, and Hardin County, but will travel much further if the case is substantial. A DWI/DUI lawyer, (and yes, boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated charges are treated equally) needs to be familiar with all of the most recent science and studies associated with each method of alcohol testing, and should you decide you want to proceed forward to a trial, that attorney must review everything from the blood tubes associated to a blood test to the calibration records of a breathylyzer if one was used.
Whether you have been accused of being intoxicated because of alcohol consumption, or some other substance, you need representation to guide you through the process.
Finally, don't think just because you took a medication pursuant to a prescription you will automatically be ok if you are stopped by law enforcement and suspected of intoxication. Certain controlled substances can cause intoxication symptoms even at prescribed doses and without the patient being aware of the effects. If you are alleged to have been intoxicated because of your prescription medication, you need and deserve a lawyer who will explore everything from the length of time you have been on a given medication, to what combinations of medications you are on, and your body mass, as just a few factors that can impact whether the State of Texas can successfully prosecute you.
Don’t Let An Accusation Ruin Your Future
In these cases, time is of the essence. The smartest thing you can do is contact attorney Marcus Wilkerson as soon as possible. After your arrest, the process has officially begun, and it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself right away. This begins with a request for an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. You have only 14 days from the date of your arrest or license suspension notification to file, failing to do so means your license will be automatically suspended. During this process you can potentially get your first look at certain evidence associated with your case in responses to a request for discovery made to the Department of Public Safety.
Your attorney should subpoena the arresting officer, and if that officer fails to appear and provide testimony, or the Department of Public Safety fails to respond to discovery requests, your administrative revocation proceedings may be dismissed and your driver's license therefore not be suspended. The best part about ALR hearings, though, is that if you have counsel, you don't even have to be present for the hearing. You cannot be called as a witness unless you waive your right to remain silent during the proceeding, which no attorney will ever ask you to do.
Penalties for a DWI conviction can be severe. Punishment ranges from six months in jail to fines of up to $3,000 and the loss of your license for up to a year. It is important to remember that you can fight this. Attorney Marcus Wilkerson will do everything he can to advocate for your rights. This means examining all areas of your case to build the strongest defense possible. You can expect honesty and professionalism from beginning to end. He is not here to judge you. Mistakes happen, and it’s important to remember that you have options.
If your license is suspended, your attorney can file to obtain an occupational driver's license on your behalf while your license remains suspended.
Act Now; Don't Delay; Call Today
The system moves quickly; without knowing it, you could be putting your legal rights at risk. Call William Marcus Wilkerson, Attorney at Law, today at (409) 212-9655 to schedule a consultation. You can also reach him by filling out this online contact form.
While some counties may not bring charges immediately, other counties move very quickly, and if you retain the services of Mr. Wilkerson, the ALR proceeding is included in your representation. There is no extra charge whether you request an appeal of the notice of suspension or not. However, as previously discussed, you only have 14 days to do so. If your suspension notice is provided to you when you are arrested or before you make bond, you will lose the opportunity to pursue a hearing on the matter if you do not immediately file for the appeal yourself or secure representation.
Perhaps most importantly, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), once your license is suspended, you CANNOT obtain an occupational driver's license that allows you to continue to operate commercial vehicles. This means the speed with which you seek representation can alter your ability to work.
Suspension times vary based on the circumstances causing the suspension, any prior DWI/DUI charges, and the type of license you possess. Driving while license invalid (DWLI) charges can be prosecuted as a class B misdemeanor, result in another year's suspension of your driver's license, and could form the basis to revoke any probation period you may be serving associated with your charges or a reason to terminate a Pre-Trial Diversion program you may have been accepted into if it was your first offense and you have absolutely no other criminal history.