DWI & DUI

Laredo DWI & DUI Attorney

Drunk Driving Defense for Clients in Webb County and the Surrounding Areas

Getting arrested for a DWI or DUI can be terrifying. Many people think it could never happen to them. The truth is, sometimes good people find themselves in bad situations. You might not feel drunk but still be stopped by police. The pressure can quickly build up, leaving you scared and unsure about what comes next.

At Altgelt Law Office, P.C., we're ready to look into every angle of your arrest. We will assess whether the police had the right to stop you and if they had enough evidence to charge you. You could hire someone cheaper or less experienced to simply push a plea deal, but that’s not our approach. If you want to challenge the authorities and make them prove their case against you, we can help. We will fight for you and bring our skills to the table.

Call us today at (956) 758-3001 to speak to a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Laredo. Hablamos español!

Understanding DWI & DUI in Texas

In Texas, the terms DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) refer to different criminal offenses. A DWI involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, which indicates a serious impairment of your ability to drive and puts you at risk of a motor vehicle accident.

On the other hand, a DUI typically refers to driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor (under 21 years old) or driving with any detectable alcohol in their system. While both offenses can lead to serious consequences, a DWI is considered more severe due to the higher legal standard for intoxication. Understanding the difference between these charges can help you navigate the legal process more effectively.

Potential Penalties for DWI & DUI Convictions

First offense DWI: This can lead to fines of up to $2,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to 180 days. Additionally, you may face a license suspension for up to a year. An offense on your record can also affect employment and personal relationships.
Second offense DWI: This is a more serious charge that can result in fines up to $4,000 and a jail term of up to a year. Your license could be suspended for two years, and there may be mandatory community service, which can be a significant burden.
Third offense DWI: A third conviction escalates the penalties, with fines reaching up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment for two to ten years. This charge is classified as a felony, leading to long-lasting repercussions on your personal and professional life.
DUI (minor): For minors, a DUI carries potential fines of up to $500, along with mandatory alcohol awareness classes and community service. Even though it is less severe than a DWI, it can still impact future opportunities such as college or job applications.

The penalties for DWI and DUI can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case, including prior convictions and specific facts surrounding the arrest. Working with a skilled Laredo DWI attorney from Altgelt Law Office, P.C. can enhance your chances of minimizing these penalties or possibly having the charges dismissed.

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How Our Team Can Defend You Against Charges

At Altgelt Law Office, P.C., our attorney's experience as a former prosecutor gives us an edge. He's spent years on the other side of the courtroom, learning the ins and outs of how cases are built and presented. This knowledge informs our approach as we prepare each case like we are heading to trial, leaving no stone unturned.

Here are some possible defenses we can bring to your case:

Improper stop: If the police did not have a valid reason to stop you, we can argue that any evidence obtained during the stop should not be used against you. This is vital for the protection of your rights.
Inaccurate testing: Breathalyzer and blood tests can sometimes yield faulty results. We scrutinize these tests to check for errors or improper procedures that could help challenge the accuracy of the results.
Lack of intoxication: Just because you were stopped does not mean you were legally intoxicated. We will gather evidence, including witness statements and your own testimony, to show that your ability to drive was not impaired.
Manner of driving: If you were driving safely and responsibly, it could undermine the officer's claim of impairment. We can present evidence of your driving behavior leading up to the stop.
Rising BAC defense: If your blood alcohol concentration was rising after you stopped driving but was below the legal limit at the time of operation, we can argue this point to create reasonable doubt.
Faulty equipment: If the device used to test your intoxication was not properly calibrated or maintained, we can challenge the reliability of the results obtained.

The burden of proof is on the prosecution. They must prove their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. We understand what strategies work and what doesn't, which allows us to challenge the prosecution effectively and protect your rights.

What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for Drunk Driving

Seeing those flashing lights in your rear-view mirror can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and think you’re being judged for a single mistake. But just because you’re being stopped doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. How you handle the situation is crucial, and it can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Here are the right moves to make:

Stay calm and pull over safely to the side of the road.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach.
Be polite and respectful, even if you feel anxious.
Don’t admit guilt or say too much; keep your answers simple.
Ask whether you’re free to go if the officer isn’t giving any clear directions.
If asked to perform field tests, you have the right to refuse.
If you’re asked to take a breathalyzer test, know that refusing might lead to automatic penalties.
Take note of the details of the stop, including the officer's name and badge number.
Call Altgelt Law Office, P.C. for legal advice as soon as possible.

Remember that the court system is focused on punishment, and they may work aggressively to take away your future because of a mistake. At Altgelt Law Office, P.C., we are committed to fighting for you so you’re treated fairly and not taken advantage of.

Call Altgelt Law Office, P.C. today to start your free consultation with a Laredo DWI and DUI lawyer! We are available virtually and can converse in multiple languages.

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5-Star Reviews Client Spotlight

We Fight for Your Best Outcome

At Altgelt Law Office, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Integrity, Honesty, & Security"
I was in desperate need of a high-powered attorney who would really fight for my life. I thought my life was over but Mr. Altgelt and his dream team came to my rescue. I walked away with miraculous results.

- Isaiah D.
"A Beacon of Hope"
George Altgelt was a beacon of hope to my family. Not only did he do everything in his power to defend us, but his patience, professionalism, knowledge and empathy offered me and my family emotional succor.

- Leticia G.
"A Good-Hearted Man"
Great performance as a professional but one good-hearted man . Can’t find the words to express how thankful I am with Mr.Altgelt and his staff. He really helped us and created life saving results!!!

- Alma L.
"An Amazing Person and Attorney"
What an amazing person and attorney! He basically saved my wife's life and also at the same time helped our family stay strong with words of encouragement. George Altgelt is the real deal!

- Joey G.
"Dedicated to His Clients"
George is truly one of the most honest and dedicated in his field. He delivers excellence in any matter I’ve brought to him. His hard work and dedication to his clients, friends, and family shows just the kind of person he is.

- Javier V.
"A Top-Notch Straight Shooter"
Having George Altgelt in my corner gave me peace of mind throughout my ordeal. He is a straight shooter who works hard for his clients. He is a top-notch trial attorney, and his staff are great people who are always kind and helpful.

- Former Client
"Intentional and Polite"
Mr. Altgelt and his staff were very effective and efficient. They were intentional and polite while demonstrating true professionalism in tending to my needs. I highly recommend you trust them when in need of legal support.

- Sally R.
"Peace of Mind & Reassurance"
If you're seeking for an excellent criminal lawyer, look no further because George Altgelt is the one for you. George Altgelt and his staff gave us peace of mind and reassurance during a time of fear and worry for my family.

- Mariana H.

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Altgelt Law Fighting for the People

When It Comes to Your Defense, What's In Your Arsenal?

Our fierce advocacy and strategic methods put the pressure on the prosecution, ensuring they respond to our moves rather than controlling the case. We measure our success by the results we achieve for our clients, using every resource at our disposal to secure the best possible outcome. Learn more about our firm and our targeted approach to winning for you.

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