If you are caught driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher in the state of Texas, you are facing DWI charges. Such charges will lead you to lose your driving privileges, among other penalties. Read on to learn your eligibility for obtaining a conditional license and how a seasoned McAllen, Texas DWI lawyer at Angel Davila Law can explore all legal defenses on your behalf.
What DWI offenses would cause me to lose my driver’s license in the state of Texas?
The state of Texas imposes very harsh penalties on those who drive under the influence, which, more often than not, includes a license suspension or revocation. The period in which you will lose your driving privileges depends on which DWI offense you are convicted of, and they read as follows:
- First-offense:
- DWI: a driver’s license suspension of up to one year.
- DWI while refusing to take a sobriety test: a driver’s license suspension of 180 days.
- Second-offense:
- DWI: a driver’s license suspension anywhere between one to two years.
- DWI while refusing to take a sobriety test: a driver’s license suspension of two years.
- Third-offense:
- DWI: a driver’s license suspension anywhere between one to two years.
- DWI while refusing to take a sobriety test: a driver’s license suspension of two years.
What is a conditional license?
A conditional license allows you to drive under certain circumstances even when your driving privileges suspended. The purpose of this license is so you can drive to and from school, work, court-ordered treatment programs, and any necessary medical emergencies, and nothing more. To obtain this, you must prove to the court that the loss of your driving privileges has caused you significant hardship. This license cannot be a permanent substitution for your permanent license.
Does the state of Texas offer the option of a conditional license?
A conditional license, more commonly known as a hardship license, is available in the state of Texas only to those who received a first-offense DWI and only after the first 30 days of the suspension period. This license allows for restricted driving privileges for six months of your sentenced suspension period. Importantly, if you refused to take a sobriety test when you got pulled over, you are not eligible to receive a conditional license.
If you believe you qualify for a conditional license, or if you require a defense to reduce or eliminate the driving penalties placed against you, do not hesitate in retaining the services of a competent Hidalgo County, Texas criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.
Contact Our Hidalgo County, Texas Firm
For quality legal defense for criminal convictions, family law matters, and estate planning matters, contact the Law Office of Angel Davila today.
