South Padre Island DWI Attorneys

Our DUI/DWI Lawyers Fight For Your Freedom

A DWI charge in Texas can have long-lasting consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even time in prison. If you’ve been arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) on South Padre Island, it’s imperative to act right away. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we understand the local roadways and legal nuances of DUI/DWI cases and are committed to defending your rights.

Why Choose Our South Padre Island DWI Lawyers?

• Experienced Legal Representation: Our team of skilled attorneys has years of experience defending clients facing DWI charges in South Padre Island and across the Rio Grande Valley.
• Local Knowledge: We know the area and the roads frequently patrolled by law enforcement for DWI arrests, which allows us to effectively challenge evidence and fight for reduced charges.
• Aggressive Defense: We’ll work tirelessly to challenge the evidence against you, identify mistakes made by officers, and explore any possible weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• ALR Hearings: If your license is suspended due to a DWI arrest, you have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing gives you the opportunity to challenge the suspension and potentially retain your driving privileges. Our team will fight the suspension and protect your rights.

Common Roads for DWI Stops in South Padre Island

South Padre Island, Texas, has several areas where law enforcement is vigilant about catching impaired or intoxicated drivers. Some of the most frequently patrolled roads include:

• State Highway 100 (SPID): This major highway running through the island sees a significant amount of traffic, making it a hotspot for DWI stops, especially late at night, during spring break, or holiday weekends.
• Park Road 100: Known for its connection to popular areas like the South Padre Island Beach Access and local restaurants, officers are often stationed along this road to prevent drunk driving car accidents.
• Gulf Boulevard: A busy road that runs parallel to the beach, Gulf Boulevard is often watched by patrol units during peak tourist seasons for possible DWI offenders.
• Pompano Street: With a mix of residential areas and businesses, this road sees a higher volume of traffic, especially during events and festivals, and is another common spot for DWI enforcement.
• Bayview Road: Located just outside South Padre Island, Bayview Road sees a considerable amount of vehicular traffic, particularly from drivers heading towards the beach or local businesses. This area is often targeted by law enforcement for DWI checks, especially during weekends or after local events.

Possible DWI Penalties in Texas

Texas DWI fines and penalties can be serious, particularly if it’s not your first offense. Some potential consequences include:

• First Offense: Fines up to $2,000, a license suspension of up to one year, and mandatory alcohol education courses.
• Second Offense: Fines up to $4,000, a license suspension of up to two years, and possible jail time.
• Third Offense: Fines up to $10,000, a license suspension for up to two years, and the possibility of up to 10 years in prison.

In addition to criminal penalties, a DWI conviction may also impact your employment, insurance rates, and personal life.

Defending DWI Charges

When defending against DWI charges, there are multiple factors that our legal team carefully evaluates to ensure that your rights are protected and to build a strong defense. We thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest to identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Some of the key elements we assess include:

• Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs): Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are often used by officers to determine impairment. We assess whether the tests were properly administered and if any errors occurred during the process. Factors like weather conditions, the location of the stop, and the officer’s training in conducting these tests can all influence their validity. Any mistakes or issues during this process could be grounds for challenging the results.
• Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer tests are commonly used to determine blood alcohol content (BAC) levels. We carefully scrutinize the calibration and maintenance of the breathalyzer device to ensure its accuracy. If the machine wasn’t properly calibrated or maintained, or if the officer didn’t follow the correct procedure during the test, the results could be inaccurate and inadmissible in court. We also examine whether you were in a state that could have affected the results, such as medical conditions or recent use of mouthwash.
• Police Procedure: The way an officer conducts a traffic stop and subsequent arrest is essential in determining whether your rights were upheld. We investigate whether the officer had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop your vehicle and whether the arrest followed legal protocols. If the officer violated your constitutional rights—such as failing to provide Miranda warnings or conducting an unlawful search—we may have grounds to have evidence excluded or your case reduced or dismissed.
• Blood Test Accuracy: In cases where blood tests are conducted to determine alcohol or drug levels, we analyze whether the blood sample was taken correctly, whether it was properly stored, and whether the lab followed all protocols. Any deviations from the proper procedure could result in unreliable test results, which can impact the strength of the DWI case.
• Witness Testimonies and Other Evidence: In some cases, there may be witnesses who can testify on your behalf, or other evidence that can help dispute the charges. We examine everything from dash cam footage to witness statements to find any inconsistencies or inaccuracies that could weaken the prosecution’s case.

Our goal is to build a excellent defense strategy by identifying every flaw in the prosecution’s evidence and procedures. By thoroughly investigating each of these aspects, we work to protect your rights.

Get Help from Our South Padre Island DWI Lawyers

Don’t face your DWI charge alone. If you’ve been arrested on South Padre Island, contact Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers today. We offer free consultations and are ready to fight for the best result in your criminal case. Call us today or complete our short form to speak to our trusted South Padre Island DWI attorney.