“Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Texas takes these statistics seriously. If you find yourself facing criminal charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Travis County in Austin, Texas, it is crucial to understand the legal implications. Knowing what the potential consequences of a DWI conviction are in the State of Texas is very important. And knowing what legal options might be available for you to move forward, such as the Travis County Diversion Program and Travis County DWI Court, is also key.
DWI Consequences in Travis County
The Lone Star State knows that alcohol impairment contributes to a great number of vehicle accidents each year that cause damage to property, as well as mental anguish, physical injuries, and even fatalities. Texas law enforcement and courts make arrests and dole out charges according to strict state laws. The consequences of a DWI conviction can be severe and may include a range of punishments and penalties. Some of the most common legal consequences are the possibility of license suspension upon arrest for a DWI, hefty fines and court costs, probation with regular check-ins with a probation officer, being required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to test your blood alcohol content before allowing you to start the car, participating in a mandatory alcohol education program, and of course, jail time. The penalties can vary as they depend on the specifics of each individual case.
Travis County Diversion Program
Pretrial diversion programs function as an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for offenders who meet eligibility requirements. DWI is one of the most common offenses eligible for pretrial diversion in the State of Texas. The Travis County Diversion Program is helpful to individuals who want to participate in the rehabilitative program to get on a more positive track into the future. The program gives offenders the opportunity to address the underlying issues related to their DWI while avoiding long-term consequences of a conviction.
Travis County DWI Court
Travis County DWI Court is a specialized program designed to help repeat DWI offenders. The program seeks to provide a structured and supportive environment to help participants overcome their issues related to alcohol and avoid further DWI offenses, by integrating “local criminal justice resources, case management, and substance abuse treatment to rehabilitate repeat DWI offenders in lieu of (in some cases) incarceration.” A key aspect of the Travis County DWI Court is the requirement for participants to attend scheduled review sessions in court. The DWI Court team checks to ensure they are complying with the terms of the program, including staying sober, until graduation from the program.
If you or someone you know is dealing with DWI charges, consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to understanding your options and pursuing the best course of action. In Austin, Texas, or the surrounding area, reaching out to Attorney Brian Erskine of Erskine Law for help should be your next step. A reputable, board-certified criminal defense lawyer in Travis County, Mr. Erskine understands the legal landscape and has extensive experience and great success handling DWI cases. Contact Erskine Law to discuss your case during a free consultation.