Understanding the DWI Process

If a law enforcement official has reason to believe that you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the officer may pull you over to the side of the road. The officer may then subject you to a breath test, chemical test, or field sobriety test to determine whether you are driving while intoxicated (DWI). If your blood alcohol content level is above 0.08%, then you may be placed under arrest.

After being pulled over, the DWI process will include the following steps:

• You will be served with a notice that your driver's license may be suspended by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) because you have failed or refused a field sobriety test.
• You will have up to 15 days to request a hearing with the DPS to save your license.
• Your license will be taken from your possession, and a temporary driver's license may be issued to you until the hearing is concluded.
• If you miss the deadline or do not request a hearing, your license will immediately be suspended on the 40th day after the notice was served to you.
• You will attend your hearing with the representation of a skilled defense lawyer.
• If your license is renewed or reissued, the court will require a $125 reinstatement fee.

Time is of the essence. You must act today!

Without a doubt, DWI cases are among the most time-sensitive cases. If you have been arrested for a DWI, you only have 15 days to request an administrative license revocation hearing with the DPS. Your administrative hearing will determine whether you can save your driver's license from suspension or complete revocation.

In addition to preserving your driving privileges, your hearing also can give your San Marcos criminal defense attorney valuable information that can help strengthen your defense case. I am a skilled DWI attorney who has helped defend the rights and driving privileges of many clients for over 20 years. I know exactly what kind of evidence to look for to effectively defend you after an arrest.

You cannot afford to go to court without a lawyer. I may be able to help keep you out of jail and save you significant amounts of money in fines, court costs, and surcharges. The surcharge on a first DWI can be as much as $6000, and the fine can go up to $4000.

Using Continued Education to Defend You After an Arrest

I take great pride in defending my clients to the fullest extent of the law. As a premier defense lawyer, I always make certain that I am up to date with the latest criminal defense techniques, DWI defense strategies, and state and local laws. No matter how complex your case may be, I am ready and equipped with the right knowledge and resources to provide you with a defense.

I have attended, completed, or mastered the following Continuing Legal Education courses, among others:

• Mastering Scientific Evidence in DWI / DUI Cases - Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and National College for DUI Defense
• DWI Defense Project - Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Traffic Stops - Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Driver's License Suspensions - Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• DWI Voir Dire - Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Stuart Kinard Memorial Advanced DWI Seminar - Texas Defense Lawyers Association
• DWI Cross-Examination - Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and Hays County Bar Association
• History and Application of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test - Central Texas Defense Lawyers Association
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Assessments in Criminal Cases - Central Texas Defense Lawyers Association

In addition to the above-mentioned courses, I have also undergone standardized tests that are mandatory for completion by law enforcement officials. I have attended practitioner courses administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and International Association of Chiefs of Police Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.

Why You Need to Hire Richard Ursha, Attorney at Law

I understand that this may be a frightening time for you. Because I have undergone extensive training and certification to further my level of knowledge, my skill often goes unmatched in the courtroom. Pursuing further education is completely voluntary, and many attorneys tend to ignore the opportunity for growth in their practice.

If you or someone you love has been arrested, do not wait another moment to call my firm and retain a skilled defender who is devoted to protecting your rights.