DWI

San Antonio DWI Lawyer

Facing DWI Charges in San Antonio, TX?

Arrested for drunk driving in San Antonio? If you are asking whether or not you should fight your DWI charge, the answer is yes. It is imperative that you get in contact with an experienced attorney to defend your constitutional rights and future.

Safeguard yourself against dire consequences by hiring a DWI attorney in San Antonio, TX at The Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski today. My experience as a former prosecutor gives me insight into the strategies of law enforcement and equips me with the knowledge to build a strong legal defense.

What is the Difference Between DWI & DUI in Texas?

Under state law, an individual who is arrested for drinking and driving may either be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). The difference between DWI and DUI has to do with the age of the driver.

Underage drivers – younger than 21 years – can be charged with driving under the influence when they are caught behind the wheel with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Charges of driving while intoxicated, on the other hand, is charged when the driver has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or when his or her abilities are demonstrated to be impaired by alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Don’t face your DWI charges alone. Call my office today to discuss your case during a free evaluation.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Texas

The sentence you can receive for drinking and driving depends on several factors including the number of times you have previously been convicted, whether there was a child in the vehicle, and whether you are accused of causing injury or death in a collision.

A first-time DWI carries a possible sentence of:

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• Between 3 and 180 days in jail
• A 1-year driver’s license suspension
• Up to $2,000 in annual fines in order to retain your driver’s license

If you are charged with intoxication manslaughter, you can be sentenced to:

• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Between 2 and 20 years in prison
• Minimum of 240 hours mandatory community service

It is imperative that no matter what type of accusation you are facing, that you have an experienced and powerful DWI lawyer in San Antonio, TX working on your behalf. With over a decade of experience, a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and inclusion on the list of Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ , it is evident that my experience has been a huge asset in helping others retain positive case results.

Strategies for Fighting DWI / DUI Charges

The question most people are wondering after their arrest is, “Can I fight my DWI?” The most important thing to know about drunk driving charges is that you can fight back. Whatever type of DWI / DUI you are charged with, a San Antonio DWI attorney may be able to clear your name by disputing the validity of the breath and blood tests, such as by demonstrating that the breathalyzer was out of calibration and therefore incapable of providing a reliable sample.

Similarly, video footage from the police car dashboard video camera may be useful in showing that you did not actually fail the roadside field sobriety tests. It may even be possible to have the charges thrown out by revealing that the police officer violated your constitutional rights by pulling you over without probable cause.

Can I Beat a DWI Charge?

One of the things that most people do not realize is that you can beat a DWI charge. Not even a failed field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test showing a BAC of 0.08% or more is enough to guarantee a conviction. Field sobriety tests are completely subjective. Breathalyzer tests and other types of breath or blood tests can also be inaccurate.

An officer who is insufficiently trained, an improperly calibrated machine and many other external factors can all contribute to a false reading. In some cases, officers fail to follow the exact procedures necessary to obtain probable cause before placing an individual under arrest. If that happened in your case, I will be able to challenge the officer’s actions and fight to have your case and any charges filed against you dismissed.

If you have been charged with DWI, you are going to want a zealous San Antonio DWI lawyer aggressively advocating on your behalf. I have more than a decade of experience with criminal law and DWI defense cases. Prior to starting my own defense practice, I spent time as a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s office. My experience in the legal field has given me a rare insight into the justice system, one that very few other lawyers possess. I have tried and won countless criminal defense cases, including those involving DWIs, and I have a very high success rate.

In recognition of my accomplishments and my professional standards, I have received a BV Distinguished® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and an Avvo Rating of 10.0 Superb. If there was any error made during the arrest process, I will be unrelenting in my pursuit to find and uncover it. If you need help fighting a DWI charge, contact San Antonio DWI lawyer Kerrisa Chelkowski today.

How to Effectively Handle Your DWI Case

The key to effectively handle your DWI case is to understand your rights and to hire a DWI lawyer San Antonio, TX who is ready to fight for you. As a former prosecutor, I have a unique understanding of criminal cases and can use this to your advantage in the courtroom. Contact me now at the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski so that I can begin working on a DWI defense strategy for you! I have achieved complete case dismissals and reduced the charges against my past clients.