There are two proceedings occurring at the same time: Criminal Court and DPS. A good DUI attorney excels at both.
A first offense DUI, sent to county court, is punishable by imprisonment in jail for not less than ten (10) days but no more than one (1) year, and a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). Most people choose to plea bargain a period of probation.
At DPS where your driver's license is at stake: a first arrest causes your class D privileges to be revoked for six (6) months. IF the breath test (or blood) was refused or is a score of .15 or above, an additional eighteen (18) months of restriction is added. Potentially, you can lose your license for two (2) years on a first offense. An ignition interlock is required to drive during this period, if granted.
The license revocation/restriction times increase substantially for repeat arrests.
There are so many complexities, pitfalls and potential fatal flaws an attorney can cause by not being up-to-date and skilled in DUI law.
DUI Attorney Alan R Woodland focuses on alcohol related offenses.