The Amarillo, TX DWI / DUI Lawyer Who's in Your Corner

Throughout all of Texas, including Amarillo and Moore County, the legal limit is 0.08% for blood alcohol content (BAC). This means that your blood cannot be composed of 0.08% or higher otherwise you'll be possibly charged with a DWI if you're pulled over.

Before you ask, the answer is no. There is no life hack, pro-tip, or cheat code for partying it up and being immune from a DWI. Even your uncle who can handle vodka better than anyone you know cannot drive if his BAC is 0.08% or higher. If you're unsure of whether you're at the legal limit or not, don't drive.

The penalties for DWIs in Amarillo vary greatly on the circumstances and the amount of previous offenses you have. For a list of possible penalties, see below.

Your First Offense

• Up to a $2,000 fine
• You will receive three mandatory days in jail with the possibility of 180 days total
• Loss of driver's license for up to a year

Your Second Offense

• Up to a $4,000 fine
• One month to a year in jail
• Loss of driver's license for up to two years

Your Third Offense

• A $10,000 fine
• Two to ten years in prison
• Loss of driver's license up to two years

Due to the dangerous nature of driving drunk, harsh penalties can apply if caught driving with a child passenger, which include:

• Additional fines up to $10,000
• Up to two years in jail
• Additional 180 days of driver's license suspension

If you've been pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated, it's not the end of the world. There are a few steps you can do to ensure you have the best fighting chance if the case goes to court.

The best thing you can do throughout the entire process is remain polite and cooperative while still knowing your rights. Some police officers will be easier to get along with than others, but even if you're dealing with a rude officer, be on your best behavior - you're likely being recorded and this will come into play on your court date.

Being polite doesn't mean incriminating yourself, though. You have the right to refuse some of the tests mentioned in this section, and you should always exercise your right to remain silent. Only answer what is absolutely necessary - never hurt your chances by tattling on yourself.

When pulling over, pick a location that's safe. Don't make the police wait too long before you do, but don't drive recklessly.

After pulling over, they will almost certainly ask you for the three main documents they need to see: your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Inform them of the location, then slowly pull them out from your glove compartment or any other storage space.

Once they have looked at your documents, you'll likely be hit with the classic question "do you know why I pulled you over?" You might know, but you shouldn't tell them. The more evidence you give to the police of your knowingly breaking the law, the more likely you are to face harsher penalties if the case goes to court. Just reply with "no, ma'am" or "no, sir."

If they suspect you of driving while drunk, they will try to administer their first sets of tests at this point. You have the right to refuse both the field sobriety test and breathalyzer. If you haven't drank anything the whole night, you can take the tests and be done with the stop - if you're not 100% sure you're going to pass, though, politely refuse them. Inform the officer that you'd prefer to speak with your attorney before taking any tests.

At this point, it's possible you'll be let go. It's also possible that you will be arrested if you seem obviously impaired. When you're taken to the police station, you are likely to be asked to take a blood or breathalyzer test. This is when things start to get a little tricky as you can still refuse them, but doing so will result in a suspension of your license in some cases yet failing them yields the same result. No matter what your choice is, your lawyer will fight for you.

If they haven't been able to establish your BAC yet, one of the officers at the station may try to get a warrant. This takes some time, so it can help your case if you're close to the legal limit. If you are served with a warrant, you cannot refuse and must take the test.

As soon as you're able to, contact your lawyer. He or she will give you guidance on what to do to fight any charges.

To put it simply: yes. Always fight your DWI charge. Even if you feel like what you did was wrong, you shouldn't have to suffer the full strength of the law. Get yourself a good lawyer and protect yourself.