DWI in Midland Can Mean Expenses and Misery
Let Us Fix It
Arrested For a DWI in Midland?
Many people are arrested for DWI in Midland each year. Anyone with a BAC over .08% risks arrest.
It might feel like a common offense isn't punishable by a steep penalty, but that's not what the local prosecutors think.
The state of Texas and the Midland County courthouse are not going to go easy on violators. Michael & Associates will step in to protect you from harsh sentences,
DWI Convictions Come With High Consequences
The truth is being arrested for DWI is stressful, and scary. The consequences for a conviction of the crime are frightening.
The punishments for DWI in Midland vary:
A First Offense:
- As steep as a $2000 fine
- Between 3 and 180 days in jail
- Suspension of driver's license for up to a year
A Second Offense:
- As steep as a $2000 fine
- Between one and twelve months in jail
- Suspension of driver's license for up to two years
A Third Offense:
- As steep as a $10,000 fine
- From two to ten years in prison
- Driver's license suspension for up to two years
- Felony on your record
That doesn't count the punishments that can happen if there were children, property damage, or injuries to others.
Don't Risk Your Future For One Mistake
Insurance increases, job difficulties, and losing your license. None of that sounds appealing, but without great legal counsel, you risk all of the above.
You have to act quickly to avoid fallout which can be hard to recover from.
Don't wing this. Call the team at Michael and Associates to help navigate this difficult period. We can help you recover your life, and get you back on track.
Michael & Associates Fights On Your Side
We have been at this for over ten years. We know the system, and we can help.
We've fought dozens of DWI cases every year for over ten years in and around Midland, most of which see a reduction of charges, or a complete dismissal.
We want the best outcome for you. We achieve that by offering the best defense we can, and adding in the white-glove treatment we are known for around the area.
We treat our clients as unique cases, which is a novel approach to law. We put you in touch with Ben Michael - our managing partner - who will explain your defense in detail, and help navigate the stressful post-arrest process.
No one offers top to bottom legal care like Michael & Associates. Call us today for a case review, and to get started on your customized defense strategy.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you've been charged with a DWI, you have 15 days before you lose your license. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch in a few minutes.
Recent DWI Cases
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Allegations: Officers pulled over our client alleging they were weaving in traffic. After failing a breathalyzer test oh, the client was arrested and taken downtown
Result: Case dismissed after procedural error
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Allegations: Our client refused a breathalyzer after being pulled over for failure to yield. After failing a field sobriety test, the client was arrested for their second DUI.
Result: Plea bargain reduction: Reckless Driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Allegations: Both a breathalyzer and blood test were given after the client ran a stop sign. The client was arrested and taken to the station.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Midland, the average annual cost of car insurance is $672. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $968, an increase of $296.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $696 | $648 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,002 | $933 |
| Increase | $306 | $285 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,092 | $636 | $600 | $516 | $492 | $480 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,572 | $916 | $864 | $743 | $708 | $691 |
| Increase | $480 | $280 | $264 | $227 | $216 | $211 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Michael & Associates offers all of their clients the white glove treatment, and the best result we can possibly get.
Other lawyers promise you the moon and failed to deliver. You don't get their best effort, and they don't even answer your question. you're just a case to them.
At Michael and Associates, we limit our caseload and treat you as a unique case.
We offer you the personal cell number of Ben Michael and ask you to text him morning or night with your questions. The bigger firms give you their answering service, and you're lucky if you get a call back before the weekend.
Ben will walk you through every step of the process, and make sure you feel comfortable the entire time. We understand that you are under a lot of stress, and want to get you not just the best result, but also make the entire procedure as painless as possible.
Michael & Associates accepts misdemeanor and felony cases that include, but aren't limited to:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We aren't practitioners of:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Driving While Intoxicated in Midland
In Midland, Midland County, or anywhere else in Texas, drivers that are caught driving with a BAC higher than .08% will be charged with DWI. That measurement is a number that reflects the saturation of alcohol within your bloodstream.
How many drinks it takes to get you to that .08% limit will depend on a number of things. Mainly what will factor in most will be the number of drinks that you had, your sex, and your weight. It will also depend on how long it has been since you stopped drinking.
In Midland, the penalties depend on the number of prior offenses you have been convicted of.
1st Offense
- As much as a $2,000 fine
- As much as six months in jail upon conviction, with three mandatory days
- Suspension of your driver's license for up to a year
2nd Offense
- As much as a $4,000 fine
- As much as a month to a year in jail
- Suspension of your driver's license for up to two years
3rd Offense
- As much as a $10,000 fine
- Two to ten years in prison
- Suspension of your driver's license for up to two years
The penalties increase for driving with an underage passenger
- Increased fines of $10,000
- As many as two years in jail
- 180 more days of driver's license suspension
The first thing to remember is that you should never run from a police officer. Running from a police officer will only increase the penalties you face, and make the job of your lawyer much more difficult. You need to pull over right away and follow directions as closely as you possibly can.
When the officer comes up to your window, it's important to be even-tempered. The officer will want your paperwork, including your insurance and driver's license. Make sure you inform them where the items are located before you reach for them. They usually follow up by asking you if you know why you were stopped. The best answer you can give is that you do not know because admitting guilt establishes probable cause in court. This removes the ability of your lawyer to argue against the stop.
You have the right to refuse any test the officer gives you, and if you're going to fail, you probably should refuse these tests. Just say that you don't feel comfortable taking any exams without speaking to your attorney first. Remember that you're on video, so don't act aggressively while the body camera is on.
You might still get arrested if the officer detects your speech slurring, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol on your breath. You'll probably be asked to take a blood test to establish your blood alcohol content. If you refuse the test, you will suffer from an automatic suspension of your license. Remember you will have your license suspended anyway if you are found guilty of DWI. Your lawyer can help you fight no matter which choice you make.
The officer can force you to take a blood test, but it will take some time to get the judge to issue the warrant.
Remember to remain silent during any questioning that can incriminate you, and talk to your attorney the first chance you get.
It's important to fight a DWI charge. Never accept a guilty plea, and have your lawyer work on the plea process for you. It's always worth trying to get a reduction or dismissal.
Helpful Locations for Midland Residents
Midland Courthouse
(432) 685-7314
201 E Texas Ave
Midland, TX 79701
midlandtexas.gov
Midland Police Department
(432) 685-7108
601 N Loraine St
Midland, TX 79701
midlandtexas.gov
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(432) 620-0255
1406 W Wall St
Midland, TX 79701
springboardcenter.org
Department of Motor Vehicles
(432) 686-1120
2800 Wright Dr
Midland, TX 79706
dps.texas.gov