DWI Arrests in Odessa Can Devastate
We'll step in for you
DWI in Odessa Means Big Problems
If you are pulled over with a BAC of .08% or higher you might be charged with DWI.
It's incredibly nerve-wracking to go through the arrest process. We can step in to help you get through it without much pain.
The state of Texas and the Ector County court system will try to impose a stiff sentence on violators of the law. At Michael & Associates, we fight for you. We get you back the life you deserve.
DWI Arrests Mean Large Penalties
Just because the crime of DWI is a common one, you might assume that the penalties aren't high.
Guess again.
The punishments for DWI are strict:
A First Offense:
- As high as a $2000 fine
- From 3 and 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
A Second Offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine
- From 1 and 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
Three or More Offenses:
- As high as a $10,000 fine
- From 2 and 10 years in prison
- Loss of driver's license for as many as two years
- Felony on your record
Plus those don't count the various sentence enhancements, such as driving with a kid in the car, or property damage.
Not Fighting This Mistake Can Cost You
It's not just the jail time either. You can face other penalties like losing your DL, or insurance rate hikes. Losing your job is another possibility.
If you don't fight these charges, you stand to lose a lot. It's going to be a big fight, so be sure to put the right team in your corner.
Don't resign yourself to fate. Be certain that you hire a skilled, experienced attorney who will give your case the direct approach you need to get the best result.
Michael & Associates Is In Your Corner
The team at Michael & Associates has argued countless DWI cases in and around Odessa, and gotten most of those cases dismissed or reduced.
We have a ten-year record of experience fighting for our clients.
We use a white glove defense to get our clients the best result we can achieve. We don't take on hundreds of clients.
We give you access to our partners that other firms won't. You can message the managing partner at any time. You get Ben Michael's cell number, and he is there at any time to answer your questions.
The customer service at Michael & Associates is second to none. Call us to get your free case review and get started on your custom defense strategy today.
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: Our client was taken downtown after failing a sobriety test when they were stopped for weaving in traffic.
Result: Procedural error by the state led to a dismissal
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd Offense
Allegations: The client was pulled over just outside city limits and failed both the breath exam and field sobriety test. This led to their second DWI arrest.
Result: Plea bargain for reckless driving
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Allegations: After running a stop sign the client was arrested for DWI when they failed a breathalyzer. Police brought the client to the station for further questioning.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Odessa, the average annual cost of car insurance is $708. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,020, an increase of $312.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $708 | $708 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,020 | $1,020 |
| Increase | $312 | $312 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,104 | $648 | $588 | $576 | $540 | $564 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,590 | $933 | $847 | $829 | $778 | $812 |
| Increase | $486 | $285 | $259 | $253 | $238 | $248 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
One simple thing. Our white-glove treatment. It's what separates us from the other firms who overpromise and underdeliver. white-glove
There are lawyers out there promising the moon, but when you have questions, they are nowhere to be found. They see their clients as a means to an end. The end being the end of the case so they can take on a new client.
We give every client Ben Michael's real cell phone number and they are able to text him mornings or evenings. Other lawyers send you to the answering service, and if you are lucky you'll get a call back by Friday.
Ben wants to be sure you get the best outcome he can get. To do that, you get advised through every step of the process. You get a full understanding of your defense plan, and we take all the stress out of the procedure.
Michael & Associates accepts new clients for misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, including but no limited to:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We don't practice:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Driving While Intoxicated in Odessa
In Odessa, Ector County, and elsewhere in Texas, drivers who were stopped with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be charged with DWI. Your BAC is a number that represents the saturation of alcohol in your bloodstream at the time of your arrest.
Whether or not you test at or above .08% will depend on several things. The strength of the drinks you consumed as well as your age, weight, and sex. It also matters how long it has been since you stopped drinking.
In Odessa, it comes down to whether or not you have a prior conviction.
1st Offense
- As much as a $2,000 fine
- As much as 180 days upon conviction, with three mandatory in jail
- Losing driver's license for up to a year
2nd Offense
- As much as a $4,000 fine
- As much as a year in jail
- Losing driver's license for up to two years
3rd Offense
- As much as a $10,000 fine
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Losing your driver's license for up to two years
Additional enhancements for DWI with an underage occupant are:
- Increased fines up to $10,000
- Two more years in jail
- As many as 180 more days of driver's license suspension
Pull over right away if you are stopped. It's important to understand that adding a felony to the case is not going to help, so never run from the police. You will not escape, and you will only make things much worse for yourself in the end.
When the officer asks for your paperwork, be sure to tell them where you are going to retrieve it from before reaching for the documents carefully. Don't act in an aggressive manner.
The police will ask if you know the reason you were pulled over. Always say "No Sir" or "No Ma'am". What they are trying to do is establish probable cause for the stop. You don't want to give them valid cause they can argue in court.
You can refuse the tests the officer asks you to take. Just be sure that you are polite and well-mannered when you do so. You are on body camera during the stop, and any aggression or arguing can escalate the situation and lead to further charges.
If the officer detects you slurring your words or any smell of alcohol on your breath they might arrest you for suspicion of DWI. They will possibly ask you to take a breathalyzer or field exam. If you refuse the exams you will have your driver's license suspended. That will happen anyway if you are convicted, so it's probably wise to refuse if you think you might fail.
The police can compel you to take a blood test at the station if they want to wait you out. It will take time to get the judge to sign the warrant.
Never answer any incriminating questions without your lawyer present, and ask to see your lawyer as soon as you can.
It doesn't matter if this is your first, or third offense. Never enter a guilty plea for DWI. Let a lawyer handle the plea process on your behalf.
Helpful Locations for Odessa Residents
Odessa Courthouse
(432) 335-3300
201 N Grant Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
odessa-tx.gov
Odessa Police Department
(432) 333-3641
205 N Grant Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
odessapd.com
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(844) 420-3964
2000 Maurice Rd
Odessa, TX 79763
permiacare.org
Department of Motor Vehicles
(888) 368-4689
3901 E Business Loop 20
Odessa, TX 79761
dps.texas.gov