DWIs in Tyler Can Destroy Your Future.
We'll Help You Fight Back.
Looking at a DWI Conviction in Tyler?
In the state of TX, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is when someone operates a vehicle like a truck or car with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. It's a common crime in Smith County and Tyler in particular, but it's serious nonetheless.
No one in the world wants to be charged with a DWI. It's a lengthy, costly process that can absolutely ruin your reputation.
On your court date, the Smith County court system might view you as a danger to the public due to your charge, but Michael & Associates knows you deserve a fighting chance. That's why we're here to help.
DWI Penalties Can Be Harsh in Tyler
While being one of the more common crimes in Tyler, DWIs aren't punished with a simple slap on the wrist.
Here are the penalties you might be facing for a DWI conviction in the Rose Capital of the World:
Your 1st Offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine by the court
- Between 3 to 180 days in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
Your 2nd Offense:
- Up to a $2000 fine by the court
- Between 1 to 12 months in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
Your 3rd+ Offense:
- Up to a $10,000 fine by the court
- Between 2 to 10 years in prison
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
- A felony conviction
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may face enhanced charges.
Fight For Your Future With a Legal Defense Team
Not only will you face the penalties above, but your social and financial future is at risk. You might get hit with steeper insurance rates or even lose your license. Third time offenders might find it hard to get a job after a felony conviction.
At this point, you might be so scared of the possible penalties that you're willing to throw in the towel. Don't!
You deserve to regain your reputation. Hire a strong defense team for the best chance of walking away with a case dismissal, and your life can go back to normal.
You Can Rely on Michael & Associates
If you're looking for a strong defense team, look no further than Michael & Associates. We've been fighting DWI cases all throughout Texas for nearly a decade at this point. We know them like the back of our hands.
Our clients win the majority of the time. They have their cases dismissed or, at the very least, their charges reduced. This lets them go back to life almost like their DWI never happened.
Other firms in Smith County might offer lower prices to you, but you'll be getting a lower quality of service. You're simply just a number to them.
With Michael & Associates, you get VIP treatment and access to our managing partner, Ben Michael. He will walk you through each step of the way with your case.
You can rely on Michael & Associates to fight for you like you're family in the court room. Fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a free case review, and we'll be in touch soon.
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 with a Child Passenger
Allegations: Police pulled client over, alleging that he ran a red light. He had his child in the car when he failed a breathalyzer test.
Result: Case Dismissed
Charges Reduced
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated
Allegations: Client was pulled over and knew her rights. She refused all of the tests offered until she was compelled to take one by a warrant.
Result: Charges Reduced
Case Dismissed
Charge: Driving Under the Influence
Allegations: Client arrested after driving suspiciously slow. He failed the field sobriety test.
Result: Case Dismissed
How a DWI Conviction Affects Auto Insurance Rates
In Tyler, the average annual cost of car insurance is $756. For drivers with DWI convictions, the average annual cost of auto insurance is $1,089, an increase of $333.
Breakdown by Gender
| Without DWI Conviction | $804 | $720 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,158 | $1,037 |
| Increase | $354 | $317 |
Breakdown by Age
| Without DWI Conviction | $1,164 | $684 | $624 | $636 | $540 | $576 |
| With DWI Conviction | $1,676 | $985 | $899 | $916 | $778 | $829 |
| Increase | $512 | $301 | $275 | $280 | $238 | $253 |
Don't Let a DWI Increase your Insurance Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
About Michael & Associates
Our clients know us for two things: kicking butt in the courtroom while treating them like royalty. You're our king or queen, and we're your loyal knights.
We have a lot of experience fighting DWIs in Texas. We've practiced in many cities and counties for nearly ten years now, and the best part is that most of our cases result in reduced charges or dismissals.
Our level of client service is unmatched. Other firms in town will pass you off to an intern or a good yet overworked lawyer. They take on too many cases at once to be at their full potential. Michael & Associates limits the number of cases we take on - sure, we might miss out on some of the sweet cash there is to be made, but we take too much pride in the level of service we provide and maintaining our win record.
One of the best parts of working with us is that Ben Michael himself will give you his personal cell phone. Not his secretary or office manager's work phone. He will answer your texts about the case even if you send them after midnight. He wants to make sure you feel comfortable in these trying times.
Michael & Associates is ready to tackle the following:
- DUI / DWI
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Assault & Battery
- Family Violence
- Domestic Abuse
We do not handle:
- Traffic Law
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Civil Law
Driving While Intoxicated in Tyler
Are you hoping for a secret formula to party without getting caught driving drunk? The only surefire way to avoid a DWI is to have a sober driver, whether that is a friend, rideshare service worker, or taxi. Too many factors come into play to be able to predict someone's ability to drink without hitting the legal limit.
What is the legal limit anyway? In Tyler, Smith County, and the rest of the state, it is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
In Tyler, the penalties for a DWI depend on how many previous convictions you've had.
First DWI Offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine by the county court
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with at least three being mandatory
- Loss of driver's license for up to a year
Second DWI Offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine by the county court
- One month to a year in jail
- Loss of driver's license for up to two years
Third and Up DWI Offense
- A $10,000 fine by the county court
- Two to ten years in prison
- Loss of driver's license up to two years
Enhanced charges for driving with a minor include penalties like:
- Additional fines up to $10,000
- Up to two years in jail
- Additional 180 days of driver's license suspension
The following is some general advice for being pulled over as well as specific advice relating to DWIs. While it is a stressful situation, remember two things: 1) you must be polite when interacting with the police as it will save your butt in court later on, especially if you've been recorded on body or dash cam, 2) being polite doesn't mean forgetting you have rights in this situation, so remain silent unless absolutely necessary to speak. Wait for your lawyer before talking to the police.
The best advice for any situation where you're being pulled over is to do so immediately and safely. Don't delay unless you need to for safety reasons.
You will be approached after you've pulled over. An officer will come to your car window and ask to see your documents. Let him or her know their whereabouts, then slowly pull them out and hand them over. After they've been reviewed, you'll likely be asked if you know why you've been pulled over. Reply with only "no, sir" or "no, ma'am" to avoid saying anything that'll hurt you in court.
If you've shown signs of driving while intoxicated (swerving, breaking traffic laws near a bar, etc.), then the officer may ask you to do a field sobriety test or take a breathalyzer. It is within your rights to refuse both requests. Let him or her know you'd prefer to speak with your lawyer first before any tests.
At this point in the process, if the officer suspects you of truly being drunk, you might be placed under arrest and taken to the station. Once there, you will be asked to take either a blood or breathalyzer test. You can still refuse these, but know that it may result in your license being suspended. If you take the test and fail, your license might still be suspended.
If you refuse all of the tests offered, a persistent officer might obtain a warrant. You must take the tests at this point as it's legally required.
Whether the case against you looks strong or not, your lawyer will have your back. Contact him or her the first chance you get.
The answer is always yes. Leaving your DWI up to fate almost always results in harsher penalties than if you had hired even an incompetent attorney. Hiring a great one will likely save your skin and your wallet.
Helpful Locations for Tyler Residents
Tyler Courthouse
(903) 531-1266
813 N Broadway Ave
Tyler, TX 75702
cityoftyler.org
Tyler Police Department
(903) 531-1000
711 W Ferguson St
Tyler, TX 75702
cityoftyler.org
Alcohol Treatment Facility
(903) 630-7461
1827 W Gentry Pkwy
Tyler, TX 75702
cenikor.org
Department of Motor Vehicles
(903) 590-2900
1517 W Front St
Tyler, TX 75702
txdmv.gov