Criminal Charges Can Mean Serious Consequences, Even For First-Time Offenders
Sometimes, in the blink of an eye, an ill-informed or impulsive decision can change the course of your or someone else’s life. Criminal charges are serious, but they’re not always permanently life-altering. In many cases, the consequences of a poor choice can be negotiated. Because criminal cases are handled differently depending on the state you’re in, it’s advisable to find an attorney to represent you who is well-versed in state-specific criminal law.
Youthful Mistakes Shouldn’t Follow You For Life
Dean Watts, Attorney at Law, has over two decades of representing people embroiled in legal trouble, whether it’s over a misdemeanor offense or felony charges. Our attorney’s focus is on young adult clients who may have made a mistake and are in search of a way to lessen or eliminate charges and penalties. There are many options for people to seek forgiveness in the eyes of the law, and our experienced attorneys can help you find the best options for your personal situation. Attorney Dean Watts can also discuss the possibility of clearing your record of past charges.
Understand Laws Governing Driving While Intoxicated And Drug Offenses
Criminal charges can stem from a wide variety of offenses, and some are more severe than others. Common offenses attorney Watts’ young adult clients commit include driving while intoxicated (DWI) and drug violations.
The laws surrounding DWI and drug charges have their own sets of consequences. In building a case, it’s useful to be aware of the scope of charges and what the penalties may include for either of these offenses:
DWI
In Texas, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 is considered legally intoxicated and may be charged with DWI. Driving while impaired by drugs or lesser amounts of alcohol can also result in charges, as can an open container of alcohol. On your first offense, the penalties can be as severe as 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000 and losing your license for up to a year, with steep fines due in order to renew it in subsequent years.
Drug offenses
Texas law has fairly unforgiving controlled substance laws. Drugs are classified into categories that carry different levels of penalties, depending on their acceptable medical use and potential for abuse. Furthermore, factors like whether you’re charged with intent to distribute or simply in possession of a substance play a role in determining consequences. The law distinguishing these charges can grow complicated, depending on your circumstances.
Because there is sometimes ambiguity in the judgment passed by law enforcement at the scene of an arrest, or simply because the law carries many complicated provisions that are difficult for the average person to unpack, it’s important to retain a lawyer as soon as possible following criminal charges of any kind.
Call Today
Don’t wait to get in touch with Dean Watts, Attorney at Law. Our attorney’s open-door policy welcomes walk-ins. You can also call him at (936) 559-9288 or get in touch online.