DWI Defense Attorney in Conroe
Arrested for a DWI? Contact Ronnie Yeates Law
You should seek legal counsel immediately if you have been pulled over for suspicion of driving while impaired (DWI) in Conroe.
Texas DWI convictions can lead to driving privileges being revoked and jail time. Fines may also be assessed. It can also affect your reputation, job, and personal relationships. Attorney Ronnie Yeates does not want to see a one-time mistake ruin your life. Ronnie has a wide range of experience, ranging from minor tickets to life sentences. Attorney Ronnie Yeates will have your back throughout this ordeal.
Don't wait until it's too late to save your driving privileges. Reach out to a Conroe DWI defense lawyer at (832) 957-9077 or contact us online to request your ALR hearing.
Understanding Texas DWI Laws
Texas Penal Code 49.04 states Driving While Intoxicated is when a person is "intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle while in a public place." This means you can be charged with DWI:
- If you have lost your normal mental or physical faculties by being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or having a BAC over .08
- If your BAC is less than 0.08, the officer on-site may (and often will) arrest you if they believe you are too intoxicated to operate your vehicle.
In and around Conroe, officers with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Conroe Police Department, and Department of Public Safety troopers routinely patrol major roads like I-45 and Highway 105, looking for signs of impaired driving, so understanding how Texas defines intoxication can help you make sense of what happened during your stop.
When you sit down with a DWI lawyer in Conroe, you can review the reports, videos, and test results together so you fully understand what evidence the state may try to use against you and where there may be weaknesses that can be challenged.
Penalties for DWI Convictions in Conroe
First Offense DWI in Texas
The range of punishment for a DWI first depends on your BAC and if it is under or over .15. Suppose it is your first offense DWI charge in Texas, and your BAC is under .15 (a Class B Misdemeanor). A Class B DWI under .15 carries:
- A minimum sentence of 72 hours in jail or six days if there was an open container in the vehicle, and up to $2,000 in fines.
- The maximum jail term is 180 days in jail for a DWI first offense with a BAC under .15.
- If it is your first DWI and your BAC is over .15 (a Class A Misdemeanor), you can get up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4000 fine.
Of course, there are other impacts on your life for a DWI first, such as a license suspension up to 2 years long, class requirements, the possibility of getting an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, and a statutory civil fee of $3000 to $6,000.
When you meet with a DWI attorney in Conroe, you can talk through issues like whether you may qualify for an occupational driver’s license, what to expect at your first court setting, and how a conviction might affect professional licenses or background checks, so you can plan realistically for the months ahead.
Subsequent DWI Offenses in Texas
The stakes get even higher if you are charged with a DWI second or more. A second DWI offense is a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor DWI can result in a sentence of 30 days to one year in jail, a maximum $4,000 fine, license suspension for up to two years, mandatory installation of an interlock device on your vehicle, and between a $4500 to $6000 civil fee.
A third or more DWI offense is a third-degree felony and carries a sentence of between two and ten years in Texas Prison, a maximum $10,000 fine, and license suspension for up to two years, along with the requirement of an interlock device on your vehicle, and a $4500 to $6000 civil fee.
Suppose you get a DWI in Montgomery County, Harris County, or surrounding counties. If so, it is crucial to contact Ronnie Yeates immediately. Ronnie Yeates has dealt with many DWI charges, from first-time offenders to those facing 25 years to life in prison for multiple DWI charges.
Additional Consequences of a DWI in Conroe
Residents of Conroe often express concerns about the long-term effects of a DUI on their employment and personal lives. A conviction can lead to a tarnished reputation and difficulties in securing future job opportunities. Additionally, the emotional toll of dealing with legal repercussions can be overwhelming. Understanding the local laws and how they apply to your situation is crucial.
The Texas Department of Public Safety provides resources that can help you understand the potential consequences of a DUI charge, including the possibility of mandatory alcohol education programs and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Moreover, if you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing options that could mitigate the impact on your life. Engaging with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the nuances of Conroe's legal landscape can make a significant difference in your case. They can help you explore options that may reduce penalties and protect your driving privileges, ensuring that a single mistake does not define your future.
Our Comprehensive Approach to DWI Defense
At Ronnie Yeates Law, we do not believe in a "cookie-cutter" defense. Every stop, every officer, and every chemical test has potential flaws. Our approach is rooted in the fact that he is a former prosecutor; he knows the shortcuts and errors that law enforcement often makes during a busy shift.
- Challenging the Stop: We analyze the officer's justification for the initial traffic stop. If the stop was illegal, everything that followed—including the BAC test—may be inadmissible.
- Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Analysis: These tests are notoriously subjective. We look for environmental factors, such as uneven pavement, poor lighting, or medical conditions, that may have caused a "failed" test.
- Scientific Scrutiny: Breathalyzers must be calibrated and operated according to strict protocols. Blood samples must follow a rigorous chain of custody. We look for any break in these procedures to challenge the reliability of the results.
- Negotiation: Sometimes, the best outcome is a reduction to a non-alcohol-related charge, such as Obstruction of a Highway. We use our firm's reputation and experience to push for the best possible resolution.
Working With Ronnie Yeates Law in Conroe DWI Cases
When you are arrested for DWI in or around Conroe, the process can feel confusing from the moment you are booked into the Montgomery County Jail until your final court date.
I walk clients through each stage, from requesting the Administrative License Revocation hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety to preparing for appearances in the County Courts at Law or district courts located near downtown Conroe.
During an initial consultation, we will discuss what happened at the stop, review any paperwork you received, and outline a plan so you know what to expect over the coming weeks.
As a former Assistant District Attorney with years of experience handling DWI matters, I understand how prosecutors evaluate cases filed by agencies such as the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
That background allows me to focus on the evidence that really matters, like the legality of the traffic stop, the way field sobriety tests were given, and whether breath or blood testing followed proper procedures.
My goal is to help you make informed decisions at every step, whether that means challenging the state’s evidence, negotiating a resolution, or preparing your case for trial in a Conroe-area courtroom.
Contact our Conroe DWI defense lawyer at (832) 957-9077 or contact us online. Your freedom is too important to leave to chance.
What is the implied consent law?
Texas' implied consent law requires anyone arrested for a DWI offense to take a breath or blood test (the officer gets to choose which one) to check their blood alcohol level or to detect any drugs in their system.
Refusing to submit to a post-arrest chemical testing will result in your driver's license being suspended for 180 days for a first offense. A refusal to test after at least one "enforcement contact" with alcohol or drugs within the past ten years can lead to a two-year license suspension. If you refuse, you face a one-sided license revocation process.
You only have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing (ALR). If you consent and your BAC is over .08, you will still have to have an ALR hearing to keep your driver's license. Even if we may lose the hearing, it is wise to have an attorney like Ronnie Yeates fight it and cross-examine the officer for the criminal case.
What are the field sobriety test?
The standard field sobriety test consists of the horizontal gaze nystagmus test (eye), the one-leg stand, and the walk-and-turn tests. Officers use these tests to determine whether a person is impaired.
These tests are subjective and provide more evidence to police officers. Texas law does not require you to take them. Refusing to take these tests can and probably will result in an arrest. Remember, the officers are always trying to build a case against you.
How long does a DWI conviction stay in your record?
A Texas DWI conviction will most likely remain on your criminal record throughout your entire life without the help of an experienced lawyer. A DWI on your record could make it challenging to find employment, get housing, apply for college or university, and lead a normal lifestyle. DWIs can stick with you for the rest of your life. DWI convictions are not eligible for expunction (removal).
However, a DWI conviction can be sealed, though. Ronnie can help you and has sealed many clients' records from prying eyes. Ronnie does not want to see a DWI charge stick with you and ruin all parts of your life. Remember, if you get a DWI charge in Conroe, immediately contact an attorney experienced in fighting DWI charges. Call Ronnie Yeates.
What are the long term consequences of a DWI conviction?
For many people in Conroe and throughout Montgomery County, the long-term record consequences of a DWI are just as frightening as the immediate court dates and fines, especially when background checks are common for jobs, apartments, and professional licenses.
Sitting down with a DWI defense attorney in Conroe gives you the chance to discuss whether your case might someday qualify for sealing, how a conviction compares to other potential outcomes, and what steps you can take now to protect yourself as much as possible.
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"From the first five minutes of my initial conversation with Ronnie, he seemed to know exactly what I was going through and I knew he was who I needed"Bert S.
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"I don't know what I would've done without Ronnie Yeates Law. They made sure I had my life back and could spend it with my family. From day one, they listened and ensured I was taken care of."Jason B.
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"Ronnie Yeates Law worked tirelessly to get my case dismissed. I trusted them throughout the process, and they always kept me informed and made me feel at ease."Lorissa P.
