The criminal justice system is something not a lot of people give much thought to. It’s doesn’t affect you, right? After all, the justice system is there to handle hardened criminals and you’ve never gotten in trouble. You have nothing to fear, as you don’t associate with people who partake in criminal activity. Well, it might be easy to think that, but you never know when life will throw you a curveball.
Imagine this. You’re a good person, so much so that you took the time to attend the birthday party for your best friend’s 6 year-old-son. You even brought a gift. All it took was two drinks for you to tolerate all the screaming kids. There is no doubt in your mind that you’re a stand-up citizen.
Well, all of a sudden, on your drive home you hit a DWI checkpoint and within an hour of your good deed at the party, you are now being treated like any other alleged criminal in the justice system. Hands behind your back, wrists in handcuffs, and off to jail you go.
Getting a DWI can be a profoundly impactful experience. Your individuality goes out the window the moment the arresting officer radios to his station that he is bringing in an “impaired driving suspect”. Here at A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, we understand that being arrested for a DUI can be a traumatic experience and an inconvenience.
That’s why we do our best to treat each individual with dignity and respect during the bail process and help get them back to their day-to-day life both during and after the case. Here is a quick guide as to what you can expect.
FIELD ARREST PROCESS
“Have you had anything to drink?”
This is how the process will typically escalate either at a checkpoint or during a routine traffic stop. At this point, the officer might ask you to get out of the car and perform a series of sobriety tests. These can be nerve-inducing even for a sober person and some people refuse to submit, even if it means being arrested and taken to the station. Once at the station they will take a blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A DWI conviction will require a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08% or higher.
WHAT ARE THE BAIL AMOUNTS FOR DWI CHARGES?
The Texas Penal code determines a set amount of bail for DWI infractions but the actual amount still isn’t easy to predict. Ultimately, the judge will set the bail amount which can be lower or higher depending on a variety of factors.
The following factors can affect your bail amount:
- Prior DWI convictions
- If you are a flight risk or considered dangerous.
- Existing criminal cases
Assuming none of the above apply to you, you can expect your bail to be anywhere between $500 and $1,500 dollars.
DWI FINES
A first DWI offense can result in a fine of up to $2000, a suspended driver’s license, and additional annual fees of up to $1,000 for the first three years to retain your license.
This is in addition to any attorney fees, bail bond costs, and any other charges incurred during the process.
The fines double for a second offense, and a third will severely increase your penalties.
Get Out Of Jail Fast With A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
A DWI is a serious offense, and you may be penalized heavily for it. However, we understand that mistakes happen. If you find yourself in this situation give the bail bond experts at A-EZ Out a call. You shouldn’t have to miss out on life before you even have the opportunity to defend yourself! Our bondsmen will work hard to bond you out of jail fast, and you can get to work on getting your life back on track.