Brazoria County DUI & DWI Attorney

Understanding the Penalties for DUI & DWI Charges in Texas

Few feelings are more stressful than seeing lights flashing behind you while driving. Being pulled over and asked to submit to field sobriety and chemical testing on suspicion of DUI can be confusing and upsetting, especially if you did nothing wrong. While law enforcement strives to keep drunk drivers off the road, this does not mean they are free of errors. It must be proven that you were over the legal limit to be convicted of a DUI/DWI.

Every DUI/DWI charge has the potential to yield different penalties. For example, a first-time DUI charge is a Class B misdemeanor and has the potential to involve:

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• 72 hours-180 days in jail
• 90-365 days license suspension

However, a 3rd-time DWI is a 3rd-degree felony and could involve:

• Up to $10,000 in fines
• 2-10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• 180 days to 2 years license suspension

If you were charged with DUI, it is important that you seek representation right away. Call our Brazoria County DUI/DWI attorney at the Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler to investigate your case and aggressively protect your rights.

What to Know About Multiple DUI & Felony DUI Cases in Brazoria County

When facing a second or subsequent DUI in Brazoria County, penalties and the complexity of your case increase dramatically. Texas law imposes mandatory minimum jail sentences, higher fines, longer license suspensions, and may require ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders. A second DUI is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while a third DUI is considered a third-degree felony. These felony drunk driving charges expose you to serious risks—years in prison, a permanent criminal record, impacts on employment and voting rights, and significant restrictions on daily life. Aggravating factors, such as an accident causing serious injury or having a minor in the vehicle, can lead to enhanced punishments under the Texas Penal Code. Successfully navigating these challenges requires a deep understanding of Brazoria County's legal landscape, procedures, and local prosecutors.

At Law Office of Tom & Ann Stickler, our board-certified DUI attorneys in Brazoria County thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case—prior convictions, the validity of charges, and how repeat and felony cases are handled in jurisdictions like Angleton, Pearland, and across Brazoria County. We tailor our defense strategies to fit your unique circumstances, leveraging knowledge of local court personnel and procedures. Our team is dedicated to minimizing the impact on your life, seeking opportunities to challenge prior offenses, and presenting mitigating evidence whenever possible. We are committed to delivering clear communication to our clients, keeping you informed at every stage, and offering payment options to make quality defense accessible for multiple DUI and felony DUI cases in Brazoria County.

Understanding Occupational Licenses & Administrative Hearings With Our DUI Attorneys in Brazoria County

Following a DUI or DWI arrest in Brazoria County, the prospect of losing your driver’s license is an immediate reality. The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process is separate from the criminal proceeding and requires urgent attention—often a request for a hearing must be filed within 15 days of your arrest, or your license will be automatically suspended. Texas law allows certain individuals to apply for an occupational driver’s license so they can drive for essential work, school, or household duties during the period of suspension. Securing an occupational license in Brazoria County involves petitioning the local courts and providing comprehensive documents, which may include proof of employment, SR-22 insurance, and possibly installing an ignition interlock device, depending on the case.

Our DUI attorneys in Brazoria County act quickly to protect your driving privileges, handling all paperwork and representing you at ALR hearings before the Texas Department of Public Safety. We help clients gather required affidavits, employer letters, and additional compliance records to maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Our board-certified team has decades of courtroom experience specific to Brazoria County and a track record of guiding clients through even the most challenging administrative and occupational license proceedings after DWI or DUI suspensions.

Possible Defenses Against DUI/DWI Charges

There are many reasons why a police officer may pull you over, such as swerving, abruptly or illegally turning, tailgating, or slow response to traffic signals. While these may be signs of drunk driving in their eyes, there are other explanations for this behavior, such as lack of rest or distractions.

When you face DUI or DWI charges in Brazoria County, remember that the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Unique local enforcement protocols, such as the use of sobriety checkpoints by Pearland or Angleton police, can influence the evidence and defense strategies available. Our team of DUI attorneys in Brazoria County conducts a meticulous review of each step in your arrest, including video evidence, breath or blood test protocols, and the officer’s actions, to uncover any procedural mistakes or violations of your constitutional rights. By leveraging our familiarity with Brazoria County’s judges and prosecutorial practices, we construct a tailored defense strategy with the aim of reducing penalties and protecting your driving privileges.