Mathis, TX DWI Law Firms & Lawyers

It seems like two questions, if you have an attorney you should rely on the advice of counsel, if not, you should consider hiring an attorney. At your preliminary hearing you should not be asked about any pending charges unless you are actually sworn and testifying, and then, hopefully your attorney can keep that question from getting an answer. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you.

Your case is most likely not in North Carolina. In North Carolina we have DWI not DUI. However, if some aspects of this type of case are universal. If law enforcement did everything properly and the .17 result is admissible. Your choices will most likely be to pled guilty or go to trial. .17**is over twice the legal limit in most states. There is no prosecutor or district attorney that I know of who would risk their career by reducing a DWI at .17 unless there is some serious defect with the case that would cause them to have a serious question about their ability to secure a conviction. You need to consult with an experienced DWI attorney to see if there are any defects in your case that could possibly be used to your advantage. However, like I said if everything was done properly, your attorney will most likely recommend a plea and will attempt to minimize the punishment aspect of a DWI conviction. It is a good thing that you were cooperative with highway patrol and have a good driving record. Often things like this are considered mitigating factors and could lessen any punishment you may receive. Good luck to you and please don't ever drive drunk again - remember it's not just you that's in danger on the road if you drive in that condition again.

In a car it's a felony. On foot it's a misdemeanor. Big difference! And depends on what the substance is for the range of punishment. Varies from misdemeanor to felony.