An arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Plano or the surrounding Denton County areas of Texas is costly. Oftentimes the defendant is so concerned with his or her liberty that he or she underestimates the financial consequences of a DWI arrest. The next several blogs will examine the financial consequences of a DWI arrest, paying particular attention to the hidden costs of a DWI criminal action. This first piece will review the hiring of an attorney and posting bail or bond immediately following an arrest.
Financial Consequence No. 1: Hiring an Attorney
You have seen enough episodes of the television show Law & Order to know that in criminal proceedings you have a right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. This knowledge may help you get through your arraignment but the court will require you to prove that you cannot afford a lawyer by asking you questions about your income and assets. Absent a court appointed lawyer, the court will order you to appear on your next court date with an attorney.
All attorneys require payment of a fee or retainer prior to commencement of criminal representation. Time is of the essence. In addition to valuable insights into the pending criminal action, attorneys explain the law, your rights, the court, and its processes to you. In the first days following your DWI arrest, your lawyer investigates the facts and circumstances of your arrest and criminal charges with an eye towards presenting the best criminal defense available to you to resolve your DWI arrest.
Financial Consequence No. 2: Paying or Posting Bail or Bond
Obtaining your liberty at arraignment is your attorney’s first task. Will you be released on your own recognizance? Will you be required to post bail or bond to get out of jail and stay out of jail while your criminal case is pending? These are the many questions your attorney will answer for you. During the arraignment a bail hearing is conducted.
Bail is cash, a bond, or property offered in collateral, that a defendant gives the court to guarantee he or she will appear in court when summoned. If the defendant fails to appear, his or her bond or bail may be revoked, or lost, and a warrant issued for his or her arrest. As you can see, before you even leave jail following an arrest for DWI, you have already paid an attorney to represent you in court and the sheriff or bail bondsman, to ensure your liberty. The next blog will address paying medical bills and challenging your driver’s license suspension and revocation following an arrest for DWI.
Hire a DWI Defense Firm
If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI in the Plano or Denton areas of Texas contact the The Law Office of Kimberly Griffin Tucker, P.C. Our team of experienced lawyers and legal professionals will provide information, analyze your, case and recommend a prompt solution to your DWI matter, including trial if necessary.