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A DWI arrest is a serious matter in Texas. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, impaired driving has caused an average of one death every 50 minutes in the country. This is why laws against DWI in Texas are getting stricter by the day. Suppose you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In that case, you will be subjected to a series of physical and chemical tests to determine your level of intoxication.

A police officer who sees erratic driving behavior will most likely pull the driver over. Once the vehicle has been stopped, the officer will look for signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or an odor of alcohol on the breath. If the officer suspects that the driver merits DWI, he will ask them to step out of the vehicle to undergo a series of tests.

Field Sobriety Test (FST). The first test is usually the field sobriety test. This is a series of simple tasks that assesses coordination, balance, and divided attention. The most common FSTs are the walk-and-turn test and the one-leg stand test. DWI lawyers often contest the results of these tests as they are subjective and can be influenced by numerous factors such as weather conditions, weight, age, and even shoes.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). The second test is the chemical test which measures the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. The most common BAC test is the breathalyzer test. This can be done at the roadside or at the police station. Many factors can affect the accuracy of the reading, such as mouth alcohol, body temperature, and how recent the last drink was.

Oral Fluid Test. The third test is the oral fluid test, also known as the saliva test. This test is less common than the breathalyzer test but is becoming more popular as it is less invasive. Several factors can affect the accuracy of the result as well, such as the type of food consumed, medications taken, and even smoking.

Urine Test. The fourth test is the urine test, which is the most invasive of all the DWI tests. Factors such as medications taken and dehydration can significantly affect the results.

Upon DWI arrest you will be taken to the police station, where you will be asked to take a chemical test. If you refuse to take the test, your driver's license will be suspended. If you take the test and the results show that your BAC is above the legal limit, you will be charged with DWI.

If you have been charged with DWI, there are a few ways to contest the charge. The first way is to challenge the results of the tests. DWI lawyers often do this by questioning the accuracy of the tests and the conditions under which they were conducted. The second way is to challenge the arrest itself. Your legal counsel can question the officer's probable cause for stopping the vehicle and whether or not the Miranda rights were read correctly.

The best way to contest charges after your DWI arrest is to hire an experienced DWI lawyer. They are familiar with the DWI laws in your state and can challenge the evidence against you. DWI lawyers can also negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges.

If you have been charged with DWI, it is essential to take action now. The Medlin Law Firm has more than 84 years of combined experience representing clients charged with DWI. They have the knowledge and expertise to get the most favorable outcome for your case. Contact them today for a free consultation.

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