DWI convictions in Texas often carry serious consequences. You probably want to do everything in your power to limit the damage of an arrest.
The power you have to defend your rights might surprise you. Something that might also surprise you: how easy it is to give up that power.
Know your rights during and after an arrest
You probably know about Miranda rights. You see them all the time on television, hear about them in the news and so on.
What you might not know is that, after reading you your rights, police and other state representatives are very likely to start inviting you to give those rights up. They want you to make their job — securing a conviction — easier.
Know law enforcement strategies
Police officers may ask you to speak to them, providing evidence they can use against you. They might imply that compliance with certain steps in their investigation, such as sobriety tests, is mandatory. The fact is that you have the right to make choices in most situations — but those choices have consequences.
State attorneys may say that certain deals will not be available after you call a lawyer. This is probably true, but maybe not for the reasons you think. Most initial offers skew towards the state’s advantage.
Know your situation
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to criminal defense strategy. The best course forward depends on your unique history, the details of the incident in question, the law and many other factors. Please get a full understanding of your case before you take any action that could damage your defense.
