Interlock and DWI Convictions
When it comes to Interlock and DWI Convictions, please be warned that the law gives judges a large amount of discretion for first time DWIs. For misdemeanor (DWI#2) or felony repetition DWIs (3rd or more), the law requires an interlock as a condition of probation. The same is true for DWI with BAC double the limit (.15 or more) or for DWIs by minors. Some courts may allow for alternatives to the interlock (for example, a portable unit or SCRAM (ankle) monitor). However, that does not change the requirement for some form of monitoring.
Interlock and First Time DWI
For pure first time DWIs, however, the law merely states that the court “may” require interlock as a condition of probation. This is why having a DWI Lawyer like Mimi Coffey is so important. You need someone like Mimi to fight hard to avoid the interlock on a first time DWI.
There are four main exceptions to this discretion on first time DWIs, though. The first, as mentioned above, is if your BAC was .15 or more. The second, also mention, is for minors who receive a DWI. The third is deferred adjudication probation. Oddly, the law requires interlock as a condition of DWI deferred adjudication probation. However, there is a further exception to this that allows the court to waive the interlock requirement if we present a favorable Substance Abuse Evaluation (SAE) to the court.
The fourth and final exception is if you receive a DWI license suspension. This is more of an ‘indirect’ requirement since the interlock would be a condition of an Occupational Drivers License. However, this works the same in effect. While courts generally give credit for any ALR suspension on a first time DWI, this is not always the case. In other words, even if you satisfy all of the other exceptions (i.e., a good SAE, adult, BAC not .15 or more), the court may still indirectly require an interlock by issuing a license suspension.
More about Mimi Coffey & The Coffey Firm
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), and Possession charges. We can also help you try to get a DWI off your record or avoid probation revocation.
Mimi is also listed on several “top criminal lawyer near me” directory listings such as Wise County DWI Lawyers, Tarrant County DWI Lawyer, Dallas County DWI attorney, Collin County DWI attorneys and Parker County DWI attorneys. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in Dallas – Fort Worth. She also involves herself in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using her skills to give back to the community.