In San Antonio and across Texas, facing allegations of driving while intoxicated can spark serious penalties. If other factors are involved in the DWI/DUI incident, the consequences can be enhanced significantly. Having an accident will almost certainly result in harsher potential punishments. Driving with children in the vehicle will also be problematic. For people who are confronted with a combination of these charges, it is imperative to prepare a legal defense as soon as possible.

A woman, 30, was arrested for drunk driving after she collided with a law enforcement vehicle. She was driving an SUV and heading south as traffic became congested. She swerved and collided with the police car that had stopped on the side of the road to assist with traffic control following a separate accident. The woman was stuck in the vehicle and hospitalized when she was freed. There were four children in her SUV. They were uninjured. She was subsequently arrested and charged with DWI with a child in the vehicle. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Among the penalties that can be assessed after a conviction for DWI include a driver’s license suspension, incarceration, fines, an ignition interlock device and more. This can cause extensive challenges in a person’s life. There are, however, steps that can avoid a conviction or perhaps reduce the charges. Retaining driving privileges is imperative for Texans for work and personal use. There are time limits to contest a driver’s license suspension and acting swiftly is key. A DWI on a person’s record will often lead to raised insurance rates and financial hardship. Being incarcerated and the fines that accompany a DWI conviction can vary, but it is preferable to avoid these ramifications if possible.

The allegations in this case include several violations that, by themselves, can lead to severe penalties. Combined, they can be costly in myriad ways. Perhaps the woman was not drunk at the time. There could have been other issues that led to the crash. Or a plea bargain to reduce some of the charges could be achievable. Discussing the case with a legal firm experienced in criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases may be beneficial to achieve a positive outcome.