What Happens in a DWI Preliminary Hearing in Texas?

You are formally charged during a DWI arraignment. After this comes the preliminary hearing (or "prelim"). It is at this stage that your charges could be dismissed with a strong defense. You would not even have to go to trial. If the prosecution presents a stronger case, however, then the judge can be convinced that there is probable cause of your guilt. Your case would then go to trial. If so, you could still have your charges reduced first. In the prelim, a skilled DWI lawyer could get your charges lowered, meaning that you face lesser penalties. Perhaps even a plea bargain might be arranged. This could mean no jail time and no trial. Whatever your case, you will need an unyielding DWI attorney on your side.

Depending on the case, there may be witnesses involved. The arresting officer can give testimony and be cross-examined. You may have your own witnesses to counter the officer. They might explain the real reason why you were speeding, or why your eyes were bloodshot, etc. An interesting aspect of prelims is that hearsay evidence is admissible. In addition to eyewitness testimony, this may be the time that a DWI attorney challenges the documented evidence against you. Your DWI lawyer may be able to show a lack of probable cause for your arrest. A skilled attorney might also be able to suppress the evidence of a failed field sobriety test and incriminating chemical tests results. This could be enough to get the case dismissed altogether. In some cases though, you need go to trial. If this is true, your lawyer can use the preliminary hearing to assess the prosecution. It gives a preview of witness testimony, and you could have your charges reduced before facing a jury trial.

The DWI preliminary hearing is not something to take lightly. You want to retain outstanding representation as soon as possible. When you work with The Law Office of Troy P. Burleson, you would be working with a dedicated DWI attorney. I am able to provide tenacious defense at a preliminary hearing to get your charges reduced or dismissed. I have an outstanding track record of doing so. If necessary, I can take your case to trial. I have defended more than 200 cases in trial, and have a phenomenal success rate. I also have been recently included in the list of Texas' Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ for 2012 and 2013. This is something that only the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state can claim. Whether you are confronted with a felony DWI charge, or this is your first DWI, I have handled it all. When you need powerhouse defense, do not hesitate to contact my Collin County DWI firm.