Collin County DUI Defense Attorney

Are you facing DUI charges? Do you need the legal representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney? If so, contact Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, and we’ll fight your charges so that you can move on with your life.

As you know, DUI is a serious offense. In Texas, the penalties are harsh, but you don’t have to accept them as is. You have the right to a rigorous defense.

Don’t try to fight the charges alone. At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we have the experience, resources, knowledge, and skills to build you a solid defense. We might be able to settle your case out of court. If not, our attorneys are fully prepared to go to trial. We’ll use aggressive tactics to disprove the prosecution’s theory and prove your innocence.

Call (214) 845-7007 to find out how our Collin County DUI defense attorney can help you in a free consultation.

What Is DUI?

DUI stands for driving under the influence. It refers to the charge against an individual who operates a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Many people use DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI interchangeably.

In Texas, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the circumstances below:

With a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of at .08%; or
While impaired by alcohol or drugs.

There’s also a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 years of age. If they operate a motor vehicle with any alcohol in their system, they could be charged with DUI.

Intoxication has a wide range of meanings, but the important part is that intoxication limits physical or mental faculties. Driving with excessive alcohol in your system can cause:

Blurry vision
Reduced reaction time
Poor decision making
Drowsiness
Lack of coordination

You Have Rights After an Arrest

Even if the police arrest you for DUI and take you to jail for booking, you still have rights. Both the U.S. and Texas constitutions guarantee you important rights that can protect you from unfair convictions.

There are crucial steps you should take after a DUI arrest to keep your rights intact and give your attorney the best chance of resolving your DUI successfully.

Right to remain silent. You can and should remain silent. Don’t answer the officer’s questions or say anything about the alleged DUI. The only statement you should make is that you won’t answer any questions without your lawyer present.

Right to an explanation. If you ask, the officer must be able to state a valid reason why they pulled you over.

Right to refuse a search. If an officer pulls you over for suspicion of DUI, you don’t have to give them permission to search your car. Under your Fourth Amendment rights, you have protection from illegal searches and seizures. However, if an officer shows probable cause to search your vehicle without a warrant, they can do so.

Right to a lawyer. You can hire a lawyer and have them present during questioning. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can request one appointed to you.

Right to refuse blood or breath tests. Implied consent laws require drivers to submit to testing after DUI arrests. However, you do have the right to refuse. If you refuse, you’ll face a license suspension for a length of time that depends on whether it’s your first, second, or third offense.

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence in Texas

If you’re arrested for your first DUI offense, the Department of Motor Vehicles could revoke your driver’s license. If you fail or refuse a chemical test, the officer could immediately confiscate your license and issue a Notice of Suspension. You would then have fifteen days to request an administrative hearing to fight the suspension of your license.

If you don’t request a hearing by the deadline, your license will remain suspended for ninety days with the first date starting on the 41st day after your arrest. If you request a hearing, the Notice issued to you by the officer will allow you to continue driving until you attend the hearing.

First offense:

Maximum of 180 days in jail
Up to $2,000 fine
License suspension for 90 days to twelve months
Install ignition interlock device as a condition of an occupational license

Second offense:

Maximum of twelve months in jail
Up to $4,000 fine
License suspension for 180 days to two years
Install ignition interlock device for one year (if the first offense was within last five years)

Third offense:

Maximum of ten years in prison
Up to $10,000 fine
License suspension for 180 days to two years
Install ignition interlock device for one year (if the second offense was within last five years)

If you had a passenger in your car at the time of the offense under the age of 15, you could face the following penalties:

Maximum of two years in jail
Up to $10,000 fine

Intoxication assault

If someone is injured as a result of your impaired driving, you could face an intoxication assault charge, which is a third-degree felony. The penalties include:

Maximum of ten years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Intoxication manslaughter

If someone dies due to your impaired driving, you could face an intoxication manslaughter charge, a second-degree felony. The penalties include:

Maximum of twenty years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Why You Should Hire a Collin County DUI Defense Attorney

The criminal justice system is confusing for anyone without professional training to deal with it. If you don’t know the steps you’ll need to take, you won’t stand a chance of defending yourself.

Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter will walk you through the legal procedure, so you know what to expect. We’ll explain our defense strategy and keep you informed of our progress throughout your case.

We’ll negotiate with the prosecutor to get the case dismissed and the charges against you dropped. If we can’t reach an agreement, we’ll fight aggressively in court against your DUI charges.

It’s the prosecutor’s job to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty of the alleged crime. That’s a high bar. It’s our job to introduce doubt so that you’re found not guilty.

To find out more about our legal services and schedule a free consultation, call (214) 845-7007 today and speak with our Collin County DUI defense attorney.

TESTIMONIALS

“He handled an unjust ticket for me and was very thorough and on time with notices, etc. His communication was short and to the point without false fluffy words or promises.”

Pat-

When my son received a DWI, I wanted to get him THE BEST lawyer I could find. I researched for two days, and then I found Mark Lassiter. I looked no further. As soon as I read about him, I knew that I found THE BEST. From the moment I met him, I had COMPLETE confidence in him. At the end of my son's trial, Mr. Lassiter came through with a defense case so impressive that the case was dismissed before the prosecutors finished their argument. I will always be grateful to him.

Susan-

Mark is a very intelligent professional defense Attorney on my DWI offense that Mark convinced the jury that i wasn't guilty i highy recommend Mark to my family and friends once again thanks Mark

Carlos-

I had my first DWI charge and I was unclear of next steps. I was getting propositioned left and right by less ethical lawyers and one even "claimed" my case and I missed my court date. However, Mark Lassiter and his amazing paralegal took care of everything. They were very prompt and clear with their communication on every step of the process. Also if anything came up I got a call right away and they let me know what I needed to do next. Honestly made this stressful situation manageable. I already recommend them to anyone who is going through the same situation as me. That said he does come at a premium cost but is worth every penny, and his team is willing to work with you on payment plans.

Anon-

I recently was referred to contact Mark Lassiter by a colleague and called him for a consultation related to a recent arrest for public intoxication in Dallas. He was terrific; I had never been arrested before and was unsure of what the appropriate next steps would be. He was detailed in his step-by-step approach and provided me sound legal advice on how he would handle this case.I elected to hire him as my attorney and it was the best decision. He handled my case and was able to get the charges dismissed. As a professional it was imperative to be able to get this charge removed from my record.If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, I would highly recommend Mark's services.

PS-

I am a very satisfied and a relived client. After meeting with various lawyers Mark was the one who won me over. Walking into his office you will be impressed of all his credentials. He is professional and aggressive which is what everyone looks for in a attorney. Every other lawyer I interviewed mentioned to "plea deal", I knew that meant settling. A DWI on my record was the LAST thing I wanted. I was very hopeless and scared (considering it was my first offense) but Mark always reassured me that I had a very good case. Ultimately, Mark did a phenomenal job in the court room (he had the prosecutors speechless), which resulted in a dismissal. I recommend this man to everyone I know. Thank you Mark, I owe you my life.

NG-