Texas DWI Resources & Help

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a form of auto insurance that’s usually requested by a judge or required by law after an incident of some kind. The purpose of SR-22 insurance is to guarantee that a motorist is insured as it certifies financial responsibility.

Basically, an SR-22 is liability insurance which, if cancelled, will prompt the insurance company to notify the State of Texas. To obtain SR-22 Insurance you’ll need to contact your insurance carrier.

What Does the SR in SR-22 Mean?

This is a great unknown. While the “SR” in SR-22 doesn’t signify any particular nomenclature (it’s just a document name), it’s fair to take the “SR” to mean “state required” because it is required by the State of Texas in every circumstance that it’s needed. In some of the other states the document is referred to as an FR-22 with the “FR” serving as an acronym for “Financial Responsibility”. We have not investigated the significance of the 22.

What Is The Cost of Fighting DWI Charges in Houston?

Costs vary from case to case, but are determined largely by the outcome of the case in the court of law. The good news is that you don’t have to concern yourself with the cost of court fees, court costs, or fines until after the case is finalized.

If convicted of DWI by a guilty finding of the court, or by entering a guilty plea, you’ll then be informed of what must be paid, why, and the cost. The court will require you to pay all fees associated with probation, any required DWI classes, and the cost of any chemical testing associated with your case.

Due to the TxDPS Driver Responsibility Program, you’ll also be forced by the State of Texas to pay surcharge fees if you ever intend to lawfully drive in Texas again. Whether the DWI occurred in or outside of Texas, you’ll have to pay either a $1,000.00 (1st DWI offense) or $1,500.00 (Subsequent DWI) surcharge every year for 3 years. If your Blood Alcohol Concentration was 0.16 or over, your surcharge will cost $2,500.00 per year for 3 years.

When taken together, surpassing $10,000.00 in costs is easily possible. If your drunk driving incident caused a car accident, you’ll be responsible for those costs as well.

Then there’s the matter of having to file for an SR-22. An SR-22 insurance policy could easily add a few thousand dollars to your yearly insurance costs, and that’s in addition to the regular premium increase which will occur if you’re convicted of the offense.

When considering the costs of legal defense fees, costs associated with posting bond, lost income when missing work for court, and vehicle storage lot & release fees, a Houston DWI can end up costing you thousands.

Fighting a Houston DWI charge is well worth the effort.

What Should I Do If My Drivers License is Suspended?

DO NOT DRIVE.

If you’re caught operating a motor vehicle on public roadways while your TDL is suspended you’ll be taken to jail immediately.

Anyone arrested for a Houston DWI related offense will face some form of license revocation or suspension with the strictness of the conditions being largely based on the severity of the offense, and any previous related criminal convictions.

Attorney Tad A. Nelson sees this type of situation as the best time to start fighting the charge and defending yourself. Also, you’ll only have a limited time frame in which to attempt to thwart the suspension your license via an “ALR” hearing. Fighting the suspension of your Texas Driver License will increase the probability of us beating the Houston DWI charge later.

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Can I Get A Lawyer for My ALR Hearing?

Yes you can. In fact, we strongly recommend it. An experienced DWI lawyer serving as your chief advocate in the courts guarantees that you’re using the best strategy for dealing with such a sensitive situation. Having the right to drive is important in Houston, the last thing you’ll need is your Texas Driver License suspended. It may result in jail.

Experienced legal representation also helps at avoiding the costly mistakes that are apparent when attempting to represent one’s self, or when being represented by a novice. Even lawyers subjected to criminal accusations decline to represent themselves in court.