Best DUI Lawyers in Garland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Garland, Texas?

  The non-emergency contact number for Garland Police Department is 972-485-4840.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Garland, Texas?

  You can get a copy of a police report by filling out the form at https://www.garlandpolice.com/DocumentCenter/View/1285/Open-Records-Request-Form and submitting it to the Garland Police Department at 1891 Forest Lane. Include the requester's name, address, and phone number when submitting the request. The request should also include specific details, including date of birth, time, and location. The police report should be available within 10 business days.

• Can the police draw blood without your consent if you are suspected of DUI in Garland?

  Yes. Colten’s Law, which requires police officers to take a DUI suspect's blood sample, has been in effect since 2021 in Garland. The mandatory blood draw applies in the following situations:

  • when the police are making an arrest for intoxication offenses
  • if the suspect refuses the officer's request to submit to the taking of a blood specimen voluntarily
  • if the suspect was the driver of the vehicle involved in an accident
  • if the police reasonably believe that the accident was a result of intoxication
  • if the police reasonably believe that the accident caused death or serious bodily injury to another person. A warrant is usually required to obtain a blood sample, but the officer can still proceed if there is reason to suspect that there are urgent circumstances.

• What is the blood alcohol concentration limit for underage drivers in Garland?

  According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, there is a zero-tolerance standard for drivers under the age of 21. This means that if a minor has any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving a vehicle on a public street in Garland, they will be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor. The arrested minor will have to pay a $500 fine, have their license suspended for up to 120 days, do 60 hours of community service, and participate in an alcohol awareness program.

• What happens if a driver arrested for DUI in Garland has a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or higher?

  Under Texas Penal Code § 49.01(2), individuals with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more are considered intoxicated. Texas Penal Code § 49.04(d) states that a person with a BAC level of 0.15 or more at the time of analysis will face a Class A misdemeanor. If your BAC level is 0.15 or higher at the time of your arrest in Garland, you could spend up to one year in jail and pay a fine of up to $6,000. A DUI suspect with a BAC of 0.15 or more is required to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles they own or operate for a full year after the end of the suspension.

• Can you still get convicted of DUI in Garland even if your blood alcohol concentration was not 0.08?

  Yes. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was below 0.08 in Garland, you could still be found guilty of DUI. Authorities may look for signs of intoxication in a variety of ways, including your driving behavior (if you were weaving or ignoring traffic signals), personal behavior (if you smelled of alcohol or were unable to respond to simple questions), or field sobriety test results.

• What happens to commercial drivers arrested for DUI in Garland?

  Commercial drivers in Garland who had a 0.04 blood alcohol concentration level when they were pulled over by officers can be convicted of DUI. Consequences include Class B misdemeanor charges, 180 days of jail time, fines up to $2,000, suspension of personal and commercial driver's licenses, probation, community service, and required participation in an alcohol awareness program. If the commercial driver already has a previous DUI on record, his commercial driver's license could be permanently disqualified.