Don't panic, first of all.
The first thing you need to do is to figure out how to get them out of jail... and after that, your friend or loved one needs to find a lawyer to answer the 10 million questions circling in their head and to help them deal with the DWI arrest.
1. Getting them out of Jail
A bond must be paid to secure the release of your friend or loved one. For a bond to be paid, the bond must first be set by a magistrate judge... and that might take some time depending what time the arrest was. Plano often won't arraign someone and set bond until the next morning after the arrest (the law gives them 24-hours).
Collin County has an expedited process they describe as a writ bond as a way to release people from jail without having to wait until the next morning. This is a writ of habeas corpus filed by an attorney on behalf of the accused which triggers an instant cash bond with the county. This is a service I provide. My 24-hour jail release number is (214) 724-7065.
Once the bond is paid, the person is released (assuming they have no other holds or unaddressed charges pending).
2. Finding an Attorney
There are many myths, mysteries, and questions about facing DWI charges. One of the main questions I am asked about when someone learns their loved one was arrested for DWI is about how severe the charges are. You can read about the severity of DWI charges here. Generally, an attorney can cover the remainder of the ups, downs, rights and lefts of a driving while intoxicated arrest at a consultation. (preferably after your friend or loved one has gotten some sleep!) My guess is that for now, you're probably concerned enough about item No. 1 above. If you're really that curious, though, I'll give you more basic information on DWI's here, hereand here, but it really takes an hour or more to go over everything in person.
Jeremy F. Rosenthal, Esq.
(972) 562-7549
Jail Release Number (214) 724-7056
*Jeremy F. Rosenthal is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Texas. Nothing in this article should be considered legal advice. For specific legal advice, you should directly consult an attorney.
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