Imagine this: you were behind the wheel, got into an accident, and when law enforcement arrived, your wife told the officers she was driving. She was only trying to protect your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) - your livelihood - but now she’s been arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
This situation is stressful, complicated, and full of legal consequences. Here’s what you need to know and what steps to take next.
Why This Is a Serious Problem
Even though your wife volunteered to take the blame, the law takes DWI charges very seriously. Here’s why:
False Statements to Law Enforcement: If officers discover that she wasn’t the driver, she could face additional charges for making a false statement.
Your CDL Is Still at Risk: If evidence later shows you were actually driving, you could face your own DWI charge. A CDL suspension often means losing your job and your income.
Insurance and Liability Issues: If an accident caused injury or property damage, insurance companies and prosecutors will be looking closely at who was truly responsible.
What You Should Do Right Away
Contact a DWI Defense Lawyer Immediately
Both you and your wife need experienced legal counsel. An attorney can help navigate the conflicting facts and protect your rights.
Do Not Make the Situation Worse
Trying to “stick to the story” or mislead investigators can lead to more serious charges. Honesty with your attorney is critical - your lawyer cannot defend what they don’t know.
Request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing
Be aware that if your CDL is at risk, you have a very short window - typically 15 days after an arrest - to request a hearing to contest the automatic license suspension.
Gather Evidence
Accident reports, dash cam footage, 911 recordings, and witness statements can all play a role in proving what happened.
How a DWI Attorney Can Help
A knowledgeable DWI lawyer can:
- Defend your wife’s case by challenging whether the State can prove she was actually driving.
- Protect your CDL by preparing for the ALR hearing and addressing any risk of suspension.
- Limit additional charges if law enforcement believes there was a cover-up.
- Negotiate with prosecutors and fight to reduce or dismiss charges based on lack of evidence or procedural mistakes.
The Bottom Line
This situation is complicated, but you are not alone. The choices made right now can affect not just your wife’s criminal record but also your CDL, your job, and your family’s future.
At Blizzard and Zimmerman, criminal defense specialist attorney Jacob Blizzard has extensive experience defending DWI cases and protecting commercial drivers in Texas. We know how much is at stake when your career and freedom are on the line.
Call us today at (325) 326-5962 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us fight to protect your family, your record, and your livelihood.
