Texas roads are not the only place where intoxicated is hazardous. Similar to driving while intoxicated, flying while intoxicated is another offense that Texas lawmakers hope to eliminate or limit. Operating an aircraft while intoxicated is an increasingly dangerous offense that can lead to hefty fines or even jail time.
If you made the mistake of operating an aircraft while intoxicated, defending yourself against these charges may prove difficult. Having an attorney in your corner can mean the difference between paying large fines and having your charges dropped.
Flying While Intoxicated Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
If you live in Denton, Texas, or a surrounding area including Lewisville, The Colony, Sanger, Argyle, Carrollton, and Roanoke, and were recently charged with operating while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, contact or call the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy at (940) 222-8004.
At your free consultation, you can discuss your charges with a criminal defense attorney who can walk you through the process. Our firm also helps clients in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas.
What Constitutes Flying While Intoxicated
Texas Code §49.05 prohibits any individual from operating an aircraft while he or she lacks the normal use of mental or physical abilities due to alcohol, drugs, or both. In addition, any individual with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is prohibited from operating an aircraft.
This offense is considered a Class B misdemeanor carrying a minimum of 72 hours in jail except in the event that the defendant was previously convicted of a similar offense at the time of trial.
Possible Defenses of Flying While Intoxicated
While it is difficult to argue against an intoxicated flying charge, it is possible. In order to convict an individual for this FWI, he or she must prove that the defendant intentionally operated an aircraft while intoxicated.
Proving these elements may be difficult considering the time in which the flight takes place and when the test is administered.
Since most alcohol tests are administered long after a flight lands, a defendant may argue that he or she was not intoxicated at the time of the flight, and the alcohol test results are showing the consumption of alcohol that took place after the flight.
Also, a defendant may argue that the test results were faulty or tainted due to outside factors such as mouthwash.
Flying While Intoxicated Additional Resources
Flying While Intoxicated under Texas Code §49.05– Visit the Texas Code website of the Texas State Legislature for more information on flying while intoxicated and legal definitions used in the statute. This website provides statutes on alcohol-related criminal offenses. Also, find information on DWI offenses and related penalties.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Flying While Intoxicated Charges | Law Office of Richard C. McConathy
Intoxicated flying charges may not carry the most serious penalties; however, they should still be taken very seriously. An FWI charge on your record could be detrimental to your future employment opportunities.
If you were charged with flying while intoxicated in Lewisville, Texas, contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy immediately at (940) 222-8004 to protect your rights. This firm also serves those accused of alcohol-related offenses in Sanger, Roanoke, The Colony, Carrollton, and Argyle. We also defend clients in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas.