Open Container with a DUI/DWI

Driving while intoxicated is illegal regardless of whether alcohol is present in the vehicle. However, when alcohol is present in an open container as you are pulled over by a law enforcement official, you may have to face harsher punishments than just a regular DWI.

At the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett, we understand the confusion or frustration you may be feeling after DWI/DUI with open container charges, and we may be able to help. For more information, contact a tenacious San Antonio drunk driving attorney from our offices by calling 210-587-6464 today.

What Counts as an Open Container?

An open container can be an opened can, opened bottle, or a cup in which alcohol is present. In fact, you can be charged with having an open container even if the beverage does not belong to you but is simply in your vehicle. To avoid making a DUI/DWI charge worse, drivers should never allow open containers of alcoholic beverages in their automobiles.

Consequences of Open Container

If there was an open container in the vehicle you were pulled over for driving while intoxicated, the minimum jail time that you may face is six days, or 144 hours. Thus, an open container actually doubles the potential jail time for a first-time DWI offender to nearly a full week.

Contact Us

Whether or not your DUI/DWI charge includes the addition of open container charges, it is still important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. To speak with an experienced San Antonio DWI lawyer about your DUI or DWI charge, contact the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett at 210-587-6464 today.