Being charged with drug-related DWI in Texas is serious and often misunderstood. Unlike alcohol DWI cases, charges under Texas Penal Code §49.01(2) rely on officer observations and chemical testing, not a clear BAC number. That makes these cases highly subjective—and easier to challenge with the right defense. Working with an experienced Dallas DWI Defense Lawyer is critical to protecting your rights.
Penalties can include jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock devices. You also have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to protect your driving privileges.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve defended controlled substance DWI charges across Texas for over two decades.
Act fast. The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your defense.
What Is a Drug DWI in Texas?
A drug DWI in Texas occurs when someone operates a motor vehicle while impaired by substances other than alcohol. According to Texas Transportation Code § 724.012, this includes:
- Prescription medications (even when legally prescribed)
- Over-the-counter drugs that cause impairment
- Illegal controlled substances of any amount
- Combination of drugs and alcohol
Unlike alcohol DWI cases with measurable BAC standards, drug DWI charges depend on the officer’s subjective observations of impairment, field sobriety tests, Drug Recognition Expert evaluations, and blood or urine testing.
Important: Having a valid prescription doesn’t prevent DWI charges if the medication impairs your driving ability.
Common Drugs That Lead to DWI Arrests
Prescription Medications
The most common prescription drugs leading to DWI arrests include:
- Benzodiazepines: Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Sleep aids: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- Pain medications: OxyContin (oxycodone), Hydrocodone, Morphine
- Muscle relaxants: Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Soma (carisoprodol)
Key Point: Legal possession doesn’t equal legal operation. Even prescribed medications can result in DWI charges if they impair your driving.
Illegal Substances
Texas law enforcement aggressively prosecutes DWI cases involving illegal drugs:
- Marijuana: Even small amounts can lead to DWI charges
- Cocaine: Highly scrutinized with enhanced penalties
- Methamphetamine: Often results in felony charges
- Heroin and other opioids: Severe legal consequences
Over-the-Counter Medications
Even common, legal medications can impair driving ability:
- Antihistamines: Benadryl (diphenhydamine), Claritin
- Sleep aids: ZzzQuil, Unisom
- Cold medications: NyQuil, products containing dextromethorphan
Hypothetical Scenario: A person takes NyQuil for cold symptoms before driving to work. The drowsy effects combined with an unexpected traffic stop could lead to a drug DWI arrest, even though the medication was purchased legally and used as directed.
Penalties for Drug DWI in Texas
Texas imposes harsh penalties for drug-related DWI offenses. The consequences depend on several factors, including prior convictions and aggravating circumstances.
| Offense Level | Jail Time | Fine | License Suspension | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor (First offense) | 72 hours – 180 days | Up to $2,000 | 90 days – 1 year | Ignition interlock device, DWI education |
| Class A Misdemeanor (Second offense) | 30 days – 1 year | Up to $4,000 | 180 days – 2 years | Ignition interlock, community service |
| Third Degree Felony (Third offense) | 2 – 10 years | Up to $10,000 | 180 days – 2 years | Prison time, ignition interlock |
Enhanced Penalties Apply When:
- Child passenger under 15 years old (automatic felony)
- Repeat offenses within 10 years
- Accidents causing injury or death
- High drug concentration in blood tests
These penalties can devastate your career, finances, and family life. Professional licenses may be suspended, employment opportunities limited, and insurance rates increased significantly.
Drug DWI vs. Alcohol DWI: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the key differences between drug and alcohol DWI cases is crucial for building an effective defense strategy:
Alcohol DWI:
- Clear legal limit (0.08% BAC)
- Standardized breath testing
- Predictable absorption/elimination rates
- Per se violation at 0.08% or higher
Drug DWI:
- No specific legal limit for impairment
- Relies on officer observations and field sobriety tests
- Complex blood/urine testing required
- Subjective determination of impairment
Testing Challenges: Drug testing faces significant scientific and legal hurdles:
- Delayed testing: Drugs metabolize differently than alcohol
- False positives: Medication interactions and medical conditions
- Concentration vs. impairment: High drug levels don’t always indicate current impairment
- Chain of custody: Laboratory errors and contamination issues
Defenses to Drug DWI Charges
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve developed proven defense strategies for drug-related DWI cases:
- Unlawful traffic stop: Challenging the initial reason for the traffic stop
- Faulty testing procedures: Questioning blood draw timing, chain of custody, and laboratory protocols
- Medical condition defense: Proving medical conditions were misinterpreted as drug impairment
- Prescription medication defense: Demonstrating lawful use without impairment
- Miranda rights violations: Identifying procedural errors during arrest and questioning
- Drug Recognition Expert challenges: Questioning the reliability of DRE evaluations
- Blood testing delays: Arguing that delayed testing doesn’t reflect impairment at time of driving
- Rising drug concentration: Proving drug levels increased after driving stopped
Our personalized approach investigates every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the final blood test results.
Arrested for Drug DWI in Texas? Take These Steps
If you’ve been arrested for drug DWI in Texas, your immediate actions can significantly impact your case outcome:
- Exercise your right to remain silent – Don’t explain what medications you’ve taken or when
- Request an attorney immediately – Ask for legal representation before answering any questions
- Avoid volunteering prescription information – Wait for your lawyer before discussing medical history
- Preserve all evidence – Keep medication bottles, pharmacy receipts, and medical records
- Contact a Texas DWI lawyer within 24 hours – Time limits for ALR hearings approach quickly
- Document everything you remember – Write down details about the stop while memory is fresh
- Don’t discuss your case – Avoid social media posts or conversations about the arrest
Critical Deadline: You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension.
Call (972) 528-0478 now—every hour matters in protecting your driving privileges and building your defense.
Why Choose Our Texas DWI Defense Team?
When facing drug DWI charges, you need attorneys who understand both the science behind drug testing and Texas law nuances. Here’s why clients across Texas trust the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy:
Deep Legal Expertise Richard C. McConathy has over 35 years of combined experience in criminal defense, with extensive knowledge of Texas DWI laws. Our team stays current on evolving drug DWI laws, scientific testing methods, and defense strategies.
Local Court Experience
We’ve successfully defended drug DWI cases in courts across 16 Texas counties, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton. Our relationships with local prosecutors and judges help us negotiate favorable outcomes.
Extensive Experience Our track record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense:
- Over 1,000 cases handled in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2002
- Extensive trial experience in criminal cases
- Comprehensive approach to both felony and misdemeanor charges
- Dedicated ALR hearing representation to protect driving privileges
Client-Centered Defense Every drug DWI case is unique. We develop personalized defense strategies based on your specific medications, medical history, traffic stop circumstances, and testing reliability.
Comprehensive Case Management We handle every aspect of your defense: ALR hearings, criminal court proceedings, professional license issues, and insurance concerns.
Contact our Dallas DWI lawyer today to discuss how we can protect your future.
Contact a Texas Drug DWI Lawyer Today
Time is running out. You have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing. Missing this deadline means automatic license suspension.
Don’t let a drug DWI charge destroy your career and freedom. Many charges can be reduced or dismissed with the right defense strategy.
Why clients choose us:
- Over 35 years of combined experience
- Successfully defended 1,000+ cases in North Texas
- Free initial consultation for drug DWI cases
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal matters
Call (972) 528-0478 now for immediate legal assistance. Our experienced Texas DWI attorneys are standing by to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Can’t talk right now? Contact us online for a confidential case evaluation. Every minute counts in building your defense—don’t wait another day to get the legal help you need.
FAQs About Drug DWI in Texas
Can I get a DWI for prescription drugs in Texas?
Yes, absolutely. Texas law makes no distinction between illegal drugs and legally prescribed medications when it comes to DWI charges. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.01, you can be arrested and convicted for DWI if prescription medications impair your ability to drive safely, even when:
- You have a valid prescription
- You’re taking the medication as directed
- The prescribing doctor didn’t warn about driving restrictions
Common prescription drugs leading to DWI arrests include anxiety medications (Xanax, Valium), sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta), and pain medications (Hydrocodone, Morphine). The key factor is whether the medication impaired your normal use of physical or mental faculties.
How does Texas test for drugs in a DWI case?
Texas uses several methods to test for drug impairment:
Blood Testing (most common):
- Drawn at hospital or police station
- Tests for specific drug compounds and metabolites
- Results can take weeks or months
- More accurate than urine for recent use
Urine Testing:
- Less reliable for determining current impairment
- Can detect drugs used days or weeks earlier
- Prone to false positives from medical conditions
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation:
- 12-step standardized evaluation process
- Includes pupil examination, vital signs, coordination tests
- Highly subjective and challengeable in court
Our defense strategy often focuses on challenging the reliability and timing of these tests, as drug metabolites can remain in your system long after impairment has ended.
What are the penalties for a first-time drug DWI?
A first-time drug DWI in Texas is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying:
- Jail time: 72 hours to 180 days
- Fine: Up to $2,000
- License suspension: 90 days to 1 year
- Ignition interlock device: May be required
- DWI education program: Mandatory completion
- Community service: Up to 100 hours
- Insurance increases: SR-22 requirement, higher premiums
Additional consequences may include:
- Professional license suspension
- Employment termination
- Security clearance revocation
- Immigration status impacts
Enhanced penalties apply if aggravating factors exist, such as a child passenger or accident involvement.
Can I refuse a blood test for drugs?
You can refuse, but consequences are severe under Texas’s implied consent law:
Right to refuse:
- No criminal penalty for refusal itself
- Constitutional protection against self-incrimination
Consequences of refusal:
- Automatic license suspension: 180 days for first refusal, 2 years for subsequent refusals
- ALR hearing required: Must request within 15 days or face automatic suspension
- Search warrant: Police can obtain warrant to force blood draw
- Court evidence: Refusal can be used against you in trial
Legal strategy consideration: While refusal eliminates chemical evidence, it doesn’t eliminate other evidence like field sobriety tests, officer observations, and DRE evaluations. Our attorneys can help you understand whether refusal helps or hurts your specific case.
Will a drug DWI affect my license?
Yes, a drug DWI significantly impacts your driving privileges through two separate proceedings:
Criminal Court Suspension:
- Occurs only after conviction
- Length depends on offense level and prior history
- Can be probated with ignition interlock device
Administrative License Revocation (ALR):
- Automatic suspension regardless of criminal case outcome
- 90-180 days for chemical test failure
- 180 days to 2 years for test refusal
- Occurs within 40 days of arrest unless contested
ALR Hearing Benefits:
- Opportunity to challenge suspension
- Preview of State’s evidence
- Possible license retention with restrictions
- Must be requested within 15 days of arrest
Ignition Interlock Requirements: Even with license retention, you may need an ignition interlock device that:
- Tests your breath before engine starts
- Requires periodic retests while driving
- Costs $70-100 per month
- Requires professional installation and maintenance
Professional licenses (medical, legal, nursing, etc.) face separate disciplinary proceedings that can result in suspension or revocation.