Being charged with a DWI in Texas is serious, and the consequences can affect your freedom, finances, and future. A first offense can lead to fines of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a one-year license suspension.
Repeat offenders face steeper penalties, including fines of up to $10,000, years in prison, and mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Beyond legal consequences, a DWI can impact your job, reputation, and personal relationships.
Arlington sees a high number of DWI cases each year, reflecting Texas’s strict approach to impaired driving. Local courts and prosecutors pursue convictions aggressively, leaving little room for error when defending your case.
Our law firm understands the fear, stress, and uncertainty that accompany a DWI charge. We take a client-focused approach, listening to your concerns, explaining your options clearly, and fighting to protect your rights at every step.
Don’t Delay in Consulting Our Arlington DWI Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
In Texas, you have only 15 days from your arrest date to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your license will be suspended.
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Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension, disrupting your daily life, limiting your ability to work, and creating long-term challenges. Our defense attorneys act fast to file your request, gather evidence, and present a strong case to help you keep your license.
Seeking legal help immediately also gives us the advantage of collecting time-sensitive evidence that can strengthen your defense, such as:
- Police reports to evaluate whether there was probable cause for the traffic stop and arrest.
- Breath and blood tests to identify errors in administration, equipment malfunctions, or contamination.
- Field sobriety tests to challenge inaccurate results or improper instructions.
- Dashcam and bodycam footage to verify that your rights were upheld.
Without our experienced defense lawyer, it is easy to make mistakes that can hurt your DUI case—like making statements to the police that can be used against you or missing key deadlines.
Our criminal defense attorneys guide you through every step, advising you on your rights, suppressing evidence obtained illegally, and building a customized defense to achieve the best possible outcome, whether facing a misdemeanor or more serious charges.
Contact our Arlington DWI defense attorneys today to request your ALR hearing and start building your defense.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Arlington
Follow these steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of a better outcome:
- Stay calm and composed. It is natural to feel anxious, but staying calm helps you think clearly and avoid actions that might worsen your situation. Nervous behavior can sometimes be misinterpreted as signs of impairment. Take a deep breath, stay polite, and avoid arguing with law enforcement.
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Even a statement like “I only had one drink” can be used to imply impairment. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identification and state that you wish to speak with our attorney.
- Request legal representation immediately. Do not answer further questions or agree to field sobriety tests without consulting our attorney. Our skilled defense lawyer will help you avoid common missteps that could hurt your case.
- Preserve evidence and details. As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the arrest. Include where and when you were stopped, what the officer said, whether you were asked to take a breath or blood test, and any field sobriety tests performed. Small details—like poor lighting or uneven pavement during a field sobriety test—can help your attorney challenge the evidence against you.
| 💡 Stay Ready: Keep your documents organized, stay composed under pressure, and keep both hands firmly on the wheel at all times. |
How Our Arlington DWI Attorneys Can Help
If you are charged with a DWI, having our skilled attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here is how we help:
- Immediate Legal Guidance – The first steps you take after an arrest matter. Admitting to drinking or agreeing to field sobriety tests without understanding your rights can hurt your case. We immediately guide you, helping prevent self-incrimination and protect your defense.
- Protecting Your Rights – Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when conducting traffic stops and administering tests. If officers lack probable cause or violate your constitutional rights, we use that to challenge the evidence against you.
- Thorough Case Assessment – We review police reports, test results, and evidence to identify errors. Breathalyzers can malfunction, blood samples can be mishandled, and field sobriety tests can be unreliable—factors weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Defense Strategy Development – Every case is different. For first-time offenders, we focus on reducing charges. We push for dismissal if testing was flawed or the traffic stop was unlawful. We tailor our approach to your specific situation.
- Court Representation and Negotiations – Whether negotiating reduced penalties or presenting your case in court, we fight to protect your future. We often secure plea deals that avoid jail time and prevent a permanent criminal record.
Why Choose Our Arlington DWI Lawyer?
Here is why clients trust us to guide them through this challenge:
- Local Expertise. We know the Arlington courts, judges, and law enforcement, giving us an advantage when building your defense. For example, our understanding of a judge’s approach to first-time offenses recently helped a client avoid jail time and a permanent record.
- Commitment to Client Success. We focus on achieving results that matter to you. In one case, a client facing license suspension after a failed breath test kept their license because we successfully challenged the traffic stop. Whether you want to avoid jail time, protect your license, or clear your record, we fight to help you move forward.
Our DUI lawyer team serves clients in:
- Arlington
- Dallas
- Collin
- Frisco
- Parker
- Tarrant
Types of DWI Offenses We Handle in Arlington
A DWI charge is more than a traffic ticket—it can affect your freedom, finances, and future. Our attorneys handle a range of DWI offenses, providing strong defenses tailored to each situation.
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- First, Second, and Subsequent Offenses – A first DWI is like a warning shot—penalties include fines up to $2,000, 180 days in jail, and a one-year license suspension. A second offense brings fines of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Third and subsequent offenses are felonies, including 10 years in prison and a two-year license suspension. We challenge breath and blood test results, question field sobriety tests, and look for procedural errors to reduce penalties or dismiss charges.
- Aggravated & Felony DWI – A DWI becomes more severe if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15% or higher or if you cause injury or damage. These cases often result in longer jail sentences and higher fines. We challenge the accuracy of BAC tests and question whether law enforcement had probable cause for the arrest.
- DWI with a Minor Passenger – Driving under the influence with a child passenger under 15 is treated like having a ticking time bomb in the car—Texas law considers it a felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Our defense focuses on protecting your rights while minimizing long-term consequences.
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) – Operating a boat while impaired carries the same penalties as a DWI, with fines, jail time, and license suspension. We challenge the validity of field sobriety tests, which are often inaccurate due to the boat’s motion.
- Commercial Vehicle DWI – Even a BAC of 0.04% for commercial drivers can result in a DWI charge. A conviction can suspend your commercial driver’s license (CDL), risking your livelihood. We examine testing methods and police procedures to help you keep your license and continue working.
- Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter – These felony charges involve causing injury or death while driving under the influence, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison. We thoroughly investigate crash reports, chemical tests, and police procedures, challenging any evidence obtained unlawfully.
- Drug-Related DWI – Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, carries the same penalties as alcohol-related DWIs. We question the reliability of chemical tests, including blood samples and officer observations, to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
- Underage DWI – For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol results in a DWI charge. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and community service. We work to reduce or dismiss charges, protecting young drivers from long-term consequences.
| 💡 Stay Ready: Keep your documents organized, stay composed under pressure, and keep both hands firmly on the wheel at all times. |
Understanding DWI Charges in Arlington
Knowing the legal limits, penalties, and long-term consequences can help you understand what is at stake—and why acting quickly is essential.
- Legal BAC Limits – Texas law sets clear blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for different drivers. Adults 21 and older face charges at 0.08% or higher, while commercial drivers can be charged at 0.04%. For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can result in a DWI charge due to the state’s zero-tolerance policy. Even if your BAC is below these limits, you can still be charged if officers believe alcohol impaired your driving.
- Potential Penalties – The penalties depend on the number of offenses and specific circumstances. A first offense can result in up to $2,000 in fines, 180 days in jail, and a one-year license suspension. A second offense can lead to $4,000 in fines, one year in jail, and a two-year suspension. A third offense is a felony, carrying up to $10,000 in fines, two to ten years in prison, and a two-year suspension. Penalties increase if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, a minor passenger was present, or the offense caused injury or death.
- Long-Term Impacts – A DWI conviction can limit job opportunities, especially in fields requiring a clean criminal record or professional license. Many employers run background checks, and a DWI can make securing housing, loans, or college admissions harder.
Speak with our skilled DWI attorneys today to build your defense and protect your future.
Contact an Arlington DWI Attorney Today!
A DWI charge can disrupt your life, but the right legal help can make all the difference. Time is critical—delaying could lead to missed deadlines, a suspended license, or limited defense options.
Acting now gives you a better chance of reducing penalties or clearing your name. Reach out today for a free consultation and start building a defense that protects your future.
- Phone: (972) 528-0116
- Contact Page: Fill out our contact form here.
- Email: Send us an email at info@mcconathylaw.com.