Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
A DWI conviction in Texas can mean fines, jail, a suspended license, and an ignition interlock device. In Denton County, strict enforcement—especially on weekends—makes the risk even higher.
You have just 15 days to request an ALR hearing or lose your license automatically.
Our Denton DWI defense attorneys know the local courts and will fight to protect your rights. We’ll move fast, build your defense, and guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—your license and freedom are on the line.
Hit the button below now for a free case review…
Reach out to our law offices for a free consultation:
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Denton, taking immediate steps to safeguard your rights and strengthen your defense is make or break. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you’re well-prepared:
4. Preserve Evidence and Details: Take note of significant details, such as the time of arrest, your interactions with law enforcement, and any field sobriety or breath tests. These details can be critical for building a defense and we will use them when building your case.
5. Avoid Discussing the Case with Others: Limit your comments about the arrest to friends or family. Statements made to others can still end up as evidence, potentially affecting your defense.
6. Secure Witness Contact Information (if applicable): If anyone witnessed the arrest, try to obtain their contact details. Their testimony may help validate your account or challenge law enforcement’s version of events. If you’re unable to do this, we will as part of our evidence gathering.
7. Promptly Request an ALR Hearing: In Texas, you have just 15 days from your arrest date to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension of your license. This step is critical to preserving your driving privileges. If you hire us, we will handle this for you.
8. Avoid Social Media Posts Related to the Arrest: Refrain from posting details about your arrest or the situation on social media. Even unrelated posts can be misinterpreted, so it’s safest to avoid any online commentary until your case is resolved.
9. Plan for Alternative Transportation: Given the possibility of a temporary license suspension, arrange alternative transportation options to avoid further legal complications.
10. Attend All Court Dates and Appointments: Failing to appear in court can lead to additional penalties and even a warrant for your arrest. Be sure to mark court dates and arrive prepared, ideally with your attorney from our firm.
Here’s how we assist clients in these challenging situations:
Additional reading: DWI Lawyer Richardson
Our DWI Lawyers in Texas are here to protect your rights and to ensure that you receive the fair treatment you’re entitled to. Contact our Denton criminal lawyers today for a free consultation!
Selecting the right DWI lawyer in Denton is essential for securing a strong defense and a favorable outcome. Our firm offers substantial local knowledge and a client-centered approach to DWI defense in order to serve you best during this challenging time.
We understand how cases are handled in the area and use this knowledge to your advantage. In addition to serving Denton County and all of the towns and cities, our Texas DWI lawyers proudly serve clients in other nearby counties:
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we focus exclusively on criminal defense, bringing over 35 years of experience in defending individuals against DWI and other criminal charges.
Our skilled attorneys are deeply committed to researching every fact, investigating cases thoroughly, and negotiating strategically with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Whether it’s working toward reduced bail, lesser charges, or reduced sentences, we fight for every advantage in your defense. Our firm has earned an impressive record of over 1,000 successfully handled criminal cases, with more than 300 resulting in “Not Guilty” or “Dismissed” outcomes.
This success is a testament to our dedication to finding every possible detail that could turn a case in our client’s favor. Recognized for our extensive experience across the DFW area and our commitment to the North Texas community, we know the local courts well and bring seasoned trial experience to every client we represent.
You deserve the best, and our team is here to offer you expert perspectives, responsiveness, and realistic outcomes. With our combination of deep knowledge, proven results, and unyielding commitment to our clients, we provide the guidance needed to make informed decisions about your defense.
To learn more about how our dedicated Denton County criminal defense attorneys can help you, call us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Our Denton DWI attorneys employ a range of strategies to effectively challenge DWI charges and advocate for the best possible outcome. We know that each DWI case is unique, and our team is dedicated to examining every detail to build a powerful, customized defense.
We employ several proven defense strategies to challenge DWI charges, each tailored to the specifics of your case:
By customizing our defense strategy, we aim to uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and create a targeted approach to achieve the best possible results, whether that involves reducing charges, challenging evidence, or pushing for case dismissal.
DWI offenses can vary widely in Texas, each carrying unique penalties and long-term impacts. Our Denton DWI attorneys are experienced in defending clients across all types of charges, from first-time offenses to aggravated and felony DWIs.
Below is an overview of the cases we handle.
A first-time DWI offense in Texas is typically classified as a misdemeanor and carries various penalties, including fines, potential jail time, and license suspension. Penalties for a first offense may include:
Texas regulations allow for leniency for first-time offenders, and depending on the circumstances, certain cases may be eligible for alternative sentencing options, such as probation or community service.
A second DWI offense is treated more seriously, reflecting Texas’s harsher stance on repeat offenses. Penalties for a second DWI may include:
Third and subsequent DWI offenses in Texas are classified as felonies and carry significantly increased penalties. Repeat offenses often involve:
These offenses also carry long-term consequences, including a criminal record that can affect future employment and housing opportunities.
Certain factors can elevate a standard DWI to an aggravated or felony charge, leading to more severe consequences.
These aggravated offenses are generally classified as felonies, carrying severe penalties such as long-term prison sentences, substantial fines, and a prolonged or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Driving under the influence of a minor (typically under 16 or 18) in the vehicle is considered a severe offense in Texas due to the risk posed to the child. Penalties for DWI with a minor passenger may include:
Additionally, this charge can impact family law cases, potentially affecting custody agreements and family court decisions. There are also long-term social implications, as the added stigma of endangering a minor can strain personal relationships.
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated similarly to a DWI in Texas. As with a DWI, repeat BWI offenses carry harsher penalties and can lead to increased fines, extended jail time, and other long-term consequences like suspension of boating privileges.
This charge can lead to fines, jail time, and loss of piloting privileges. Just as with driving, the law aims to prevent accidents resulting from impaired judgment, making flying while intoxicated a high-stakes offense.
Penalties may include substantial fines, loss of commercial driving privileges, and jail time. For commercial drivers, even a first offense can lead to significant professional setbacks, including potential job loss.
This offense involves causing serious bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence. Intoxication assault is a felony in Texas and includes severe penalties such as prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent impacts on driving privileges and future employment.
When a DWI results in the death of another person, the offense is classified as intoxication manslaughter, one of the most serious DWI-related charges. This felony can lead to lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and permanent loss of driving privileges, in addition to the lifelong impact on the offender’s record.
Impaired driving refers to operating a vehicle under the influence of any substance, including alcohol, drugs, and other substances, that impairs judgment or reflexes. This charge includes penalties such as fines, jail time, and license suspension.Drug-Related DWI
Penalties include fines, jail time, and a suspended driver’s license. For drug-related DWIs, additional consequences may apply, such as mandatory treatment programs or probation conditions specific to substance use.
Charges and penalties can increase if a DWI incident results in property damage. Consequences may include restitution payments for damaged property, higher fines, and extended jail sentences, the severity of which depends on the extent of the damage caused.
Underage individuals caught driving under the influence face DWI charges, often with penalties such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education courses. Texas imposes a zero-tolerance policy for underage DWI, meaning any trace of alcohol in the system can lead to charges, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.
In addition to DWI charges, individuals may face other related offenses with their own penalties. These include:
Each offense comes with its own set of legal consequences, which can compound the severity of a DWI charge and impact fines, sentencing, and long-term legal outcomes.
No matter your situation, our experienced Denton DWI lawyer is here for you. Reach out to us today so we can help!
In Texas, DWI, or “driving while intoxicated”, is defined as operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a level that impairs one’s ability to drive safely.
Texas law uses specific Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits to determine legal intoxication, with different thresholds for various categories of drivers:
A DWI charge in Denton carries both immediate and long-term penalties. These can escalate with repeated offenses and may have lasting consequences on various aspects of a person’s life.
Beyond immediate penalties, a DWI conviction in Denton can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.
For first-time offenders, Texas law may allow some leniency, such as alternative sentencing options or probation. However, penalties can still be significant, with potential fines, jail time, and a suspended license.
First-time offenders may also be required to install an IID, attend alcohol education programs, or complete community service.
Repeat DWI offenses are treated more severely in Texas, with enhanced fines, increased jail time, and prolonged license suspensions. Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs often accompany a second offense, while a third or subsequent offense can result in felony charges, leading to extended prison terms and long-lasting impacts on various areas of life.
A DWI conviction can have enduring consequences that affect financial stability, personal freedom, and professional opportunities. Higher insurance rates, potential job restrictions, and a permanent criminal record are common outcomes, making it necessary to understand the full scope of a DWI charge before moving forward.
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Denton, don’t wait—time is critical. You have limited days to take action, and an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Reach out to our firm today to schedule your free initial case evaluation and get the guidance you need to protect your rights and your future.
Take the first step now and secure the support of our skilled legal team for your criminal offense.
To beat a DWI charge in Texas, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney who can examine procedural details, challenge evidence, and question BAC accuracy. An attorney can investigate errors made during your arrest or testing, which could lead to a reduced charge or even case dismissal.
In Texas, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is generally considered more severe than a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), as it applies to adults driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Approximately 30-40% of DWI cases in Texas are dismissed, although this depends on specific case factors and the defense presented. A strong defense strategy, which includes investigating procedural errors, challenging evidence accuracy, and negotiating with prosecutors, can increase the chances of dismissal or reduced charges.
Yes, jail time for a first DWI offense in Texas can often be avoided if no aggravating factors are present. Options such as probation, community service, and alcohol education programs are available for many first-time offenders, depending on the case specifics and defense presented by your attorney.
Yes, a DWI charge may be reduced in Texas. With a strong defense, an attorney can negotiate for a lesser charge, like reckless driving, by challenging evidence, identifying procedural issues, or presenting mitigating factors.
Reduced charges often lead to lighter penalties and fewer lasting consequences.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
