A DWI charge in Texas is a serious offense with severe consequences. You could face hefty fines, driver's license suspension, jail time, and even mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs) if convicted. Texas law treats DWI cases harshly, and penalties increase for repeat offenses or aggravating factors.
A first-time DWI offense in Texas is typically a Class B misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $2,000, a license suspension of up to one year, and up to 180 days in jail. However, penalties escalate for a second or third offense, potentially leading to felony charges, longer license suspensions, and harsher fines.
If you are arrested for DWI in Lewisville, acting fast is essential. The legal process moves quickly, and failing to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days can automatically suspend your driving privileges.
Our Lewisville DWI defense attorneys understand the local court system and have experience defending clients against DWI charges. We know how to challenge evidence, question field sobriety, and breathalyzer test accuracy, and negotiate for reduced penalties or case dismissals.
Don't Delay in Consulting Our Lewisville DWI Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
Taking immediate action is key if you have been charged with DWI in Texas. Delaying legal help can result in license suspension, higher penalties, and a weaker defense strategy.
The legal process moves quickly, and missing key deadlines can seriously impact your case.
- 15-Day Deadline for License Suspension: After a DWI arrest, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended, making it harder to drive to work, school, or other obligations.
- Building a Strong Defense Takes Time: The prosecution will begin gathering evidence immediately. Hiring our experienced Lewisville DWI lawyer as soon as possible allows more time to review police reports, challenge probable cause, and secure critical evidence, such as breathalyzer records and dashcam footage.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Without legal guidance, many people unknowingly self-incriminate by speaking to law enforcement or failing to take the right legal steps. Our skilled attorney will prevent you from making these mistakes and protect your rights from the start.
Contact our Lewisville criminal defense lawyers today to discuss your options and start building a strong defense.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Lewisville
Being arrested for DWI in Texas can be overwhelming, but how you respond can significantly impact your case. Taking the right steps can help protect your rights and improve your defense.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Remaining calm is critical during an arrest. Panicking or arguing with law enforcement can escalate the situation and be used against you in court. Staying respectful and cooperative—without admitting fault—can prevent unnecessary complications.
- Exercise the Right to Remain Silent: Anything you say can be evidence against you. For example, admitting to having "just one drink" can still damage your case. Inform the officer that you are invoking your right to remain silent and request our attorney.
- Request Legal Representation Immediately: Contacting our experienced Lewisville DWI lawyer from our law firm as soon as possible will help you avoid costly mistakes. Our lawyer will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and start building your defense.
- Understand the Consequences: A DWI charge can lead to fines, license suspension, jail time, and even an ignition interlock device requirement. Acting quickly and securing legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
💡 Drive Safe: Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and ensure you provide only the requested details—stay calm and composed.
How Our Lewisville DWI Attorneys Can Help
If you have been charged with a DWI in Texas, acting quickly will make all the difference in your case. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys know how to challenge sobriety tests, blood tests, and field sobriety tests to uncover weaknesses in the prosecutor's case.
We fight to get your charge dismissed or reduced whenever possible.
- Immediate Legal Guidance - A Texas DWI charge can escalate quickly. Speaking with law enforcement without legal representation can hurt your case. For example, during a traffic stop, officers may claim they had reasonable suspicion to pull you over, but we can challenge whether their actions were lawful. Early intervention can help prevent a DWI conviction and protect your future.
- Protecting Your Rights - From the moment of arrest, our attorneys ensure that your rights are not violated. If law enforcement conducted field sobriety tests incorrectly or mishandled a blood test, we can use that to weaken the case against you.
- Building a Strong Defense - We analyze every detail, from the initial traffic stop to police reports, breathalyzer results, and sobriety tests, looking for errors or violations. Our goal is to get your charge dismissed or reduced whenever possible.
- Fighting for the Best Outcome - A DWI conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Our legal team will negotiate with the prosecutor to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal.
- Court Representation & Negotiations - If you were arrested for DUI or DWI in Texas, don't wait. Contact us today to request a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Additional reading: Lewisville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Why Choose Our Lewisville DWI Lawyer?
Having a strong legal advocate is essential if you are facing a DWI charge in Lewisville. Our criminal defense attorneys focus on Texas DWI cases, working to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Local Expertise: Our team understands how Lewisville courts, judges, and law enforcement handle DWI cases. This familiarity allows us to anticipate challenges and build a defense strategy suited to the specific courtroom procedures in Denton County. For example, knowing how a particular prosecutor approaches DWI trials can help us challenge evidence more effectively.
- Commitment to Client Success: We are dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client. Whether it's working to get the charge dismissed, negotiating reduced penalties, or preparing for trial, we take an aggressive approach to DWI defense.
- Proven Defense Strategies: Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, challenging field sobriety tests, blood test results, and the legality of the traffic stop. If reasonable suspicion was lacking or sobriety tests were improperly conducted, we use these issues to weaken the prosecution's case.
- Affordable Legal Help: We believe quality representation should be accessible. Our firm offers payment plans and a chance to request a free consultation so you can discuss your case with our experienced DWI lawyer without financial pressure.
Our DWI defense attorneys proudly serve clients in the following areas:
- Lewisville
- Dallas
- Collin
- Frisco
- Parker
- Tarrant
- Cooke County
⚠️ If you're given a citation for an alcohol-related offense, don't plead guilty without speaking to a lawyer. A guilty plea can have lasting consequences on your record. Call our DWI defense lawyer for a free consultation.
Types of DWI Offenses We Handle in Lewisville
A DWI conviction in Texas can have severe legal and personal consequences, but not all DWI charges are the same. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys handle many DWI cases, fighting to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your future.
- First, Second, and Subsequent Offenses: A first-time DWI is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a license suspension of up to one year. A second offense carries harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspension. A third or subsequent DWI is a felony, which can result in prison time and a permanent criminal record.
- Aggravated & Felony DWI: Certain factors can elevate a DWI charge to a felony, including a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or more, causing serious injury or death, or having multiple prior convictions. A felony DWI can lead to years in prison, steep fines, and long-term license revocation.
- DWI with a Minor Passenger: If you are arrested for DWI in Texas with a passenger under 15 years old, the charge is automatically a state jail felony. This can lead to up to two years in a state jail facility, a $10,000 fine, and permanent consequences on your record.
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI): Texas law applies the same DWI penalties to boaters who are impaired. A BWI conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record, just like a traditional DWI case.
No matter the charge, our criminal defense lawyers are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.
Understanding DWI Charges in Lewisville
Being charged with DWI in Texas is serious, and knowing the legal limits and penalties can help you make informed decisions about your defense.
- Legal BAC Limits: Texas law sets a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for most drivers. However, for commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can lead to a DUI charge under the state's zero-tolerance policy.
- Potential Penalties: A DWI conviction can result in severe penalties depending on prior offenses. A first offense can lead to up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a license suspension of up to a year. A second offense carries harsher penalties, including up to one year in jail, a $4,000 fine, and a two-year license suspension. A third offense is a felony, which can result in up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and a lengthy license suspension.
- Long-Term Impacts: A DWI conviction can affect your ability to secure employment, increase insurance rates, and result in the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID). Additionally, a conviction stays on your record, impacting future DWI trials and sentencing.
Texas DWI FAQ
What is DWI?
DWI is a criminal offense that says a person may not drive a motor vehicle in a public place while “intoxicated.” The DWI statute does not say driving while drunk or “drunk driving.”
What is the legal definition of intoxication?
The legal definition of intoxication in Texas is:
- Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
- Not having the normal use of physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substances into the body.
- Not having the normal use of mental faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substances into the body
What does ‘normal’ mean?
According to the law, the definition of the word normal is the average person. The problem is how do we determine the average person? The law is vague in this subject, which lends itself for good argument to a jury that everyone is different and each has his own normal.
What is 0.08-alcohol concentration?
“Alcohol concentration” is defined by statute as: a. the number of grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; b. the number of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath; or c. the number of grams of alcohol per 67 milliliters of urine. A 0.02 equals one drink. A drink is 1-¼ ounces of liquor, 1 12oz beer, or 1 glass of wine. It takes one hour for the body to burn off a 0.02 down to a 0.00. Thus, to reach a 0.08 a person must consume four drinks in one hour.
Am I required to answer any questions, take Field Sobriety Tests, or take a breath test?
Under criminal law, you are not required to perform any type of test or answer any questions to the police officer. You have the right to refuse any tests and request an attorney. However, if you refuse to attempt these tests, the officer most likely is going to arrest you. Further, the civil law, which your driver’s license falls under, does not protect you. In fact, when you applied for your driver’s license you unknowingly consented to any future tests, if to which you refused you would lose your driver’s license for a period of six months. The decision is yours and there is a civil risk (your license), but you do have rights, and should not waive them. Always request your lawyer and don’t cooperate with anything if you wish to exercise your rights.
Does a person have a choice to refuse being videotaped?
No. However, although a person has no right to refuse being videotaped, he does have the right to refuse to perform any police field sobriety exercises and to refuse to answer any questions, the answers to which, might be incriminating. Unlike breath or blood test refusals, there are no penalties for refusing to perform field sobriety tests or refusing to answer questions while being videotaped.
Are Field Sobriety Tests very accurate?
If performed in a controlled environment in the exact proscribed standardized manner, the tests can be a likely indicator of intoxication. This is hardly done in the street. The research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the designers of the tests, concluded the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus is 77% accurate, the Walk & Turn is 68% accurate, and the One Leg Stand is 65% accurate only when administered in the prescribed, standardized manner. Any change from the standardized manner will compromise the tests validity and make any result inaccurate. When not conducted properly it becomes an opinion test of the officer. Therefore, these tests will inaccurately claim 23% – 35% of the people tested as intoxicated. Which when done incorrectly, which is the norm, can drop the accuracy to a frightening level.
What can affect my performance on Field Sobriety Tests?
Even SOBER persons can have difficulty with these tests, as stated by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The reason is as the NHTSA has admitted, are several factors that affect every person, such as:
- Age
- Being ill
- The distraction of traffic
- The police car’s strobe lights
- Fatigued
- Footwear
- Lack of coordination
- Gusts of wind
- Weight
- Road or sidewalk conditions
- Allergies
- Scared
- Head lights of traffic
- Weather conditions
- Being nervousness
- Back problems
- Leg or knee problems
- Inner ear disorders
What is the State’s burden of proof to prove me guilty?
The State of Texas must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt”, which is the highest burden of proof in the justice system. It is not defined, by Texas law, but can be easily explained to a jury.
The lowest burden of proof is probable cause. That is how an officer can start an arrest.
The next highest burden of proof is preponderance of the evidence. This is the amount of proof needed in civil courtrooms involving civil suites. A preponderance of the evidence is proof amounting to 51% or who can move the scales of justice. The next highest burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence. This is amount of proof that will cause a juror or judge to have a “firm belief” in the matter to be proved. This is used in custody cases. Most juries when they hear that the burden of proof is higher than that to take their kids away from them understand the high level of proof. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is the highest burden of proof. A jury must have more than that necessary to take your kids away in evidence that you were intoxicated before they could find you guilty. This is very simple, if a juror has a single doubt, based on reason, as to a person being intoxicated, they must follow the law and find them not guilty.
Do I have the right to an attorney before deciding whether to take a breath or blood test?
Texas law does not give you the right to speak with an attorney prior to making the decision of whether or not to take the field sobriety tests, the breath test or blood test. However, the law does not require you to perform any field sobriety tests or to take a blood or breath test so continue to ask for an attorney and refuse to cooperate and the likely chances of being found NOT GUILTY can increase!
How long will a DWI arrest stay on my record?
If you are convicted of the DWI, it will be on your record for life. Furthermore, a DWI conviction can be used for ten years to enhance your punishment of you are arrested for DWI again. If you are found Not Guilty, you can have the arrest and DWI charge “expunged” from your record.
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Contact a Lewisville DWI Attorney Today!
If you have been charged with DWI in Texas, don't wait to seek legal help. The sooner you speak with our experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
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