header-logo-3    Richard   C.   McConathy  
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
 info@mcconathylaw.com  
 
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
  Dallas ,   Texas ,   75248   United States  
 
(972) 233-5700

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Plano DWI Lawyer

A DWI in Texas carries serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, jail time, and mandatory ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for repeat offenders. Even a first-time DWI can lead to harsh consequences under Texas DWI laws, making it critical to contact our experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

Plano sees a significant number of traffic stop cases resulting in DWI convictions. If you are facing a DWI charge, you need a skilled criminal defense team to protect your rights.

Our Collin County-based law office has successfully handled DWI cases across Texas, helping clients fight charges and minimize penalties. Our strong defense lawyer will challenge the evidence, question the legality of the traffic stop, and work to get charges reduced or dismissed.

Whether this is your first-time DWI or you have prior offenses, having our dedicated criminal defense attorney is necessary to secure the best possible outcome.

lawyers give legal advice and shake hands with clients

Don’t Delay in Consulting Our Plano DWI Lawyers to Protect Your Rights

The Texas Department of Public Safety enforces strict penalties, including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. Without legal representation, you risk damaging your record and facing long-term consequences.

  • 15-Day Deadline for ALR Hearing: After a DWI arrest, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended. Failing to act within this timeframe results in automatic suspension, making it harder to fight your case. Our criminal defense attorneys will handle this process and fight to protect your driving privileges.

How our attorneys help:

  • Guide You Through the Legal Process: Our defense lawyers explain your options and create a strategy to beat your DWI charge.
  • Challenge the Evidence: We examine the traffic stop, breathalyzer results, and arrest procedures for errors.
  • Represent You in Court and ALR Hearings: Whether negotiating a reduction or fighting for dismissal, we work to secure the best possible outcome.

Time is limited, and delaying can put your case at risk. Contact our law office today for a free case evaluation.

Our top-rated criminal defense attorneys handle cases in Collin County and across Texas.

What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Plano

A DWI arrest can be overwhelming, but how you respond will significantly impact your case. Following the right steps can help protect your rights and improve your defense strategy.

 

  • Stay calm and composed: Law enforcement officers closely observe your behavior during a traffic stop and arrest. Reacting aggressively or appearing nervous can be used against you in court. Staying calm shows cooperation without admitting guilt.
  • Exercise the right to remain silent: Anything you say can be used against you. If an officer asks, “How much have you had to drink?” even a casual response like “Just a couple” can support the prosecution’s case. Politely state that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment right and request our defense attorney.
  • Request legal representation immediately: Our criminal defense lawyer experienced in DWI in Texas cases will protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and guide you through the legal process. Delaying legal help could hurt your case.
  • Preserve evidence and document everything: Write down details about the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and any statements made by the officers. If possible, note witnesses or surveillance cameras that may support your defense.
  • Request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing: In Texas, you only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing to contest your driver’s license suspension. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension under the Texas Department of Public Safety rules.
💡 Stay Alert: Maintain full attention while driving, follow traffic signs, and don’t engage in distractions—safety is key.

How Our Plano DWI Attorneys Can Help

Having our experienced law firm on your side is necessary at a time like this. Our DWI defense team understands Texas law and fights to protect your rights from the moment you’re arrested.

 

  • Immediate Legal Guidance: Early intervention is key to building a strong defense. For example, if a prosecutor relies on a blood test to prove intoxication, we can challenge the results based on testing errors or lack of probable cause for the traffic stop. Acting fast can prevent costly mistakes and help you avoid a criminal record.
  • Protecting Your Rights: Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when investigating driving while intoxicated cases. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over or failed to establish probable cause for an arrest, your charges could be reduced or dismissed.
  • Challenging Evidence: A blood alcohol test isn’t always accurate, and field sobriety tests are often unreliable. Our DWI defense attorneys analyze every detail to challenge weak evidence and build a strong case.
  • Tailored strategies for each case: Whether it’s your first DWI or a repeat offense, we fight for reduced charges, dismissal, or alternative sentencing options to keep a criminal record from impacting your future.
a man drinking while driving

If you’re driving under the influence and arrested, don’t wait—contact our Richardson criminal defense lawyers today to protect your future.

Why Choose Our Plano DWI Lawyer?

Choosing the right law firm after a DWI and DUI charge can make a significant difference in your case.

  • Local Expertise: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling DWI and DUI cases in Plano, making us well-versed in the local courts, judges, and law enforcement procedures. This knowledge allows us to anticipate how the prosecutor may build their case and develop a tailored DWI defense strategy. For example, we understand how local officers establish probable cause during a traffic stop and can challenge improper blood tests or field sobriety procedures.
  • Commitment to Client Success: We are dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible results, whether that means reduced charges, dismissed cases, or minimized penalties. Many clients facing a first DWI worry about a criminal record, but our legal team has successfully fought to prevent long-term consequences. One recent client, charged with driving while intoxicated, had their case dismissed due to a lack of reasonable suspicion during the initial stop.

We represent individuals in Plano and throughout Collin County in the following areas: 

  • Plano
  • Dallas
  • Collin
  • Denton
  • Parker
  • Tarrant

Types of DWI Offenses We Handle in Plano

Depending on the circumstances, a DWI charge in Texas can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Our experienced DWI defense team handles various cases, building strong strategies to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and protect your rights.

  • First, Second, and Subsequent Offenses: A first DWI is typically a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a license suspension. A second DWI leads to harsher penalties, while a third DWI becomes a felony, resulting in state prison time and a permanent criminal record. We fight to reduce charges or dismiss cases when possible.
  • Aggravated & Felony DWI: A DWI can escalate to a felony if there are aggravating factors such as high blood alcohol levels, reckless driving, or repeat offenses. These cases can lead to years in prison and lifelong consequences. We challenge probable cause, blood test accuracy, and procedural errors to build a strong defense.
  • DWI with a Minor Passenger: If arrested for driving while intoxicated with a passenger under 15 years old, you face automatic felony charges with up to two years in state jail and a $10,000 fine. We focus on proving a lack of intent, challenging reasonable suspicion, and negotiating reduced penalties.
  • Boating While Intoxicated (BWI): Operating a boat under the influence carries the same penalties as a DWI and can lead to license suspension and criminal charges. Our defense team works to prove improper testing procedures or lack of probable cause to have charges dismissed.
  • Commercial Vehicle DWI: Texas law enforces strict penalties for commercial drivers with a BAC of just 0.04%. A DWI conviction can result in a lifetime commercial license disqualification. Our attorneys use technical defenses and procedural errors to fight these charges.
  • Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter: A DWI involving a serious accident with injuries or fatalities can lead to felony charges with lengthy prison sentences. We challenge fault determination, blood alcohol evidence, and police procedures to fight for the best outcome.
  • Drug-Related DWI: Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, is treated the same as an alcohol-related DWI. These cases often rely on blood tests, which we scrutinize for errors to build a strong defense.
  • Underage DWI: A driver under 21 years old with any detectable blood alcohol faces a license suspension, fines, and mandatory alcohol education programs. We work to protect young drivers from a permanent criminal record and severe penalties.
⚠️ If you’re served with a court summons for a traffic violation, don’t make any decisions without an attorney. Your rights may be compromised. Contact our DWI defense lawyer immediately for a strong defense.

Understanding DWI Charges in Plano

If you get a DWI in Texas, the consequences can be severe. A conviction in Texas can lead to hefty fines, jail time, and long-term impacts on your record.

Our experienced Plano DWI attorneys represent people charged with DWI and DUI, fighting to minimize penalties and protect your rights.

  • Legal BAC Limits: In Texas, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.00% for drivers under 21. If law enforcement determines that a driver exceeds these limits through a blood test or breathalyzer, they may face DWI and DUI charges.
  • Potential Penalties: A first DWI conviction can result in up to $2,000 in fines, a license suspension of up to one year, and up to 180 days in jail. A second offense carries higher penalties, including a longer license suspension and mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation. A felony DWI (such as a DWI 3rd or a DWI with a child passenger) can lead to years in prison, thousands in fines, and a permanent criminal record.
  • Long-Term Impacts: A DWI conviction affects more than just your immediate penalties. It can result in higher insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and travel restrictions. A criminal record can make it harder to pass background checks, and certain convictions can never be expunged under Texas law.

Our DWI defense team understands how to fight these charges, challenge probable cause for a traffic stop, and question the accuracy of blood alcohol tests.

attorney consultations

Contact our Plano DWI Attorney Today!

If you’ve been charged with DWI and DUI, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact our DUI defense lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense.

A delay could mean lost evidence and missed opportunities to challenge your DWI case in Texas. Our experienced Plano DWI attorneys understand the consequences of a DWI and will fight to protect your rights.

We have a proven track record of defending clients in DWI cases in Texas, and we are ready to help you work through the legal process.

Phone: (972) 528-0116
Contact Page: Visit our contact page