A DWI charge in Texas is serious and can have lasting consequences. If convicted of a DWI, you could face steep fines, jail time, license suspension, and even a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID). Texas has some of the toughest DWI laws, and penalties increase for repeat offenses or cases involving high BAC levels, accidents, or minors in the vehicle.
Richardson sees a high number of DWI cases, and law enforcement aggressively prosecutes offenders. Even a misdemeanor DWI charge can impact your employment, insurance rates, and future opportunities. The cost in Texas for a DWI can be overwhelming, including legal fees, court costs, and surcharges.
If you've been charged with DWI, hiring our experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. Our law office in Richardson is ready to defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Don't Delay in Consulting Our Richardson DWI Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
Taking immediate action is critical if you've been charged with DWI in Texas. You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to fight the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension, making it harder to drive to work, school, or other essential places.
An ALR hearing gives you the chance to challenge the suspension and review the evidence against you. Our experienced Richardson DWI attorneys will:
- Advise you on your rights and guide you through the legal process.
- Represent you at your ALR hearing to fight for your license.
- Examine the details of your arrest, including police procedures and breathalyzer accuracy.
- Build a strong defense to challenge the charges and minimize penalties.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future.
Contact our Richardson criminal defense lawyers today to start your defense.
What to Do After a DWI Arrest in Richardson
Taking these steps can significantly impact your DWI case in Richardson.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Panicking can make the situation worse. Remaining calm helps you think clearly and avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case.
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Anything you say can be used against you. For example, admitting to "just a few drinks" can be used as evidence of impairment. Politely decline to answer questions until you have legal representation.
- Request Legal Representation Immediately: Contacting our experienced DWI lawyer as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected and gives you the best chance of a strong defense.
- Preserve Evidence: Write down details about the arrest, including interactions with the officer and any potential witnesses. This information can be valuable for your defense.
How Our Richardson DWI Attorneys Can Help
Whether you're dealing with a first-time DWI or a DWI 2nd offense, our DWI defense attorneys are prepared to fight for you. We understand the Texas Penal Code and know how to challenge evidence from a traffic stop to help get DWI charges dismissed whenever possible.
- Immediate Legal Guidance: If you've been arrested for driving under the influence, getting legal help fast is critical. A DWI conviction can lead to criminal charges, fines, jail time, and a suspended license. Even saying, "I only had one drink," can hurt your case. Our attorneys will guide you through your rights and help you avoid self-incrimination.
- Protecting Your Rights: Texas law requires due process in DWI defense cases. We analyze police conduct during your traffic stop, review breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, and challenge any procedural errors that could lead to DWI charges being dismissed.
- Fighting a DWI: Whether it's your first-time DWI or you're facing a DWI 2nd offense, we build strong defenses to minimize penalties or get charges dropped. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing the best DWI representation possible.
If you're facing DWI or DUI criminal charges, don't wait.
Reach out to our law office today to get started.
Why Choose Our Richardson DWI Lawyers?
Choosing the right DWI defense attorney can make all the difference in fighting a DWI charge. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers understand the difficulties of Texas DWI laws and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
- Local Expertise: Our team knows the Richardson courts, judges, and law enforcement. This local knowledge helps us anticipate prosecution strategies and build a strong DWI defense. For example, we recently helped a first-time DWI client in Richardson get their charges reduced by identifying procedural errors during their traffic stop.
- Commitment to Client Success: We are dedicated to obtaining favorable client outcomes. In one case, a client facing a DWI 2nd offense was at risk of license suspension and jail time. Our aggressive defense strategy led to a reduced charge, allowing them to avoid jail.
Serving the Following Areas:
- Richardson County
- Rockwall County
- Dallas
- Plano
- Garland
- Collin County
If you've been charged with DWI or driving under the influence, don't wait—contact our best DWI attorneys today. We understand the Texas Penal Code and know how to challenge DWI convictions effectively.
💡 Calm Approach: Remain calm, provide only essential information, and avoid excessive talking—keep interactions brief and professional.
Types of DWI Offenses We Handle in Richardson
A DWI charge in Texas can have serious consequences, but the specific penalties and defense strategies depend on the type of offense. Our Texas DWI lawyers have experience handling a wide range of DWI cases in Dallas County and beyond.
- First, Second, and Subsequent Offenses: A first-time DWI can lead to fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. A DWI 3rd offense becomes a felony, carrying harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. Our team focuses on building strong defenses to beat a DWI charge at any level.
- Aggravated & Felony DWI: A DWI becomes aggravated if the BAC is 0.15 or higher or if other aggravating factors exist. Felony DWI charges can result in long-term imprisonment, making it critical to work with us.
- DWI with a Minor Passenger: Driving intoxicated with a passenger under 15 years old is a felony offense. If convicted, you could face up to two years in state jail and a permanent criminal record. Our team develops defense strategies aimed at reducing or dismissing these charges.
- Boating While Intoxicated (BWI): A BWI carries similar penalties to a DWI, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. However, law enforcement must prove the actual operation of the boat while intoxicated, which can be challenged in court.
- Commercial Vehicle DWI: Commercial drivers face stricter BAC limits (0.04) and harsher penalties. A conviction can result in a CDL suspension, job loss, and financial hardship. Our attorneys work to protect commercial drivers' livelihoods.
- Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter: If a DWI results in serious bodily injury or death, it leads to felony charges with significant prison time. We investigate every aspect of the case to challenge the prosecution's evidence and fight for reduced or dismissed charges.
- Drug-Related DWI: A DWI is not limited to alcohol—prescription medications and illegal drugs can also lead to charges. These cases often involve subjective officer observations, which we scrutinize to challenge the prosecution's claims.
- Underage DWI: Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to a DWI or DUI charge. Our team works to protect young drivers from harsh penalties that can impact their future.
Whether you're facing a first-time DWI or a DWI 3rd, our experienced team fights aggressively to beat your DWI. The lawyer cost of a strong defense is an investment in your future, and we work hard to provide the best legal strategy possible.
Understanding DWI Charges in Richardson
Being charged with DWI in Texas can lead to severe consequences, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. Learning more about the laws, penalties, and long-term effects of a DWI conviction is essential to building a strong DWI defense and protecting your future.
- Legal BAC Limits: In Texas, the legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limit for most drivers is 0.08%. Commercial drivers face a stricter 0.04% limit, while drivers under 21 can be charged for any detectable alcohol under the Texas DWI laws.
- Potential Penalties: A DWI conviction in Dallas County can result in fines, jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record. A first-time DWI can cost thousands in fines and court fees. A DWI 3rd offense is a felony, carrying prison time and long-term consequences.
- Long-Term Impacts: A DWI conviction can affect employment, housing, and insurance rates. Many seek experienced Texas DWI lawyers to beat a DWI charge and avoid permanent damage to their future.
⚠️ If you're handed a traffic ticket for reckless driving, do NOT pay it without legal advice. Paying could be an admission of guilt and affect your driving record. Reach out now for expert defense assistance.
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 Our Richardson DWI Attorney Today!
If you've been arrested for DUI in Texas, acting fast is critical. Every DWI charge comes with serious penalties, including license suspension, heavy fines, and potential jail time. The Texas Department of Public Safety enforces strict DWI laws, and delaying legal action can weaken your defense.
Our top-rated DWI attorneys have successfully handled cases all over Texas. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor in Texas or a more severe charge, we fight to protect your rights.
As members of the Lawyers Association, our experienced DUI lawyers know how to challenge evidence and negotiate for reduced penalties.
We're here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Phone: (972) 597-2037
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