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
Facing a DWI charge in Texas is a serious situation that can lead to severe consequences. The penalties for DWI convictions can be harsh, including fines, suspension of driver’s license, jail time, and even having an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle.
In particular, Kaufman County has seen many DWI cases, making it essential for residents and those in nearby Dallas to have access to effective legal support. Our firm is ready to guide and represent each of our clients through this delicate legal process, ensuring they receive fair and just treatment every step of the way.
At McConathy Law, our local attorneys bring their expertise and extensive experience with both Dallas and Kaufman County to each of their cases. A Dallas criminal defense law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights, we offer strong defense strategies with a compassionate approach to help safeguard your future.
Arrested for DWI? Trust Dallas’ top DWI defense lawyer to fight your case. Contact us today for expert criminal defense!
If you’ve been arrested for a DWI in Dallas, you need to act quickly to protect your rights and keep your license. In Texas, you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.
This ALR hearing is your opportunity to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Missing this deadline can result in a suspended license, limiting your ability to drive and adding stress to an already challenging time.
Our firm’s lawyers are here to guide you through this urgent process. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:
Don’t hesitate to protect your driving privileges and your future. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first steps toward building your defense.
Contact us now:
Facing a DWI arrest in Dallas on your own can be overwhelming, but swiftly taking the right steps can make a big difference in protecting your rights and shaping your defense:
3. Request Legal Representation: Ask for a lawyer from our firm immediately to ensure you have support before any questioning.
4. Preserve Evidence and Details: Make mental notes of the time, location, officer interactions, and any tests given, as these details can support your defense.
5. Avoid Social Media Posts: Refrain from discussing the arrest online to prevent posts from being used against you in court.
6. Schedule an ALR Hearing: Act within 15 days to request an ALR hearing to contest the license suspension.
7. Follow All Court Dates and Instructions: Stick to all court dates and requirements to avoid complications in your case.
Our Dallas DWI lawyers are highly experienced in Texas criminal law, and they are ready to support you in this challenging time:
When facing DWI charges, selecting an attorney with local insight and a dedication to client success is essential. Here’s what makes our Dallas DWI lawyer a standout choice:
We proudly serve clients not only in Dallas County but also in surrounding areas, including:
We wish for each of our clients to know that our commitment to them means we will work tirelessly to ensure that their defense yields them the best results possible. Reach out to our experienced DWI lawyers today to learn more about how we can assist with your defense.
Our law firm is exclusively focused on criminal defense, bringing over 35 years of experience to clients facing DWI and other criminal charges in Dallas. Our team is skilled in Texas law and committed to delivering results-oriented representation to each client.
Our firm proudly boasts a proven record that includes handling over 1,000 criminal cases and securing more than 300 “Not Guilty” or “Dismissed” outcomes. From gathering evidence to negotiating with prosecutors, we approach each case with thorough attention to detail and strive to protect our client’s rights at every step.
If you’re facing a DWI, or any other criminal charge in Dallas, reach out to us at (972) 528-0481 to set up a consultation and start building a strong defense.
Our Dallas DWI defense attorneys analyze every detail of your arrest, testing, and charging documents to uncover weaknesses in the State’s case.
Many DWI cases fall apart due to testing errors, illegal stops, and procedural mistakes. Below are some of the most important defense strategies we use for our clients.
We closely examine how your blood or breath sample was collected, stored, and analyzed. Common issues include chain-of-custody errors, lab contamination, improper storage, fermentation, and faulty calibration — all of which can cause falsely elevated BAC results.
👉 Read more about errors in DWI blood testing
and how to challenge illegal DWI Blood Warrants in Texas
Breath testing devices must be properly maintained and calibrated. We investigate potential problems such as machine malfunctions, improper administration, radio-frequency interference, and medical conditions like acid reflux or diabetes that can distort results.
We review police reports, dashcam footage, and body camera video to uncover procedural mistakes such as:
Improper field sobriety testing
Failure to follow standardized testing procedures
Failure to properly instruct the driver
Missing or incomplete arrest documentation
These errors can lead to suppressed evidence or reduced charges.
Every DWI case begins with a traffic stop — and not all stops are legal. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or violated your rights, we may be able to suppress all evidence collected afterward, including breath and blood tests.
Texas law requires strict compliance when officers seek a blood warrant. We look for:
Defective affidavits
Missing judicial authorization
Improper execution of the draw
Unqualified personnel
A single defect can result in complete exclusion of blood evidence.
No two DWI cases are alike. We tailor your defense based on:
Prior DWI history
BAC level and testing method
Whether an accident occurred
Whether a minor, CDL, or felony enhancement applies
In many cases, we pursue charge reductions, dismissal, or alternative sentencing options.
We fight for our clients both in and out of the courtroom, negotiating with prosecutors and aggressively defending against:
Jail time
License suspension
Ignition interlock requirements
Excessive fines and fees
Our goal is always the best possible outcome under the specific facts of your case.
Get the best attorney in Dallas for your DWI defense case. Protect your future with expert legal representation – call us today!
We handle cases involving multiple types of offenses:
A first-time DWI offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor in Texas. Common penalties include fines, jail time, and license suspension for up to a year.
First-time offenders may be eligible for leniency, such as alternative sentencing, probation, or reduced penalties based on Texas regulations. Courts often consider options like DWI education programs for first offenders, which can aid in achieving a more favorable outcome.
Penalties for a second offense usually involve higher fines, longer jail sentences, and extended license suspensions. In Texas, second offenses can also include mandatory participation in alcohol education or treatment programs.
Penalties for these offenses include substantial fines, significant prison sentences, and possibly permanent revocation of driving privileges. Having a criminal record with multiple DWI offenses may impact your ability to find employment and housing later in life.
There are some extenuating circumstances that can elevate a standard DWI to an aggravated or felony DWI, leading to more severe penalties.
Aggravated DWIs, especially those involving injury, are often classified as felonies, with penalties such as lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and long-term loss of driving privileges.
Driving under the influence with a minor passenger (typically under age 16 or 18) is considered a severe offense due to endangerment concerns. This charge can result in higher fines, extended jail or prison time, and, in some cases, a felony classification, even for first-time offenses.
Operating a boat while intoxicated is treated similarly to a DWI and carries its own set of penalties, including fines, jail time, and suspension of boating privileges. Texas takes boating safety seriously, and convictions can also impact driving privileges on the road.
Flying an aircraft under the influence is a serious offense with federal and state-level consequences. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident, penalties can include hefty fines, prison sentences, and suspension of both flying and driving privileges.
Due to the heightened responsibility of commercial drivers, a DWI offense in a commercial vehicle carries strict penalties, including extended license suspensions, hefty fines, and, in severe cases, the loss of commercial driving privileges.
This offense occurs when a DWI incident results in serious injury to another person. Penalties for intoxication assault include lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and long-term driving restrictions, especially if the injuries are severe.
If a DWI accident results in the death of another person, the driver may be charged with intoxication manslaughter, one of the most serious DWI-related felonies in Texas.
This offense is typically prosecuted as a second-degree felony, carrying the risk of substantial prison time, heavy fines, and long-term driver’s license consequences.
These cases are treated with the highest priority by prosecutors and often involve aggressive investigation, accident reconstruction, and blood alcohol testing. Early legal intervention is critical when facing this level of charge.
👉 Learn more about defending intoxication manslaughter charges
Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is a serious offense. Texas law imposes strict penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspensions, to address any form of impaired driving.
A DWI charge involving drugs — prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances — can result in similar penalties to an alcohol-related DWI. The defense strategy may focus on challenging the evidence of impairment, especially if no BAC testing was conducted.
Driving under the influence and causing property damage can lead to enhanced charges. Depending on the extent of the damage, penalties may include restitution payments, fines, and jail time.
Underage DWI charges in Texas are taken seriously and can involve fines, community service, mandatory alcohol education, and license suspension. A conviction may also affect future educational and employment opportunities for the minor.
Any of these charges can further complicate a DWI case, bringing the chance of further penalties such as fines, community service, and jail time. Our attorneys work with each of their clients to address these charges comprehensively, aiming to reduce or dismiss as many charges as possible.
Many DWI arrests begin with routine traffic stops for violations such as:
When you’re facing both DWI charges and traffic violations, our attorneys handle the complete defense strategy. We understand how traffic stops can escalate and ensure that any procedural errors in the initial stop are identified and challenged.
Learn more about our traffic offense defense services.
A DWI occurs when someone operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point where their ability to drive safely is impaired. Texas law defines legal intoxication based on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits, which vary by driver type:
A DWI conviction carries significant penalties that escalate with each offense, impacting both short- and long-term aspects of life. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of a DWI in Dallas:
Beyond immediate penalties, a DWI conviction can have enduring effects on various aspects of life:
Don’t let the clock run out on your chance to protect your rights and secure your future. DWI charges come with serious consequences, but early action can make a difference.
Contact our criminal defense firm for a free case evaluation, where we’ll discuss your options and begin building a strong defense together.
Get in touch:
The cost of hiring a Dallas DWI lawyer varies widely, anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of your DWI case and the experience of the defense lawyer. Our law office offers a free consultation to discuss your options with an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.
Yes, a DWI offense in Texas can be dismissed under certain circumstances, such as insufficient evidence or procedural errors. A skilled DWI defense lawyer will review your case details to identify any issues that could lead to a dismissal, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
In Texas, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies to drivers over 21 with a BAC above the legal limit and typically carries more severe penalties, while DUI (Driving Under the Influence) often involves minors. Our Dallas DWI lawyer can explain specific differences based on Texas DWI law during your free consultation.
To beat a DWI charge in Texas, a criminal defense lawyer may challenge BAC test accuracy, question probable cause, or highlight procedural errors. A strong defense strategy tailored to your DWI case can increase the chances of reducing charges or dismissal. Schedule a free consultation to explore options.
A DWI will remain on your record in Texas permanently, impacting insurance rates, background checks and other things. Although expungement isn’t typically available for a DWI, consulting a Dallas DWI defense attorney may help explore options to minimize the long-term effects on your life and career.
If you’ve been ordered to complete a TAIP (Texas Alcohol Interlock Program) assessment after a Dallas County DWI arrest, this usually means the court is evaluating whether to require ignition interlock, treatment, or stricter bond or probation conditions. The results of this assessment can directly impact how your case moves forward.
It’s critical to understand that:
Missing the TAIP deadline can lead to bond violations
Your results can influence interlock requirements
What you say during the assessment can affect your DWI case strategy
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400 Dallas, TX 75248
Mon. 9 AM – 5 PM
Tue. 9 AM – 5 PM
Wed. 9 AM – 5 PM
Thu. 9 AM – 5 PM
Fri. 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat. – Closed
Sun. – Closed
The information provided on this site is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your own individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contact Us today for more information.
The hiring of a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney in Texas is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements, informational videos, or an internet website. Before you decide which attorney to hire for your case, ask us to send you free additional written information about our qualifications and experience.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Copyright © 2021-2024 Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy LAW FIRM MARKETING BY WEBRISWhether 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.