Have you been arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Plano, Texas? Texas Defense Firm has been helping defendants throughout Texas fight serious criminal charges for decades. Whether this is your first interaction with law enforcement or you are facing a second or third offense, our legal team can help.
Our team understands what is at stake. We do not back down from prosecutors, and we know how to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence to build a compelling criminal defense.
Call today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our Plano DWI lawyers are ready to help you protect your rights and your future.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm to Defend Your DWI Case in Plano, TX?
A DWI charge in Plano, TX, is not simply a traffic citation. It is a criminal offense that can result in incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You need a defense team that understands Texas law and how to challenge the case against you.
Texas Defense Firm is your premier choice for experienced legal representation in Collin County. We have a proven track record of success in defending clients against DWI allegations, employing aggressive strategies to protect your rights and liberties.
Clients choose our Plano criminal defense lawyers because:
- Our attorneys bring 200+ years of combined criminal defense experience to every case
- We have defended thousands of DWI cases, from first-time arrests to felony-level charges
- We prepare every case for trial from the start, not just for quick plea negotiations
- We build personalized defense strategies based on the specific facts of your arrest
- We maintain open communication and keep clients informed
- We understand local procedures, prosecutors, and judges
We are prepared to help you fight for your rights. Call today to schedule a case review with a Plano DWI attorney.
Overview of Texas DWI Law
In Texas, driving while intoxicated, also known as driving under the influence, is against the law. You can be arrested and charged with an offense if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or have lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
However, you do not need to exceed the legal limit to be charged. If an officer believes you are impaired based on their observations or other factors, you can still be taken into custody.
Texas also enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21, meaning such individuals can be charged with DWI for any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
What are the Penalties for DWI in Plano, TX?
The penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas depend on your prior record and whether aggravating circumstances were present.
A first-time DWI (Class B misdemeanor) conviction can result in:
- 72 hours to 180 days in jail (up to 1 year if BAC is 0.15% or higher)
- A fine of up to $2,000
- License suspension for 90 days to 1 year
- Possible Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement
Second DWI (Class A misdemeanor) has moderately steeper penalties, including:
- 30 days to 1 year in jail
- Fine of up to $4,000
- License suspension for 180 days to 2 years
- Mandatory ignition interlock device
A third DWI is considered a third-degree felony in Texas and has the heaviest penalties (for offenses without aggravating factors. An offender can face 2 to 10 years in prison, a hefty fine of up to $10,000, and extended license suspension, among other things. A felony conviction can also have collateral consequences, including effects on your housing, employment opportunities, professional licenses, and civil rights.
Aggravating Factors That Can Elevate DWI Charges
Certain factors can significantly increase the offense penalties and turn a misdemeanor into a felony, including:
- Having a child passenger under age 15 in the vehicle
- Causing serious bodily injury (also called intoxication assault)
- Causing a fatality, known as intoxication manslaughter
- A BAC of 0.15% or higher
If your case involves any of these factors, it is critical to seek legal counsel from a Plano criminal defense attorney immediately. These aggravating circumstances can trigger severe penalties.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
One of the most inconvenient consequences of a DWI arrest is the potential loss of your driver’s license through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process.
You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing. If you fail to do so, your license will be automatically suspended, even before your criminal case is resolved.
The ALR case is separate from your criminal case. In many cases, license suspensions can be reduced or avoided altogether with strong legal representation.
What Are Common Defenses to DWI Charges in Texas?
A DWI arrest does not equal a conviction. You are presumed innocent, and the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Common defenses include:
- You were subject to an illegal traffic stop. If there was no valid reason for the stop, it may result in evidence being suppressed
- Law enforcement engaged in improper field sobriety testing. Officers must follow strict procedures to test sobriety.
- Your case involved faulty breath or blood testing. Equipment errors and lab mistakes can invalidate the evidence against you.
- You were experiencing medical conditions that mimicked intoxication symptoms. Certain medications can produce this effect.
At Texas Defense Firm, we examine every detail of your arrest to determine the strongest defense strategy available. We exhaust every angle to advocate for reduced or dismissed charges in your case.
Contact Our Plano DWI Attorneys Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you have been arrested for DWI in Plano, do not delay in getting legal help. Prosecutors may take action quickly, and your license may be suspended before you ever step into a courtroom.
At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys have 200+ years of combined experience defending serious criminal charges, including DWI. We know how to challenge the state’s case against you and protect your rights.
Call today to schedule your confidential consultation with a Plano DWI lawyer and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.