Arlington DWI Defense Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Defense Attorney for Clients in Arlington, Texas

If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, you may face serious penalties, including the possibility of years in prison. Building a well-reasoned defense is critical for protecting your rights against a drunk driving charge. An Arlington, TX drunk driving defense attorney can help you prepare for court, looking for ways to minimize the charges against you.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can provide you with an aggressive legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Edwardo Meza will work with you one-on-one to discuss your defense, seeking an ideal outcome through fierce arguments and negotiation.

Penalties for DWI in Texas

A first-time charge of DWI in Texas is usually prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction can carry up to 180 days in county jail, fines of as much as $2,000, the installation of an ignition interlock device, and a driver's license suspension ranging from 90 days to one year. If an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .15 or higher, the offense may be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying increased penalties of up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of no more than $4,000.

A second DWI conviction also elevates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, while a third or subsequent DWI is usually prosecuted as a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years of incarceration and fines up to $10,000. Repeat offenders may face longer license suspensions and mandatory substance-abuse evaluations. The court may also impose community supervision ("deferred adjudication") in certain circumstances, but this often requires compliance with counseling, community service, and periodic reporting.

BAC Evidence in Drunk Driving Cases

Under Texas law, a BAC of .08 percent or greater constitutes per se intoxication for drivers over the age of 21. Evidence typically comes from breathalyzer devices, blood draws, or urine tests administered after arrest. These chemical tests, however, are not infallible. For instance, breath test results can be skewed by improper calibration and outside contaminants.

Blood tests may be subject to chain-of-custody issues, laboratory errors, or interference from medical conditions. On account of these variables, an experienced attorney can examine maintenance logs, certification records of the testing operator, and scientific studies to cast doubt on BAC results and to argue reasonable doubt at trial.

Fourth Amendment Protections in DWI Traffic Stops

The Fourth Amendment shields individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures, and it governs the validity of traffic stops and subsequent DWI investigations. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion—specific, articulable facts suggesting criminal activity—to stop a vehicle. A simple broken taillight or speeding ticket often suffices, but stops based on racial profiling or without any traffic violation may be unlawful.

During a lawful traffic stop, officers need probable cause to arrest a driver for intoxication and administer a chemical test to measure BAC. Probable cause may arise from observations of slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, or erratic driving. Any evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be excluded at trial. Challenging the legality of the initial stop or the basis for arrest can lead to suppression of evidence, which can have a major impact on how your case is prosecuted.

Contact an Arlington, TX Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of drunk driving, seeking out a criminal defense lawyer is highly advisable to make sure that your rights are protected. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have garnered a reputation for strong representation, as we have received more than 400 5-star reviews from satisfied clients.

Your case matters to us. To schedule a free consultation today, call our offices at 817-732-6392 or contact our Arlington DWI defense lawyer.