Benbrook, TX DWI Defense Attorney

Aggressive Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer Representing Clients in Benbrook

A charge of DWI is not something you can pay off like a speeding ticket. It is a criminal offense with the potential for jail time, even for a first offense. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might even face felony charges. To make sure that you are fairly represented during the legal proceedings, reach out to a Benbrook, Texas DWI defense lawyer for assistance.

Addressing allegations of drunk driving requires a carefully considered defense. Attorney Edwardo Meza of The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can work with you individually, providing you with close attention to develop an appropriate defense strategy based on your circumstances.

How Serious Is a DWI?

A first-time DWI in Texas is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction can result in up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of as much as $2,000. Offenders typically face an automatic driver's license suspension under the state's administrative rules. The duration of suspension may depend on whether the driver submitted to a breath or blood test. Refusal to submit under the implied consent law may lead to a longer suspension, and anyone convicted of a DWI may have to install an ignition interlock device.

A DWI conviction carries lasting collateral effects, including increased insurance premiums, potential loss of professional licenses, and challenges in background checks. Courts often offer alternatives to incarceration such as community supervision, alcohol education courses, or treatment programs. Successful completion of these diversion programs can prevent a final conviction from appearing on a public record and may allow the defendant to avoid some long-term consequences related to employment and insurance coverage.

Factors that could lead to escalated charges include:

• A blood alcohol concentration substantially above the legal limit, indicating a higher level of impairment
• Operating a vehicle with a passenger under the age of fifteen, which elevates the offense to a state jail felony
• Causing bodily injury or death as a result of impaired driving, triggering intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter charges
• Prior DWI convictions, which result in an enhanced classification and more severe sentencing
• Driving on a suspended license, which compounds the severity of the DWI charge

Evidence in a DWI Charge

Prosecutors rely on multiple forms of evidence to establish guilt in a DWI case. The most common is the blood alcohol concentration demonstrated by a breath or blood test. While a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher creates a legal presumption of intoxication, tests below the threshold can still support a charge if impairment is otherwise evident.

Field sobriety tests offer visual indicators of impairment when administered according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration protocols. Officer observations of slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady gait further contribute to the narrative of intoxication. Video recordings from dash cameras or body cameras can corroborate or challenge these observations. An effective defense scrutinizes the accuracy and handling of each piece of evidence, from device calibration logs to recording timestamps.

Illegal Traffic Stops in Benbrook DWI Cases

Defendants can challenge a DWI arrest if the initial traffic stop lacked legal justification. Texas law requires law enforcement to have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity before initiating a stop.

A stop for equipment violations such as a broken taillight may mask an improper motive if officers lacked actual knowledge of the defect. By filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained during an unlawful stop, experienced counsel can seek to have test results and observations excluded.

Meet With a Benbrook, Texas DWI Defense Lawyer

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can provide you with quality legal representation to challenge allegations of drunk driving. For a free consultation, call us at 817-732-6392 or contact our Benbrook DWI defense attorney.