Burleson, Texas DWI Defense Attorney

Aggressive Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer for Clients in Burleson

After a night out, you might not expect to be pulled over by a police officer on suspicion of drunk driving. If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may face serious criminal penalties and collateral consequences affecting your driving privileges. A Burleson, TX drunk driving defense lawyer can help protect your rights and work toward an optimal outcome on your behalf.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have years of experience representing motorists who have been accused of misdemeanor and felony drunk driving offenses. When you work with our firm, Attorney Edwardo Meza will provide you with individualized counsel tailored to your needs.

When Can You Be Charged With DWI?

A person in Texas may face a DWI charge when operating a motor vehicle in public while intoxicated. Under state law, intoxication means having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or lacking full control of one's physical or mental faculties due to any combination of alcohol or drugs.

At a lawful traffic stop, a police officer will start to look for proof that a driver is intoxicated. Law enforcement officers rely on field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and observations to establish probable cause for an arrest. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances that led to the stop, challenge whether the officer had legal grounds to initiate the traffic stop, and review the administration of any chemical tests.

Penalties for a DWI in Burleson

Penalties for a first‐time DWI conviction in Burleson may include a jail term ranging from 72 hours to 180 days, fines of up to $2,000, community supervision, and license suspension for 90 days to one year. Courts often impose mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs and may require an ignition interlock device if the license is later reinstated. Ignition interlock devices monitor a driver's breath to detect alcohol, preventing the vehicle from starting if the driver cannot produce a clean breath sample. Additionally, the device may prompt the driver to blow at random intervals, with any failed tests reported to the court.

Repeat drunk driving offenses will result in escalating penalties, up to and including felony charges. A second offense elevates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $4,000, jail time of up to a year, and a license suspension lasting no more than two years. A third or subsequent DWI within 10 years is a third‐degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and a license suspension of up to two years.

Aggravating factors such as drunk driving with a minor passenger or causing a crash resulting in injury can come with enhanced penalties. With that in mind, it is critical that you work with a legal advocate who can advocate for a reduced sentence or dismissed charges if you have been accused of DWI.

Challenging Allegations of DWI

Defending a DWI charge requires meticulous review of every phase of the arrest, starting from the initial traffic stop. Challenges may target the accuracy and calibration of breathalyzer equipment, the validity of field sobriety testing procedures, or potential mishandling of blood or urine samples. Identifying procedural errors or violations of your rights is crucial, as it could lead to the suppression of evidence.

Attorney Edwardo Meza can meet with you and go over the details of your case to determine the best defense strategy. We will pursue a dismissal of charges or a reduced sentence, making sure to explore all possible arguments for your case.

Contact a Burleson, TX DWI Defense Lawyer

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our solo practitioner can help you fight back against allegations of drunk driving in court. To schedule your free consultation today, contact our Burleson DWI defense attorney or call our offices at 817-732-6392 today.