Fort Worth, Texas DWI Defense Attorney

Dedicated Lawyer Defending Clients Against DWI Charges in Fort Worth

DWI, or driving while intoxicated, can come with a slew of legal consequences in Texas. If you are convicted of DWI, you risk losing your driving privileges for an extended period of time, which can affect everything from your employment to childcare. Additionally, you will have to live with the burden of a criminal record, which might haunt you for years. A Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer can help you fight a DWI charge, advocating for a reduced sentence or dismissed charges.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we are ready to defend you against any drunk driving charge, whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Edwardo Meza can provide you with personalized legal advice and representation, supporting you from the beginning to the end of your case.

When Is DWI Charged?

In Texas, you can be arrested and charged with DWI under the following circumstances:

• You are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more after being taken into police custody on suspicion of drunk driving.
• You are stopped by a police officer on suspicion of drunk driving, and the officer determines that you were unable to operate a vehicle safely because of the use of alcohol, drugs, or any combination of substances.

During a traffic stop, the officer may ask you to perform certain field sobriety tests to judge your level of impairment. In Texas, you can lawfully refuse a field sobriety test, and it may be in your best interests to do so, as your performance in these tests could be used as evidence by the prosecution.

However, if you are arrested for DWI, you may be compelled to take a chemical blood or breath test under the state's implied consent laws. If you refuse a chemical test at a police station, your driving privileges will be suspended for 180 days. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can speak with you after your arrest and advise you on how to respond to an allegation of DWI.

Penalties for a First DWI

In a "standard" DWI charge with no prior offenses on your record, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of no more than 180 days in jail and a potential fine of up to $2,000. If convicted, you can be sentenced to a minimum of three days in jail, or six days if you had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

Being jailed for even a few days can wreak havoc on your life. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we will do everything in our power to help you avoid a DWI conviction, whether it means negotiating for a lesser charge or getting the charges dropped.

DWI Defenses

Our criminal defense lawyer will explore all of your options to contest a DWI charge. Depending on the circumstances behind your arrest, we could argue that:

• The chemical tests were inaccurate because testing equipment was faulty or police officers did not follow the correct procedures
• The field sobriety tests were administered in poor conditions
• You were not impaired while you were behind the wheel
• Your BAC rose above the limit when you were tested, but not while you were driving

Having a lawyer at your side can be very beneficial in a DWI case. Attorney Edwardo Meza will inform you of your rights and make sure that you are fairly represented in court.

Meet With a Fort Worth DWI Defense Lawyer

One night of drunk driving can have lasting consequences for your future. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth DWI lawyer can work with you to mitigate these consequences so that you can get your life back on track. Call our offices at 817-732-6392 or reach out to us online to get started with a free consultation.