Fort Worth, Texas Drug DWI Lawyer

Skilled Drug DWI Defense Attorney in Tarrant County

Not all cases of driving while intoxicated (DWI) involve alcohol. It may come as a surprise to find out that you can be charged with DWI while having drugs in your system, even if you never had a drop to drink. If you have been arrested for this offense, be sure to reach out to a Fort Worth drug DWI attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling criminal cases on behalf of our clients. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Edwardo Meza can give you one-on-one legal advice suited to your unique situation, aggressively standing up for your rights in court.

What Does It Mean to Be Intoxicated in Texas?

In Texas, you can be charged with a DWI not only for driving under the influence of alcohol but also for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by any drug or controlled substance. The law defines intoxication as having not having regular control of your mental or physical faculties due to a drug or controlled substance in your system.

Even prescription medications can trigger a DWI if they affect your ability to drive safely. Law enforcement may rely on field sobriety tests, chemical analyses, or the officer's observations of your driving behavior and appearance to establish that you were intoxicated by drugs.

How Serious Is a DWI in Fort Worth?

A first-time drug DWI in Fort Worth is generally charged as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a potential driver's license suspension.

For a second DWI offense, the charge upgrades to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in county jail and fines of up to $4,000. The stakes are even higher if the alleged offense occurred in a school zone while the restricted speed limit was in effect. The state treats a drug DWI in that context as a state jail felony, which carries a sentence of 180 days to two years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to jail and fines, a Texas DWI conviction triggers a license suspension. For a first offense, the Texas Department of Public Safety can suspend your license for 90 days to one year. Repeat offenders face longer suspensions ranging from 180 days to two years, and may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device.

Challenging a Drug DWI

Successfully defending a drug DWI often depends on undermining the prosecution's evidence. Officers rely heavily on their subjective observations, so your speech, coordination, eye movements, and behavior can all be called into question. Challenging those observations may involve showing that the officer lacked sufficient training or that environmental factors (such as poor lighting or uneven ground) tainted the field sobriety tests.

You can also dispute the accuracy of chemical tests. Some drugs remain in the body long after their impairing effects have worn off, making it possible to have a detectable level in your system without actually being impaired at the time you were driving. Our attorney can consult toxicology experts to explain the difference between presence and impairment and may suppress test results obtained without proper procedures or valid warrants.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Drug DWI Defense Attorney

A drug DWI charge can upend your life. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we will listen closely to your concerns, explain the nuances of Texas law, and develop a strategy tailored to the facts of your case.

We draw on extensive local courtroom experience to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome on your behalf. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, TX drug DWI defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.