Fort Worth, Texas DWI With Child Passenger Defense Attorney

Seasoned DWI Defense Lawyer for Charges Involving a Child Passenger in a Fort Worth, TX

Charges of drunk driving in Texas are already serious, but when a minor passenger is involved, the penalties can become much more severe. In cases such as these, you need to prepare an aggressive defense to protect your freedom and your driving privileges. A Fort Worth, Texas DWI defense lawyer can represent you in court and provide you with clear legal counsel throughout your case.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we have experience representing clients accused of DWI. Our history of successful case results makes us highly qualified to take on misdemeanor and felony drunk driving charges. Attorney Edwardo Meza can evaluate your case, discuss your options with you, and help you pursue an ideal outcome to your case.

When Are You Considered "Intoxicated" in Texas Law?

Texas law does not limit DWI cases to people who seem obviously drunk. A person can be considered intoxicated in two main ways. One is having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. The other is not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. That means the state does not always need a breath or blood test over 0.08 to file charges. Prosecutors may also rely on driving behavior, field sobriety tests, an officer's observations, statements made during the stop, or chemical test results that they believe show impairment.

This matters in child passenger cases because the prosecution will still try to prove intoxication even if the BAC result is disputed or unavailable. A person may be arrested after weaving, braking erratically, driving too slowly, or showing signs such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or poor balance. Those details do not automatically prove guilt, but they often become a major part of the state's case.

Penalties for DWI With a Child Passenger in Fort Worth

In Texas, DWI with a child passenger applies when a person is allegedly intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place and the vehicle is occupied by a passenger younger than 15 years old. The offense is charged as a state jail felony.

A state jail felony is much more serious than a standard first-time DWI charge. A conviction can lead to 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000. A felony conviction can also damage your employment options, your professional reputation, and your future opportunities.

Strategies for Fighting Child Passenger DWI Charges in Texas

The best defense depends on the facts, but many of the same strategies used in other DWI cases may still apply. Our lawyer may challenge whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you, whether field sobriety testing was reliable, or whether the breath or blood test was handled correctly. Problems with video footage, witness accounts, test administration, or police procedure can all weaken the prosecution's argument.

In a child passenger case, the child's age can be especially important. If the passenger is proven to be 15 or older, that specific felony charge may not fit the facts. Our firm may also challenge whether the state can prove you were actually intoxicated at the time of driving, rather than simply present near alcohol or accused of poor driving for some other reason.

Contact a Fort Worth DWI Defense Lawyer Today

You should not assume that an arrest means a conviction is certain. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we represent clients facing serious DWI allegations and work to uncover weaknesses in the state's evidence. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, Texas DWI defense attorney to schedule a free initial consultation.