Dallas, Texas DWI Defense Lawyer

Trusted DWI Defense Attorney Representing Clients in Dallas

If you have been charged with the crime of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you face the risk of jail time, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. Even if it is only your first offense, this charge should not be taken lightly. To protect your rights, reach out to a Dallas DWI defense lawyer who can represent you in court.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we know how to advocate for clients accused of drunk driving. Attorney Edwardo Meza has over a decade of legal experience, so you can trust him to provide you with knowledgeable counsel and strong representation in a DWI case.

Understanding a DWI Charge

In Texas, a DWI charge generally alleges that a person operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. "Intoxicated" has two common meanings under Texas law. One is having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. The other is losing the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, drugs, a controlled substance, a combination of substances, or even certain prescription medications. Prosecutors often try to prove intoxication through officer observations, field sobriety testing, breath or blood results, body camera footage, and the circumstances of the stop.

For many first-time DWI allegations, the charge is a Class B misdemeanor, and the baseline criminal exposure is serious. A Class B misdemeanor carries a fine up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail, or both. In addition, the DWI statute provides a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours for a standard DWI, which can affect plea negotiations and sentencing strategy.

Courts also commonly impose conditions such as alcohol education, community service, probation terms, and, in some cases, ignition interlock requirements depending on the facts and any alleged aggravating factors.

How a DWI Affects Your Driving Privileges

A DWI not only threatens your criminal record, but your driver's license as well. This is handled through an administrative process separate from the criminal case. After an arrest, the officer may take your license and issue paperwork that acts as a temporary driving permit for a limited time. If the state alleges that you failed a breath or blood test, or refused testing, you may face a license suspension even before your criminal case ends.

There is typically a short window to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Missing that deadline can mean losing the chance to contest it. Even when a suspension is imposed, some drivers may qualify for a restricted license that allows driving for limited purposes, such as work, school, or essential household duties. A Dallas DWI defense attorney can explain your options, deadlines, and the steps needed to protect your ability to drive.

Fighting a DWI Charge in Dallas

A DWI case is not automatically decided by an arrest. Many charges can be challenged based on what happened before, during, and after the stop. If police lacked a valid reason to pull you over, evidence obtained from that traffic stop may be suppressed. Our attorney can also examine whether the officer had a lawful basis to expand the stop into a DWI investigation and whether the arrest was supported by probable cause.

The quality of evidence may also be relevant in your case. Field sobriety tests can be affected by injuries, fatigue, anxiety, footwear, weather, uneven pavement, or confusing instructions. Breath testing can raise questions about device calibration, maintenance records, operator procedures, and timing. Blood testing can involve chain-of-custody issues, storage problems, contamination risks, and lab methodology concerns. Video footage, dispatch logs, and witness statements can reveal meaningful gaps between what was reported and what actually occurred.

Contact a Dallas, TX DWI Defense Attorney

A DWI accusation can put your freedom, finances, reputation, and license at risk. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can review the allegations, explain what you are facing, and pursue strategies to challenge the prosecution's case. Contact our Dallas, TX DWI defense attorney or call 817-732-6392 to set up a free consultation today.