Forest Hill, Texas DWI Defense Lawyer

Aggressive DWI Defense Attorney for Clients in Forest Hill, TX

If you have been arrested and charged with the offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may be overwhelmed and under significant pressure. In cases like these, the importance of seeking legal representation cannot be understated, as you could risk significant penalties for a conviction. To protect your future, reach out to a Forest Hill, Texas DWI defense lawyer who can help address the charges against you.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the weight of a DWI charge and what a conviction could entail. Our criminal defense attorney will advocate for your rights and work with you one-on-one to explore all possible defenses.

How Is DWI Charged in Texas?

Under Texas law, a person commits driving while intoxicated if they operate a motor vehicle in a public place while impaired by alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of both. Legal intoxication is presumed when a driver's blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08 percent or above. However, impairment may also be established through observable signs such as slurred speech, unsteady gait, or delayed reaction times even if BAC falls below the statutory threshold.

A first DWI offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and fines of up to $2,000. Your driver's license will be automatically suspended for 90 days to one year upon conviction. Aggravating circumstances, including driving with a BAC of 0.15 or more or driving while intoxicated with a minor passenger, can elevate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony. Repeat offenses within five years carry harsher penalties, longer license suspensions, and potential state jail or prison sentences.

Intoxication Assault Charges

Intoxication assault is a more serious offense than a standard DWI, applicable when an impaired driver causes serious bodily injury to another person. The charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Victims may include other drivers, pedestrians, or even passengers in the intoxicated driver's vehicle.

Since intoxication assault carries harsher sentencing than a "normal" DWI charge, as well as collateral consequences such as loss of firearms rights and professional licenses, securing skilled legal representation is essential. Our firm can review evidence of injury severity, challenge medical causation, and negotiate alternative resolutions such as deferred adjudication or plea agreements that limit exposure to the most severe penalties.

Strategies for a DWI Case

A robust defense often begins by challenging the legality of the traffic stop. If an officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop, any subsequent evidence—including field sobriety or chemical test results—may be suppressed. Attorneys will carefully examine dash-cam or body-cam footage, radio logs, and officer testimony for inconsistencies in the description of the stop.

Defense counsel may also scrutinize the administration of field sobriety tests, looking for environmental factors, improper instructions, or physical limitations that could skew results. Chemical tests, such as breath or blood analysis, require strict chain-of-custody protocols and properly calibrated equipment. Questions about calibration records, technician training, or sample handling can cast doubt on BAC evidence.

Finally, presenting an alternate explanation for supposed signs of intoxication can sway a jury. Medical conditions or irregular roadways may account for seemingly erratic driving, unsteady balance, or other behaviors misconstrued as drunkenness. By combining procedural challenges with factual rebuttals, a strong defense strategy can weaken the prosecutor's case.

Contact a Forest Hill DWI Defense Attorney Today

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you fight a DWI charge with our advanced knowledge of the law and aggressive argumentative skills. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Forest Hill, TX DWI defense attorney or call us at 817-732-6392 today.