Hurst DWI Defense Lawyer

Skilled DWI Defense Attorney for Clients in Hurst, Texas

If a police officer suspects that you are intoxicated behind the wheel, you could end up arrested and subsequently charged with a serious criminal offense. In situations like these, legal representation is not just advisable, but often necessary to protect your rights. With the help of a Hurst, TX DWI defense attorney, you can fight against a drunk driving charge in court.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand what is at stake when a Texas motorist is charged with DWI. When you work with our firm, you will receive knowledgeable counsel and trustworthy representation as we inform you of your options and pursue the best course.

Field Sobriety Tests for DWI

Law enforcement officers in Texas rely on standardized field sobriety tests to gauge impairment. The most common assessments are the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand. Each requires strict adherence to procedures established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, an officer observes involuntary eye movement as the suspect follows an object from side to side. The walk-and-turn test evaluates balance and ability to follow multi-step instructions. Finally, the one-leg stand measures both balance and focus.

Environmental factors—uneven pavement, poor lighting, wind—or physical limitations such as inner-ear disorders can distort results. Officers must explain each exercise clearly, demonstrate procedures accurately, and monitor for six specific clues of impairment. Failure at any stage does not automatically prove intoxication, but prosecutors often pair these observations with chemical evidence to strengthen their case. A vigilant defense will examine training records, video footage, and testing conditions to challenge the reliability of these roadside assessments.

Is DWI Ever Charged as a Felony?

Driving while intoxicated in Texas begins as a misdemeanor offense for most first and second instances, but certain circumstances may elevate the charge to a felony. A third DWI conviction triggers a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in a state jail facility and fines of up to $10,000.

Transporting a child under fifteen while intoxicated converts the offense to a state jail felony as well, reflecting the heightened risk to vulnerable passengers. More severe still are intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter charges. Intoxication assault arises when an impaired driver causes serious bodily injury to another, punishable as a third-degree felony by two to 10 years in prison.

The charge of intoxication manslaughter applies when impaired driving leads to death. This crime is charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years of incarceration, with the potential for upgraded charges if multiple people were killed in the incident.

Questioning Blood and Breath Tests in DWI Cases

Chemical testing forms the backbone of many DWI prosecutions, yet these tests are not always reliable. Breath-analysis devices must undergo routine calibration, maintenance checks, and operational verifications. Absent or incomplete calibration logs can undermine the admissibility of breath-test results. Moreover, physiological factors can skew readings.

Blood tests, while often deemed more reliable, require an unbroken chain of custody, sterile collection procedures, and proper storage. Any break in sealing, delays in transport, or mishandling can introduce contamination or degradation. By exposing gaps in procedure or challenging the scientific foundations of these tests, a skilled attorney can weaken the prosecution's case and potentially negotiate more favorable outcomes. Ultimately, questioning the accuracy of chemical evidence is a critical pillar of a robust DWI defense.

Contact a Hurst, TX DWI Defense Attorney

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we provide skilled counsel and advocacy for people accused of drunk driving offenses. To get started with a free consultation, call our offices at 817-732-6392 today or contact our Hurst, Texas DWI defense lawyer.