Weatherford, TX DWI Defense Lawyer

Reliable Defense Attorney for People Accused of Drunk Driving in Weatherford

Any charges involving drunk driving should be taken seriously. If you are convicted of DWI, or driving while intoxicated, you could face punishments ranging from the suspension of your driver's license to months or even years behind bars. A Weatherford, TX drunk driving defense lawyer can explore possible legal strategies to mitigate the charges or get the case against you dismissed.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the gravity of a DWI charge and the possible implications of a conviction. Attorney Edwardo Meza is a solo practitioner well-versed in criminal defense, and when you work with our firm, you will receive one-on-one counsel and representation geared toward protecting your rights.

Misdemeanor and Felony DWI Charges in Texas

Under Texas law, a person is generally guilty of driving while intoxicated (DWI) if, while operating a motor vehicle in a public place, the person is intoxicated. Intoxication means not having the normal use of one's mental or physical faculties because of the introduction of alcohol into the body or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. In most cases, a first offense where the BAC is between 0.08 and 0.15, or the driver's impairment is minimal, is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties may include a maximum 180-day jail term, a fine up to $2,000, and license suspension for up to one year.

Enhanced penalties apply when aggravating factors are present. A second DWI within five years is a Class A misdemeanor—punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Driving with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or while transporting a child under 15, also elevates a first offense to a Class A misdemeanor.

A third DWI offense in Texas can be charged as a third-degree felony, carrying two to 10 years of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Fourth or subsequent DWI convictions, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter charges result in even more severe punishments, including lengthy prison terms and permanent license revocation.

Can I Be Charged With DWI in Cases Involving Drugs or Prescription Medication?

Texas law defines intoxication to include impairment from any substance, not solely alcohol. Driving while impaired by illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications is prosecuted under the same statute. Prosecutors must prove that the substance caused impairment of the driver's normal use of mental or physical faculties. Even a valid prescription may lead to a DWI charge if the medication impairs driving ability. Chemical testing for certain controlled substances may include blood or urine analysis to detect the presence and concentration of the drug.

Are DWI Tests Always Accurate?

Neither breath tests nor blood draws are infallible. Breathalyzers estimate BAC by measuring alcohol in exhaled breath, but factors such as mouth alcohol, calibration errors, or physiological conditions (for example, gastroesophageal reflux) can skew results. Blood tests are more precise, but chain-of-custody errors, improper storage, and laboratory mistakes can affect accuracy.

Field sobriety tests are subjective and depend on the administering officer's training and the driver's physical limitations. Because of these potential inaccuracies, experienced defense attorneys often challenge test results by:

• Questioning the calibration and maintenance records of testing devices
• Scrutinizing blood-draw procedures and chain of custody
• Highlighting medical conditions or environmental factors that could affect test performance

A successful challenge can lead to reduced charges or the exclusion of critical evidence, potentially strengthening your case.

Contact a Weatherford, Texas Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can strategize with you to contest a DWI charge. To set up your free initial consultation today, call us at 817-732-6392 or contact our Weatherford, TX drunk driving defense lawyer.