A DWI Charge Doesn't Have to Cost You Your License or Your Future

You have more options than you think — but the deadlines move fast. Our DFW DWI attorneys defend clients across Dallas and Tarrant County, challenge breath and blood test evidence, and act immediately to protect your driving privileges before the window closes.

Hands holding a medical shield with a cross and justice scales above

The Clock Starts the Moment You're Charged

In Texas, a DWI arrest triggers two separate legal battles: the criminal case and an administrative license suspension through the ALR process. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing — if you miss that window, your license is automatically suspended. Most people don't know this. Many attorneys don't move fast enough. We do.

 

Our Arlington office serves Tarrant County directly, and our Dallas office covers all of Dallas County. Whether your arrest happened in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Irving, or anywhere across the DFW Metroplex, we know the courts, the prosecutors, and the process.

The ALR Deadline — 15 Days That Matter Most

The Administrative License Revocation hearing is your first and best chance to keep driving while your case is pending. Miss the 15-day deadline to request it, and the Texas DPS will suspend your license automatically — often before your criminal case even begins. We file that request immediately after you call.

What a DWI Conviction Can Cost You

Beyond the criminal penalties, a DWI conviction in Texas carries consequences that follow you long after the courtroom:

 

  • License suspension of 90 days to 2 years for a first offense
  • Fines up to $2,000 (first offense), plus surcharges that can reach $6,000 over three years
  • Mandatory alcohol education programs and possible ignition interlock requirement
  • A permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing
  • Increased insurance rates for years

 

This is why acting within the first 24 to 48 hours matters so much.

Breathalyzer and Blood Test Challenges

A positive breath or blood test is not the end of your case. These tests have documented accuracy problems and strict procedural requirements — and when those requirements aren't followed, the results can be suppressed or discredited entirely. We examine the calibration records of the breathalyzer device, the chain of custody for blood samples, the training and certification of the officer who administered the test, and whether the stop itself was lawful. The test result is evidence. Evidence can be challenged.

Tarrant County and Dallas County DWI Process

DWI cases in Tarrant County (Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie) move through courts with their own procedures, prosecutors, and local norms. The same is true in Dallas County. Having attorneys with offices in both counties means we're not learning the local landscape on your time — we already know it. We appear regularly in these courts and maintain the working relationships that matter when negotiating outcomes for our clients.

First-Time DWI in Texas — What You Need to Know

If this is your first arrest, the fear you're feeling is real — and it's also a signal to act, not freeze. First-time DWI offenders in Texas often have access to outcomes that reduce or avoid a permanent conviction, including deferred adjudication in limited circumstances, probation, and diversion programs depending on the facts of the case. One mistake should not define the rest of your life. Call us before you talk to anyone else.

How We Defend DWI Cases in DFW

Every DWI case is different, and a strong defense starts with understanding exactly what happened — from the reason the officer pulled you over to how the test was administered and what the dashcam or bodycam footage actually shows. Our approach includes:

 

  • Reviewing all police reports, dashcam and bodycam footage, and arrest records
  • Challenging the legality of the traffic stop and field sobriety test administration
  • Investigating breathalyzer calibration history and blood test chain of custody
  • Filing for the ALR hearing immediately to protect your driving privileges
  • Negotiating with prosecutors in Tarrant and Dallas County courts
  • Taking cases to trial when the evidence or the offer doesn't justify a plea

 

We handle DWI defense in plain language. You will always know where your case stands and what comes next.

Serving the Communities Where DWI Charges Happen Most

DWI arrests in DFW spike around the holidays, Memorial Day weekend, and major sporting events. We represent clients from across the Metroplex, including Dallas, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano, and surrounding communities. Our two offices — one in Dallas County, one in Tarrant County — mean you're never far from an attorney who knows your local court.

What Our Clients Say

A DWI charge is stressful enough without a language barrier making it harder to understand your rights and options. Our team serves clients in Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can speak with us in yours. Clear communication is part of how we build cases — and part of how we treat people.

We Serve Clients in Multiple Languages

A DWI charge is stressful enough without a language barrier making it harder to understand your rights and options. Our team serves clients in Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can speak with us in yours. Clear communication is part of how we build cases — and part of how we treat people.

|

Frequently Asked Questions About DWI in Texas

  • What happens after a first DWI in Texas?
    A first DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a minimum of 72 hours in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a license suspension of 90 days to one year. You may also face annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for three years. An attorney can often negotiate reduced penalties or alternative outcomes depending on the facts of your case.
  • How long do I have to save my license after a DWI arrest?
    You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you miss this deadline, your license will be suspended automatically. This is the most time-sensitive step after a DWI arrest.
  • Can a breathalyzer result be challenged in court?
    Yes. Breathalyzer results can be challenged on multiple grounds, including improper device calibration, officer error in administering the test, medical conditions that affect readings, and failure to observe the required 15-minute pre-test waiting period. Blood test results can also be challenged based on chain of custody and lab procedures.
  • Is there a DWI lawyer near me in Arlington with a free consultation?
    Yes. Wincorn & Associates has an office in Arlington at 1600 E Pioneer Pkwy Suite 345, serving all of Tarrant County. We offer free consultations for DWI cases. You can call our Arlington line at 817-795-0202 or schedule online.
  • Can a first-time DWI be dismissed or reduced in Texas?
    In some cases, yes. Depending on the evidence, the circumstances of the stop, and the county where the case is filed, first-time offenders may qualify for outcomes that reduce or avoid a permanent conviction. This is not guaranteed, but it is a real possibility — and the sooner you contact an attorney, the more options you have.

Don't Wait — Your License and Your Record Are on the Line

The 15-day ALR deadline is not a formality. It is the difference between keeping your license and losing it before your case is even resolved. Call Wincorn & Associates now for a free DWI consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options in plain language, and take action immediately to protect your driving privileges and your future.