DWI defense built on strategy, not panic.
A DWI arrest in Dallas–Fort Worth sets a clock running — on your license, your case, and your options. Tank Law reviews the stop, the testing, and the evidence early, so decisions get made on facts instead of fear.
What happens after a DWI arrest?
Texas DWI cases move on two tracks at once — the criminal case and the administrative license process. Missing a deadline on either one narrows your options.
Arrest & Booking
You're arrested, booked, and typically given a notice of suspension if you failed or refused a breath or blood test.
ALR Hearing Deadline
You generally have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension.
Charging Decision
The case is reviewed and formally filed; an attorney can begin requesting evidence, including video and testing records.
Court Proceedings
Pretrial hearings, negotiation, and — when it's the right call — trial preparation.
Timelines can vary by county and by the specifics of your case. This is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
DWI charges across Dallas–Fort Worth
Every DWI charge carries its own evidence, its own penalty range, and its own strategy.
First-Time DWI
A first offense still carries real consequences for your record and your license — and it's often the case where early, careful handling matters most.
Repeat DWI (2nd / 3rd)
Prior convictions raise the stakes significantly, including mandatory minimums and enhanced charges.
BAC .15 or Higher
A test result at or above .15 triggers an enhanced charge under Texas law, independent of any other factor.
DWI With Open Container
An open alcohol container in the vehicle adds a mandatory minimum jail term to a conviction.
DWI Involving an Accident
When a crash is involved, both the criminal case and any civil injury claims need to be handled carefully and separately.
DWI With a Child Passenger
Texas treats a child passenger as a distinct, more serious offense — a state jail felony, not a misdemeanor.
Intoxication Assault
A felony charge when intoxicated driving causes serious bodily injury to another person.
Intoxication Manslaughter
The most serious alcohol-related driving offense in Texas, charged when a death results.
DWI penalties in Texas
Penalties depend on prior history, BAC level, and the specific facts of the arrest. In general terms:
First Offense
Typically a Class B misdemeanor, with the potential for enhanced charges depending on BAC or other factors.
Second Offense
Typically a Class A misdemeanor, with mandatory minimum jail time upon conviction.
Third Offense+
Charged as a third-degree felony, with significantly higher penalty ranges.
Penalty ranges are set by statute and can change; they also depend on the specific facts of a case. This page is general information and not a prediction of any outcome.
License consequences & ALR hearings
A DWI arrest can trigger an automatic license suspension separate from the criminal case, through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process.
Requesting a Hearing
An ALR hearing must generally be requested within 15 days of the arrest to contest the suspension before it takes effect.
Occupational Licenses
Depending on the situation, it may be possible to seek a restricted license for essential driving needs during a suspension.
Field sobriety, breath, and blood evidence
Much of a DWI case rests on how testing was administered and documented — and whether it was done correctly.
Field Sobriety Tests
These tests are only as reliable as how they were administered. We look at officer training, conditions, and documentation.
Breath Tests
Breath testing equipment requires calibration and proper procedure. We review maintenance and administration records.
Blood Tests
Blood draws involve chain-of-custody and lab procedure — each a potential point of challenge.
Can a DWI be dismissed?
Some DWI cases are resolved through dismissal, reduced charges, or deferred adjudication — depending on the evidence and the facts. We don't promise a specific outcome before reviewing your case, because no responsible attorney can.
Deferred Adjudication & Probation
In some circumstances, a case can be resolved through deferred adjudication or probation rather than a conviction — though DWI cases have specific statutory limitations on this option. Whether it's available depends on the charge and your history.
DWI defense — frequently asked questions
Texas has an implied consent law, but the consequences of refusal differ from the consequences of a failed test, and specific rules apply. We can walk through what applies to your situation.
Texas uses "DWI" for drivers 21 and older who are intoxicated, and a separate "DUI" standard applies to minors with any detectable alcohol. The two involve different elements and penalties.
Possibly — but a suspension isn't automatic or unchallengeable. Requesting an ALR hearing within the deadline preserves your ability to contest it.
Yes. Prosecutors can rely on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and other evidence even without a breath or blood result.
As soon as possible. Some deadlines — like the ALR hearing request — run in a matter of days, not weeks.
A focused approach to DWI defense
Case Review
We start by understanding exactly what the evidence shows.
Direct Access
You work directly with your attorney, not a rotating case team.
Trial-Ready
Every case is prepared as though it may need to go to trial.
Clear Communication
No guarantees, no vague answers — just where your case actually stands.