Bryan DWI Attorney

The Turnbull Edge: what gives our criminal lawyers in Bryan, TX an advantage

Most DWI attorneys bring their credentials to the table, and many of them are impressive, but Turnbull brings something rarer: he’s a former judge and prosecutor who has sat on both sides of the courtroom and knows exactly how the system works from every angle.

Here’s what sets Turnbull apart from the rest:

1. Insider perspective. Ned Turnbull has been the judge evaluating evidence and the prosecutor building cases. He understands how judges think because he's been in the black robe. He anticipates prosecutorial strategy because he was a Chief Prosecutor. His dual perspective allows us to craft defense strategies that address what the court actually cares about — not just theoretical arguments.
2. Deep local court knowledge. We're not a Houston DWI firm flying into Bryan for your trial. Ned Turnbull has worked cases in Brazos County courts and knows how the judges who will hear your case operate. We understand the culture and expectations of each courtroom, and those relationships and institutional knowledge can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
3. 200+ felony jury trials. Ned Turnbull has tried more than 200 felony jury trials and is qualified as trial counsel in death penalty cases. This means we're never intimidated by aggressive prosecutors, complex charges, or high-pressure trials. If we can handle capital murder cases, we can absolutely handle your DWI charge.

Important information and DWI statistics for Bryan and Brazos County

In 2024, Bryan saw 71 alcohol-related accidents. Brazos County prosecutors and law enforcement officers take drunk driving seriously, as the consequences can be severe. Each year, hundreds of people are arrested for DWI in Bryan.

Statistics don't tell the whole story. Each one of those accidents and arrests is a real person with a real story. If you're one of those people, you need an attorney to help you get that story told. — preferably one who understands the specific challenges of Brazos County courts. 

The prosecutors you're facing know the judges. The judges know the local law enforcement. Everyone in this system has worked together for years. That's where we come in. Our Bryan DWI lawyers understand this local ecosystem and know how to navigate it effectively on your behalf. During this difficult time, our Bryan DWI lawyers are here to guide you and to protect your life.

Types of DWI charges our Bryan DWI lawyers handle

Our DWI attorneys are prepared to defend clients against all types of DWI charges in Brazos County. Whether you're facing charges in Bryan, College Station, or anywhere else in Brazos County, our team is ready to fight for you.

First DWI Offense

Even a first DWI conviction can lead to serious penalties in Texas, including jail time, fines, and temporary suspension of your driver's license for up to one year. The consequences might feel devastating, but they're not inevitable. We'll fight to protect your rights by exploring alternative sentencing options like deferred adjudication. We'll aggressively fight to protect your driver's license and help you obtain an occupational license in the event of a temporary suspension so you can continue working and living your life.

Second DWI Offense

A second DWI in Texas carries significantly harsher penalties than a first offense. The prosecution will be more aggressive, and the judges will be less sympathetic. This is where an experienced attorney becomes even more essential. 

Third DWI Offense

A third DWI offense in Texas is automatically charged as a felony. The stakes are now extremely high. We're prepared to handle these serious felony DWI cases and will fight aggressively for your future, working to beat or reduce your charges rather than allow you to face prison time.

Felony DWI

Felony DWI charges carry serious penalties that can impact the rest of your life. Experienced legal representation has never been more important. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the prosecution's case for weaknesses, challenge the evidence, and fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Commercial DWI (CDL DWI)

We understand how much a DWI can affect your livelihood, especially if you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). We keep your future in mind while representing commercial truck drivers in Brazos County who face DWI charges. A conviction can cost you your job and your career. We'll work to protect both.

DWI with a Child Passenger

Intoxicated driving with a child under 15 in the vehicle leads to enhanced penalties and heightened scrutiny from the court — it’s also automatically a felony. Beyond the legal consequences, these charges raise serious questions about parental fitness. We will advocate for you aggressively after an arrest and work to protect your parental rights while fighting the charges.

Underage DWI (DUI)

Texas law has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. The consequences for a young person can be life-altering — affecting college prospects, financial aid, employment opportunities, and more. We can help protect your rights and your future if you're under 21 and facing DWI charges.

DWI with Drugs

Driving under the influence of legal or illegal substances can lead to DWI charges, and defending against drugged driving allegations presents unique challenges. The evidence is often more subjective, and the science can be complex. We understand these increased challenges and are ready to take on your case with the expertise it requires.

Intoxication Assault

A DWI charge that involves an injury to another person is elevated to intoxication assault — a felony with harsh penalties. The prosecution will pursue this aggressively. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances, challenge the evidence, and advocate for you in the courtroom.

Intoxication Manslaughter

This is the most serious DWI-related charge you can face. We will conduct an exhaustive investigation of your case, examine every piece of evidence, and advocate for you with the intensity and skill that a charge of this magnitude demands.

‍Additionally, if you’re looking for a Conroe DWI lawyer, or for an attorney in surrounding areas like Harris or Montgomery County, Turnbull Legal Group is here to help.

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How our DWI attorneys in Bryan protect your life

Your DWI case is not hopeless. Breath and blood alcohol tests are not always accurate. Police officers sometimes make errors when enforcing the law. Our lawyers will examine the prosecution's case for weaknesses and flaws, and we'll develop a personalized defense strategy tailored to the specific details of your situation.

Challenging the DWI stop

Every DWI case begins with a traffic stop. We investigate whether the police officer had legal justification to pull you over and whether they followed proper procedures during the stop. Many DWI cases are won at this stage — if the stop was unlawful, the entire case can be dismissed.

Questioning probable cause

Even if the stop was legal, we carefully examine the evidence to determine whether there was sufficient probable cause to arrest you for DWI. We look at the officer's observations, field notes, and the totality of the circumstances. Weak probable cause can lead to case dismissal.

Challenging field sobriety test accuracy

Field sobriety tests are not backed by sound science, and can be impacted by many factors beyond alcohol consumption — fatigue, medical conditions, nervousness, weather, road conditions, and more. We challenge the validity of these tests and question whether they actually prove intoxication.

Contesting breath and blood test results

Breath and blood alcohol tests are often presented as scientific proof, but they're not infallible. We examine the testing methods, the calibration records of the machines, the training and qualifications of the technicians, and the chain of custody of the evidence. Testing errors and procedural mistakes are more common than most people realize, and we know how to expose them.

Negotiating favorable outcomes

Sometimes the strongest defense is a strong negotiation. We're prepared to work with the prosecution to explore all possible options for a favorable resolution — reduced charges, alternative sentencing, case dismissal, or deferred adjudication. We'll fight to get you the best possible outcome, whether that's in the courtroom or at the negotiation table.

Your next steps after a DWI arrest in Brazos County

If you've been arrested for a DWI, it's crucial to take the right steps immediately. Here's what you need to know:

Know the law on field sobriety tests

You have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. However, you should understand that officers may still arrest you if they suspect you're under the influence, even without the test results. Know your rights, but also know that refusal doesn't guarantee you won't face charges.

Be respectful, but assert your rights

Remain calm, polite, and cooperative with law enforcement — but remain firm in asserting your constitutional rights. Avoid sudden movements, follow instructions, and treat officers with respect. However, do not volunteer information or answer potentially incriminating questions.

Exercise your right to remain silent

Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely but clearly decline to answer any questions beyond providing your identification and proof of insurance. Don't explain your actions, don't guess about your sobriety, and don't try to talk your way out of the situation. Say only: "I would like to speak with my attorney."

Contact a Bryan DWI attorney immediately

When you have access to a phone, call Turnbull Legal Group immediately. The sooner we get started on your case, the better we can protect your rights and your future.

Texas law on DWI: what you need to know

When you hire Turnbull Legal Group for DWI defense, we make sure you fully understand the legal process, the penalties you're facing, and your options moving forward. There are a few essential things that you should know about the Texas drinking and driving laws before you do anything. We believe that informed clients make better decisions, so we break down confusing legal jargon and answer all of your questions honestly and transparently.

What happens after your consultation

We don’t just take your case — we help you take control of your future. Here’s what you can expect after Turnbull begins working for you.

You have 15 days to request an ALR hearing and save your license

This is probably the most important deadline in your DWI case. After a DWI arrest in Texas, your license will be automatically suspended if you don't act quickly. You have exactly 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to challenge the suspension.

Our Bryan DWI lawyers are prepared to request this hearing on your behalf and fight aggressively to protect your driving privileges. We understand that your driver's license is essential to your job, your family, and your life — and we treat it accordingly. 

For a detailed explanation of how to dispute your suspension, check out our guide on DWI license suspension in Texas.

Penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas

What are the penalties for DWI? How long do you go to jail for a DWI in Texas? Being convicted of DWI in Texas carries very serious consequences. The penalties depend largely on whether you have previous DWI convictions and the specific circumstances of your arrest.

Some types of DWI charges carry more serious penalties, even for a first-time conviction.

Many other factors can affect the outcome of a DWI charge, and the court may impose additional terms beyond imprisonment and fines, including:

• Mandatory DWI education programs
• Community service hours
• Ignition interlock device installation (which prevents your vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected)
• Probation period (typically 2 – 10 years depending on the charge)
• Increased vehicle insurance rates (for years after conviction)
• Professional license suspension or revocation (depending on your occupation)
• Employment consequences and background check impacts

The court decides sentences and consequences on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors like your prior criminal history, the specific circumstances of the arrest, BAC level, and whether anyone was injured. These penalties are not a certainty, but without an experienced and aggressive Bryan DWI lawyer in your corner, they might as well be.

Facing DWI charges? Call the Bryan DWI lawyers at Turnbull today. 

Don't face DWI charges alone. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Turnbull Legal Group know Brazos County courts, understand how the system works, and are ready to fight for your freedom. 

If you're looking for guidance on choosing the right representation, the following guides can give you a place to start:

• 10 Questions You Should Ask a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Before Hiring
• The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Texas DWI Attorney

Ready to give your case home-court advantage? Call Turnbull Legal Group today at (832) 314-3232 or get in touch with us online to protect your future.