Top 10 Questions to Ask Criminal Defense Attorney
Top 10 Questions to Ask Criminal Defense Attorney
Drug-Related DWI Lawyer

DRUG-RELATED DWI LAWYERS IN HOUSTON

Accused of a Drug DWI? We Fight for Your Rights.

Driving under the influence of drugs in Texas can lead to harsh penalties, including jail time, fines, and a suspended license — even if the drug was legally prescribed. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges, but you don’t have to face them alone. We can challenge faulty drug tests and police procedures to fight for the best possible outcome.

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Former State District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor

DRUG-RELATED DWI ATTORNEYS

A Former State Court Judge & Chief Prosecutor Leading Your Defense

Texas law does not differentiate between alcohol-related DWIs and drug-related DWIs — both carry severe consequences. Even prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can lead to a DWI arrest if they impair your ability to drive.

At Turnbull Legal Group, our DWI defense is led by E.R. “Ned” Turnbull, a former State District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor. With an insider’s knowledge of how drug-related DWI cases are prosecuted and sentenced, we use proven legal strategies to challenge the charges against you.

Whether you were accused of driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, or other controlled substances, we know how to fight back. Let us build a strong defense for you.

Meet Our Team
founder Edward Randolph 'Ned' Turnbull portrait
founder

E.R. "Ned" Turnbull

E.R. "Ned" Turnbull, the Managing Partner of Turnbull Legal Group, a former State District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor, brings extensive experience and leadership to our law firm. He's recognized for his legal knowledge and skills, community service, and commitment to justice.

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  • Award Appellate Court Division Judge
  • Award Appelate Court Rules Committee Judge
  • Award Member Harris ocunty Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Award Governor's Judicial Commendation
  • Award Executive Department Proclamation
  • Award State Bar of Texas
  • Award National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer
Table of Contents

Drug-Related DWIs in Texas

A drug-related DWI is just as serious as an alcohol-related offense in Texas, but proving impairment isn’t as straightforward. Unlike alcohol-related DWIs, drug-related DWIs don’t rely on a BAC test. Instead, drug-related charges rely on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and blood or urine samples — all of which can be flawed. Medications like prescription painkillers, anxiety medications, and even sleep aids can lead to a DWI arrest, even if taken as directed.

The challenge for prosecutors is proving that the drug actually impaired your ability to drive, not just that it was present in your system. Some drugs remain detectable for days or weeks after use, making test results unreliable indicators of intoxication at the time of arrest. If you've been charged with a drug-related DWI, the right legal strategy can make all the difference in your case.

Penalties for Drug-Related DWI in Texas

A drug-related DWI carries the same penalties as an alcohol-related DWI, but proving impairment can be more complex.

Charge Classification Potential Penalties
First-Time DWI Class B misdemeanor Up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and license suspension up to 1 year
Second DWI Class A misdemeanor Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000, and license suspension up to 2 years
Third DWI Third-degree felony 2 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and license suspension up to 2 years
DWI with a Child Passenger State jail felony Up to 2 years in state jail, fines up to $10,000, and mandatory ignition interlock device (IID)

Additional consequences:

How We Fight Drug-Related DWI Charges

An arrest does not mean an automatic conviction. At Turnbull Legal Group, we use proven defense strategies to challenge the charges against you.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Police officers must have a valid reason to pull you over. If there was no probable cause, we can suppress evidence and dismiss the case.

Exposing Flaws in Field Sobriety Tests

Drug-related DWI arrests often rely on field sobriety tests, which are highly unreliable and can be influenced by medical conditions, fatigue, or even nervousness. We challenge faulty test administration and inaccurate officer conclusions.

Questioning Drug Test Results

Unlike alcohol tests, there is no legal limit for drugs in Texas, and many substances stay in your system long after their effects wear off. We challenge the accuracy of blood or urine tests and question whether the drugs detected actually caused impairment.

Investigating Police Conduct

Officers must follow strict procedures during a DWI arrest. If they violated your rights, failed to obtain proper consent for a blood test, or made procedural errors, we use that to fight for case dismissal.

Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissal

If a complete dismissal is not possible, we work to reduce charges to a lesser offense or secure alternative sentencing, such as probation, deferred adjudication, or pretrial diversion programs.

Our Approach to Fighting a Drug-Related DWI Charge

Fighting a drug-related DWI requires an aggressive, detail-oriented defense. At Turnbull Legal Group, we analyze every piece of evidence to build a strong case.

Free Consultation

We begin with a comprehensive case review, explaining your legal options and possible defense strategies.

Investigating Every Detail

We examine police reports, drug test results, dashcam footage, and officer statements to identify flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

Strategic Negotiations

We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, challenge unreliable drug test evidence, and explore alternative sentencing options.

Trial Preparation

We are fully prepared to take your case to trial and challenge the prosecution’s evidence, field sobriety tests, and officer testimony if necessary.

The 15-Day Rule: Don’t Lose Your License Without a Fight

After a DWI arrest, you have only 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to fight automatic license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license will be suspended — even before your case goes to court.

Our team acts fast to file your ALR hearing request and fights to keep your driving privileges intact. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.

A Strong Defense Can Make All the Difference

A DWI conviction can follow you for years. You only have 15 days to fight your license suspension. Act now — contact Turnbull Legal Group today for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Turnbull Legal Group for Your Drug-Related DWI Defense?

A drug-related DWI charge can threaten your freedom, job, and future. Choosing the right defense team can make all the difference.

Here’s why clients trust us:

Unique Perspective

E.R. “Ned” Turnbull knows how DWI cases are handled from both sides of the bench.

Aggressive Defense Strategies

We challenge every aspect of your case, from the traffic stop to the breath test.

Personalized Legal Guidance

We know every case is unique, so we build a defense that fits your circumstances.

Don’t risk handling your case alone — Turnbull Legal Group is here to fight for you.

    The Turnbull Legal Group Difference
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    Take Control of Your Case — We Will Defend Your Rights

    A drug-related DWI charge doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense can be. Contact Turnbull Legal Group today for a free consultation.

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    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you get a DWI in Texas for prescription drugs?

    Yes. Texas law does not require the drug to be illegal — any substance that impairs your ability to drive can lead to a DWI charge, including prescription medications.

    How do police determine if you’re under the influence of drugs?

    Officers use field sobriety tests, blood or urine tests, and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to determine impairment. However, these methods are flawed, and we work to challenge their validity.