Your First DWI in Texas
Getting stopped by a police officer for the first time can feel unreal — one moment, you're driving home, and the next, you're in the back of a police car, unsure of what happens next. Texas has some of the strictest DWI laws in the country, and even a first offense can result in fines, jail time, and license suspension.
In Texas, a person is charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) if they:
- Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- Show signs of impairment, even if their BAC is below the legal limit.
- Are found to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
Texas law does not require proof of reckless driving — simply stated, if an officer believes you are impaired, you can be arrested for DWI. However, an arrest does not mean a conviction is inevitable. With the right legal team and proven strategies, you may be able to reduce or dismiss the charges.
First-Time DWI Penalties in Texas
Even a first DWI offense carries significant penalties. If convicted, you could face:
Additional consequences:
- Mandatory DWI education programs
- Higher insurance rates and possible policy cancellation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- A permanent criminal record, which can affect employment opportunities
The impact of a DWI conviction can follow you for years. That’s why you have to fight your charge — and Turnbull Legal Group is here to help.
How to Fight First DWI Charges
A first DWI charge doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. At Turnbull Legal Group, we will analyze every detail of your case and employ strong defense strategies, including:
Challenging the Traffic Stop
Police officers must have a valid legal reason to pull you over. If the stop was unlawful, we may be able to have the charges dismissed.
Questioning Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are notoriously unreliable and can be affected by medical conditions, nervousness, or poor road conditions. We challenge improper test administration and results.
Attacking Breathalyzer & Blood Test Accuracy
Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and maintained. Administration errors, faulty devices, or mishandled blood samples can lead to false BAC readings.
Examining Police Procedures
Officers must follow strict DWI arrest procedures. If they failed to read your rights, improperly administered tests, or violated protocols, we may be able to suppress evidence.
Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissal
When possible, we work to reduce a DWI charge to a lesser offense like reckless driving or negotiate for alternative sentencing to avoid jail time and long-term consequences.
The Turnbull Legal Group Approach: Fighting Your First DWI Charge
A first DWI offense can have long-term consequences, but a strong defense can make all the difference. At Turnbull Legal Group, we take an aggressive and strategic approach to protecting your future.
Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation to go over the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain the legal process.
Investigating Every Detail
A first DWI charge is not an open-and-shut case. We thoroughly analyze police reports, dashcam footage, and officer statements to uncover inconsistencies or procedural violations. Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests can be flawed due to improper administration or equipment errors, and we challenge unreliable results. Witness statements and medical records may provide alternative explanations for alleged impairment. If law enforcement violated your rights or failed to follow proper procedures, we use that to fight for case dismissal or reduced charges.
Strategic Negotiations
At Turnbull Legal Group, we use our insider knowledge of Houston courts to negotiate aggressively with prosecutors. We seek to reduce charges, dismiss weak cases, or secure alternative sentencing, such as probation or alcohol education programs. For eligible first-time offenders, pretrial diversion programs may allow them to avoid a conviction entirely. Our goal is to minimize penalties and protect their future.
Trial Preparation
If trial is necessary, we build a targeted, aggressive defense. We challenge breathalyzer accuracy, police errors, and unreliable evidence while exposing flaws in the prosecution’s case. Expert witnesses and forensic analysis help us dispute claims of impairment. Through strategic cross-examinations and legal motions, we weaken the prosecution’s argument and fight to keep your record clean. Whether through negotiation or trial, we are prepared to defend your rights at every stage.
The 15-Day Rule: Don't Delay Your Defense
In Texas, after a DWI arrest, you only have 15 days to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to fight your license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically 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.
Protect Your License, Freedom, and Future
The clock is ticking — you only have 15 days to request a hearing to save your license. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Turnbull Legal Group today, and let us start building your defense.
