DWI Defense Attorneys Who Will Fight For You

The consequences of a DWI arrest and conviction are serious. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI), it is important that you contact a skilled DWI defense lawyer immediately.

At the Shapiro Law Firm, we vigorously represent people charged with DWI and DUI in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We examine every possible defense strategy and seek to obtain the best possible outcome.

Call us today at 972-833-8196 to speak with one of our experienced defense lawyers.

If you have been arrested and charged with DWI/DUI in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you have just 15 days after notification of a driver’s license suspension to challenge the suspension.

Minimizing The Consequences Of A DWI Arrest

In recent years, fines for a DWI conviction have increased dramatically. You also face the probable suspension of your driver’s license, sharply higher auto insurance rates and possible jail time.

When representing you, our criminal defense lawyers will examine every possible defense strategy that could produce a favorable outcome, including:

• The legality of the traffic stop and investigation
• Admissibility of breath and blood test results
• Violation of your rights before, during and after your arrest

If such a mistake was made in your case, it could result in a dismissal of the DWI charge or reduction to a nonalcohol driving offense. We also work hard to look for alternatives to harsh sentences and loss of driving privileges in impaired driving cases.

Facing A DWI: A Timeline

A DWI charge in Texas triggers a long and rigid legal process that often lasts several months or even a year. You likely feel an immediate sense of urgency, but the court system moves slowly and follows a specific sequence of events. 

• Arrest: A police officer stops your vehicle, administers field sobriety tests and requests a breath or blood sample before taking you into custody.
• Bond: A magistrate judge reviews your charge within 48 hours to set a bail amount and release conditions, which may include installing a device on your car that tests for alcohol.
• Arraignment: You appear in a Collin County court for the first time to hear the formal charges against you and enter an initial plea of “not guilty” while we evaluate the case.
• ALR hearing: We request a specific hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your driver’s license, which allows us to question the arresting officer under oath before the criminal trial begins.
• Discovery: The prosecutor hands over the evidence they have against you, including police reports, body camera footage and blood test results, for our team to analyze.
• Motion practice: We file formal requests to ask the judge to throw out evidence if the police stopped you illegally or if the lab mishandled your blood sample.
• Plea vs. trial: You decide whether to accept a negotiated deal from the prosecutor or force the state to prove its case against you in front of a jury.
• License reinstatement: You pay the necessary reinstatement fees and provide proof of special insurance to the state to legally drive again after the case concludes.

Each step in this timeline presents a unique opportunity to weaken the prosecution’s case. We will use the early stages to gather the ammunition we need to fight for you during the later, high-stakes court dates.

When A DWI/DUI Charge Must Be Challenged

Despite what police would like the public to believe, Breathalyzers are not infallible. Additionally, if an officer did not have reasonable suspicion to pull someone over, the charges will likely be thrown out of court. Arresting officers are also required to administer field sobriety tests according to certain prescribed procedures. If they fail to adhere to proper protocol, a DWI/DUI arrest may be thrown out as well.

If the circumstances surrounding your DWI/DUI arrest make it advisable to challenge it, we have the investigative and forensic resources needed to expose violations of proper procedure, poorly maintained or improperly calibrated Breathalyzers and violations of your constitutional rights.

Whether this is your first DWI arrest or you have one or more prior convictions, The Shapiro Law Firm can help. Once you contact our DWI lawyers, we will take over your case. We represent our clients in court and in administrative license revocation ( ALR) hearings, and often, they do not even need to make an appearance.

Bond Conditions In DWI Cases

Getting released from jail does not mean you are free to live as you please while the case is pending. The court imposes strict rules to ensure you appear in court and do not re-offend.

Typical terms include a complete ban on alcohol consumption, enforced by random testing. You may have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, requiring a breath sample before the engine starts. 

Judges can also restrict your travel, forbidding you from leaving Collin County or Texas without prior approval. Additionally, you may be subject to random urinalysis or required to wear a continuous alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet. These conditions can interfere with your job and family life. 

We can file a motion to modify these bond conditions if they become unmanageable. We will present evidence to the judge to request permission for work-related travel or to remove an interlock device if you meet specific legal criteria.

Collateral Consequences Of A DWI Conviction

The punishment for driving while intoxicated extends far beyond the courtroom and probation. Insurance companies label you as a high-risk driver. This designation causes premiums to skyrocket and can lead to policy cancellation. 

International travel becomes difficult, as countries like Canada frequently deny entry to anyone with a DWI on their record, regardless of how long ago it happened. Noncitizens face even higher stakes, as a conviction can trigger deportation proceedings or block naturalization.

Furthermore, the charge stays on your permanent criminal record, appearing on background checks that landlords and employers review. This mark can disqualify you from housing applications, professional licenses and career opportunities long after you pay your fines.

Will I Have To Appear In Court?

You generally must appear for your scheduled court dates in Collin County. While we handle the legal arguments and negotiations with the prosecutor, judges expect defendants to attend hearings to demonstrate compliance with bond conditions.

Missing a court date results in a warrant for your arrest and the forfeiture of your bond. However, having us represent you means you spend less time waiting and more time living your life.

We will manage the docket and speak on your behalf, protecting you from direct questioning by the judge or prosecutor. We will ensure you know exactly when to arrive and what to expect so you never face the judge alone.

Contact A DWI Attorney In Plano Today

At the Shapiro Law Firm, we understand that people make mistakes. We also know that mistakes should not follow people around forever. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI), please contact the Shapiro Law Firm by calling 972-833-8196.