Fort Worth DWI Attorney

Personalized DUI Defense Representation in Texas

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common criminal offenses in Texas. Those accused of DWI face severe consequences, including jail time, driver's license suspension, substantial fines, and much more. You must select the right DWI attorney in Fort Worth to protect your freedom.

The dedicated DWI lawyers in Fort Worth at the Law Office of David Sloane stand ready to defend those accused of DWI throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. DWI Defense Attorney David Sloane has over 40 years of experience related to DWI investigation, arrest, and defense. As a former Police Lieutenant, David Sloane has specialized training. He has trained other police officers on properly administering standardized field sobriety tests and Intoxilyzer breath-testing equipment. David Sloane and his team of dedicated criminal defense lawyers have the unique and in-depth experience to quickly analyze a DWI case and determine the proper defense for you.

Choosing our firm guarantees not only a seasoned approach but also a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of Fort Worth's legal landscape. We ensure every client benefits from robust representation informed by decades of law enforcement and courtroom experience, with special attention given to the nuances of local legal standards and practices. This approach helps create defenses that are not only comprehensive but also highly targeted, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Are you facing DWI charges in Fort Worth and unsure how to protect your rights? Call Law Offices of David Sloane today at (817) 349-7118 or contact us online for the experienced defense you need!

Understanding DWI Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04

In Texas, a person commits the offense of driving while intoxicated if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.

The State must prove the following to secure a DWI Conviction:

1. On or about a date
2. In the particular county
3. The defendant operated
4. A motor vehicle
5. While intoxicated.

A thorough understanding of Texas Penal Code § 49.04 is critical in building a strong defense. Our team reviews each arrest's circumstances, scrutinizing evidence such as breathalyzer test procedures and field sobriety tests, which might be contested based on protocol errors or misjudgments by arresting officers.

Alcohol vs. Non-Alcohol DWI: What You Need to Know

Did you know a person can be arrested for DWI without drinking a drop of alcohol?

Many are shocked to learn the Texas legal definition of “intoxicated” encompasses intoxication by marijuana, prescription medication, and other non-alcohol substances.

Under the Texas Penal Code, Intoxication is defined as:

1. not having the regular use of mental faculties because of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, drug, or any other substance into the body,
2. not having the regular use of physical faculties because of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, drug, or any other substance into the body, or
3. Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.

It is important to note that the first two definitions of “intoxication” are completely subjective—i.e., based on one’s opinion. This subjective criterion can lead to an innocent person being arrested and charged with DWI.

Our firm places significant emphasis on investigating these subjective assessments to ensure that any charges or subsequent assertions by law enforcement are backed by concrete evidence. Our legal strategy often involves collaborating with expert witnesses who can effectively challenge the reliability of evidence, emphasizing the potential for false positives and improper testing methods. This thorough, evidence-based approach can make all the difference in complex DWI cases.

Severe DWI Penalties in Texas

1st DWI – Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by between 3 and 180 days in jail and/or a maximum $2,000 fine

DWI Open Container – Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by between 6 and 180 days in jail and/or a maximum $2,000 fine

2nd DWI – Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by between 30 Days and 1 year in jail and a fine ranging from $2,000 to $4,000

DWI BAC >/= 0.15 – Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum 1-year jail sentence and/or a fine of up to $4,000

DWI – Child Passenger (<15y/o) – State Jail Felony, punishable by between 180 days and 2 years in state jail facility and/or a maximum $10,000 fine

Felony DWI (DWI 3rd) – 3rd Degree Felony, punishable by between 2 years and 10 years in prison and/or a maximum $10,000 fine

Due to various factors, most District Attorney Offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex prosecute DWI cases to the fullest extent permissible under the law. As evidenced in the chart above, a person accused of DWI faces severe consequences if convicted. It is of the utmost importance those accused secure a DWI lawyer in Fort Worth to protect their interests, rights, and freedom.

The gravity of DWI penalties necessitates the proactive involvement of a skilled attorney to navigate the legal landscape effectively. Understanding local legal precedents and working closely with defendants to construct robust arguments can mitigate sentencing and fines. Our firm adopts a proactive approach, researching all avenues to obtain lesser charges or alternative sentencing that reflects the case's specifics and the defendant's character, ensuring each client receives the best possible defense.

Areas Served by Our Fort Worth DWI Defense Attorneys

The Fort Worth DWI lawyers with the Law Offices of David Sloane defend people accused of DWI throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including:

• Tarrant County
• Dallas County
• Parker County
• Denton County
• Wise County
• Johnson County
• Hood County
• Ellis County
• Collin County

Focusing exclusively on the Fort Worth area, we offer a defense that is acutely aware of the local judiciary’s intricacies. From understanding the tendencies of specific judges to leveraging procedural strengths in Tarrant County, our defense strategies are crafted with insight into the broader legal and cultural fabric of Fort Worth, providing clients with a localized advantage.

Don’t face DWI charges alone. Reach out to a trusted Fort Worth DWI attorney now for skilled representation tailored to your case!

Frequently Asked Questions