DWI Lawyer in Waco

Our Waco DWI defense attorneys know that Texas leads the nation in aggressively prosecuting drunk drivers. DWI charges are overwhelming, but we can fight them. While being arrested for Waco DWI is scary, our DWI defense law firm is committed to defending our clients and will be with you through this challenging time. Our attorneys have the skill, experience, and results to get the job done right. 

Driving while intoxicated charges are born from complicated legislation. When you’re hiring an attorney to fight DWI charges in Waco, make sure the attorney handles DWI defense on a routine basis. A skilled lawyer can build a vigorous DWI defense by knowing the science behind DWI, filing critical motions, cross-examining witnesses, and in-depth experience with ALR hearings. 

If you are arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in McLennan County, you need a trusted advocate on your side. Whether you were arrested for DWI in Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, Bellmead, Lacy Lakeview, or elsewhere in McLennan County, getting an experienced DWI defense attorney is critical.

Our Waco criminal defense lawyer will meticulously review your situation to ensure that the police followed all required procedures and properly administered the field sobriety tests. We may decide to bring in our expert witness to explain the results and shine a different light on the evidence for the jury. A failed breath test is not a reason to quit. It is a reason that you need to hire an experienced DWI defense lawyer in Waco. 

Arrested for DWI in Waco 

Drunk driving is a common criminal charge in Texas. And it can have a meaningful impact on your future. A DWI arrest in Waco is a problematic criminal case to defend. It usually based on an officer’s observations and supported by chemical testing. But with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney, it is possible to beat a DWI charge. 

McLennan County DWI Attorney

Intoxication is the loss of the regular use of one’s physical or mental faculties or has a blood or breath alcohol level at or above 0.08. It is in the Texas Penal Code while under the influence only deals with persons under the age of 21 under the Texas Alcoholic & Beverage Code. There is also a charge for being intoxicated in public. It is punishable by fine only; however, if a person receives deferred adjudication probation, then a person can seek an expunction of the arrest and punishment.

A conviction for DWI in Waco Texas

A conviction for DWI in Waco may result in you going to jail, hefty fines, installing an ignition interlock device, losing your license, having driving privileges restricted, and participating in a treatment program. A Waco criminal defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed with your case correctly.

A conviction for DWI stays on your record for life. But if you received deferred adjudication probation, you may be eligible for the arrest and punishment to be expunged from your criminal record. 

Driving for purposes of a DWI includes flying, boating, or operating an amusement ride. Additionally, DWI with a child younger than 15 years of age is a state jail felony. 

DWI has multiple implications as driver licenses may be suspended, surcharges payable to DPS, increased insurance cost, and special insurance named SR-22. This may cause the need for you to get an occupational driver’s license. Even more disconcerting is the enhanced punishment upon subsequent convictions. A person with two prior DWI convictions who is arrested can be charged with a felony charge and face 2 to 10 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.00. 

The Fines for a Waco, Texas DWI 

For the first conviction: up to $3,000 paid within three years.

For the second conviction: up to $4,500 within three years. 

If there was a BAC of 0.15 or more: up to $6,000.

Defending a DWI arrest in Waco, Texas 

You do have options after your Waco DWI arrest. We have tactics that you can use to get your charges dismissed or reduced. With an experienced DWI defense lawyer, we may be able to fight your drunk driving charges successfully. Some defenses to Waco DWI charges include:

  • Alcohol was not the reason for your driving issues
  • The officer observed fatigue, illness, allergies, sun exposure or other factors instead of intoxication
  • Field sobriety tests don’t accurately measure impairment
  • The officer lacked probable cause to make the stop
  • The arrest was illegal
  • A lack of evidence
  • You did not seem intoxicated during the field sobriety test
  • There were administrative mistakes related to blood or breath tests
  • The police failed to follow proper procedure in your arrest for DWI
  • Your Constitutional rights were violated

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense 

Most people who are arrested for DWI are first time offenders. You probably have a lot of questions and concerns about your future. Schedule a consultation with us so that you can talk to a lawyer face-to-face about your legal problems. In the meantime, please read our frequently asked questions about criminal defense

Hire a Waco Drunk Driving Attorney in McLennan County Texas

An experienced criminal defense attorney is necessary to fight these charges and help a person navigate the treacherous road and all of the pitfalls of intoxication charges. A Waco DWI attorney can help the local defendant with critical information about the local judge, jury, and prosecutors. If you need an aggressive DWI defense attorney in Waco, call us at 254-753-6437.

Hire a Top Waco DWI Attorney

Jim Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Jim Dunnam

Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law.

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Gerald R. Villarrial

Gerald R. Villarrial has practiced family law, criminal law and civil litigation for over 20 years.

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Mason Dunnam

Mason Dunnam is the fourth generation of Dunnam attorneys at the firm since 1925

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Since 1925, our attorneys have helped Central Texans accused of crimes. After being around nearly 100 years in Waco, we have seen it all. Let us help you too. Call us at 254-753-6437.