DWI Attorneys in Denton, TX
Over Three Decades of DWI Defense. Local Denton County Courts. Flexible Consultations.
If you were arrested for driving while intoxicated in Texas, contact a DWI attorney in Denton immediately. A DWI arrest in Denton County triggers two separate proceedings at once: a criminal case and an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. You have exactly 15 days from the date of arrest to request that ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Miss that deadline and your license is automatically suspended, regardless of what happens in your criminal case. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, our attorneys bring over three decades of combined experience in criminal defense and know how to move fast when it counts.
Not all DWI situations are open and shut. Even when the facts look bad, don’t give up. We have executed successful legal strategies in cases the state considered slam dunks. A skilled DWI lawyer in Denton County may be able to work around the negative aspects of your case by challenging the evidence, questioning the legality of law enforcement procedures, and turning procedural errors to your advantage.
Call (940) 400-0475 to discuss your situation in a free consultation with our DWI lawyers in Denton today.
Understanding DWI-Related Offenses in Texas
Under Texas Penal Code section 49.04, a person commits DWI when operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Texas defines intoxication two ways: a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or loss of normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or any drug. A BAC of 0.15% or higher elevates a first offense from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. For drivers under 21, Texas’s zero-tolerance law applies to any detectable amount of alcohol. There is no minimum BAC threshold for that charge. Denton County operates a dedicated DA DWI Unit that prosecutes these cases daily and is widely regarded as one of the tougher DWI jurisdictions in North Texas, making experienced local defense counsel important from day one.
The consequences of a drunk driving conviction extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting your driving privileges, finances, employment prospects, and personal freedom. Our attorneys represent clients charged with a full range of DWI and DUI-related offenses:
- Misdemeanor DWI
- Felony DWI
- Driving under the influence by a minor
- DWI with a child passenger under the age of 15 (felony)
- DWI with a suspended license
- DWI by a repeat offender (possibly a felony)
- Intoxication assault (felony)
- Intoxication manslaughter (felony)
Key Issues in Denton County DWI Cases We Handle
Timing is critical. The 15-day ALR deadline is just one example of how quickly the window for protecting your rights can close after an arrest. The ALR process runs entirely parallel to your criminal case, and an ALR hearing also gives our attorneys an early opportunity to question the arresting officer under oath, well before the criminal trial begins. During Denton County No Refusal periods, officers can seek a warrant from an on-call judge to compel a blood draw even if you refuse chemical testing, and the county uses a standardized blood draw protocol at local hospitals. Misdemeanor DWI cases are processed in a county court at law. Felony DWI cases go to a district court, each with different prosecutors and different expectations.
Some of the issues and matters our Denton DWI firm handles include:
- ALR Hearings
- Requesting occupational drivers’ licenses for those whose licenses are under suspension
- Various issues related to the state’s misleadingly entitled No Refusal Weekend
- Matters related to breath and blood tests
- Checkpoint issues
Our DWI Defense Services in Denton
Each service area below reflects the specific issues we address when building a defense strategy tailored to your case.
DWI Arrest Challenges
We scrutinize the details of your arrest to identify any potential violations of your rights, challenging improper procedures or constitutional violations. An unlawful stop can support a motion to suppress evidence. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case may not survive.
Field Sobriety Test Analysis
Our Denton DWI attorneys are skilled at analyzing field sobriety tests and challenging their reliability and validity in court. Standardized tests such as the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand must follow NHTSA protocols exactly. Poor lighting, uneven pavement, or a client’s health conditions can all undermine the results.
Breathalyzer & Blood Test Challenges
We assess the accuracy and legality of breathalyzer and blood test results, looking for procedural errors that could cast doubt on their validity. Breath testing machines require regular calibration and maintenance, and blood draws must comply with Texas Transportation Code section 724.017; chain-of-custody problems are a recognized defense avenue when samples move between hospitals, police evidence rooms, and testing labs.
License Suspension Hearings
If you’re facing license suspension, we represent you in administrative hearings and fight to protect your driving privileges.
Negotiation & Trial Representation
We negotiate with prosecutors to seek favorable outcomes when the facts of your case support that approach. If your case proceeds to trial, our DWI attorneys provide assertive courtroom representation before the judges and prosecutors we know from years of practicing in Denton County courts.
Contact Our DWI Defense Team in Denton
Don’t face DWI charges alone. At Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC, we approach every case with personalized attention and a commitment to keeping you informed at every stage. We offer flexible scheduling, including night and weekend consultations, so you can reach us when you need us most. Your future matters to us, and we’re ready to fight for it.
Contact our DWI lawyers in Denton today. Call (940) 400-0475 or reach us online to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: DWI Defense in Denton
What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for Suspicion of DWI?
Remain calm and cooperative, and provide your license and insurance when asked. Beyond that, you have the right to remain silent. You aren’t required to answer questions about your alcohol consumption or perform field sobriety tests. Politely decline and let the officer know you’d like your attorney present before answering further questions. Then contact a DWI attorney at Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC as quickly as possible.
How Can a DWI Conviction Affect My Driving Privileges?
A DWI conviction in Texas can result in a license suspension whose length depends on the specifics of your offense and your driving history. You have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension. During that period, an attorney can help you pursue options like applying for an occupational license, which allows limited driving under specific conditions.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Texas?
Under Texas’s implied consent law, holding a driver’s license means you’ve agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for suspected DWI. Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can result in immediate license suspension and may be used against you in court. You do have the right to refuse, but the legal consequences are real. If you’re facing this decision, contact a DWI attorney at Goline & Roland Law Firm, PLLC to understand your options before acting.
How Long Do I Have to Request an ALR Hearing After a DWI Arrest in Denton County?
You have exactly 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension that is entirely separate from, and prior to, any criminal conviction. The ALR process runs independently of your criminal case, which means your license can be suspended even if the criminal charges are later reduced or dismissed. Contact a DWI attorney in Denton as soon as possible after an arrest to preserve this right.
DWI Penalties in Texas by Offense Level
Understanding what a conviction actually carries helps you recognize what is at stake before your case is resolved. Texas law sets penalty ranges by offense level, and Denton County courts, backed by a dedicated DA DWI Unit, apply those ranges seriously, particularly for repeat offenders.
First Offense DWI
A standard first offense is a Class B misdemeanor carrying 72 hours to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, with license suspension of up to one year. Most first-time offenders receive community supervision rather than confinement, but supervision in Denton County typically includes a drug and alcohol evaluation, completion of a DWI education class within 180 days, attendance at a Victim Impact Panel, and monthly reporting to the Denton County Community Supervision Department.
If your BAC was 0.15% or higher at the time of testing, the charge is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000, and a mandatory ignition interlock device. A single BAC reading can shift the entire sentencing landscape, which is one reason challenging the accuracy and procedural validity of breath and blood tests matters so much.
Second Offense DWI
A second DWI conviction is a Class A misdemeanor: 30 days to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000, license suspension ranging from 180 days to two years, and a mandatory ignition interlock device as a bond condition. The Denton County DA’s DWI Unit pursues meaningful penalties at this level, and prosecutors may be less likely to offer the flexibility available on a first offense.
Third Offense & Felony DWI
A third DWI conviction is a third-degree felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, plus license suspension of up to two years. A felony conviction also affects civil rights, including the right to vote while incarcerated and the right to possess a firearm. DWI with a child passenger under 15 is a state jail felony even on a first offense, carrying 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.
The True Cost of a DWI Conviction in Denton County
Jail time and fines are only part of what a conviction costs. Legal fees, court costs, license reinstatement fees, mandatory insurance increases, and lost wages can push the total cost of a DWI conviction in Denton County past $20,000. A conviction also stays on your criminal record permanently in Texas, with lasting effects on employment applications, housing eligibility, and access to certain government programs. Outcomes vary based on the facts of each case, but the potential consequences at every offense level make early, experienced legal representation one of the most important decisions someone facing a DWI charge can make.
