Fort Worth DWI Attorney
Understanding a DWI Arrest and Trial in Texas and Tarrant County
The moment a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of intoxication can change your life forever. From a suspended license to fines up to $10,000 to jail time — DWIs are not something to take lightly. Know your options before it’s too late.
What Is a DWI in Texas?
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas is more than just drinking and getting behind the wheel — it is a legal determination based on whether a person has lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Many people assume a DWI only applies if someone is clearly over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%, but Texas law goes further than that.
Even if a person’s BAC is below 0.08%, they can still be charged if an officer believes their ability to operate a vehicle has been impaired. A DWI is not always about a number — it is about perception, observations, and how a situation is interpreted in the moment.
How Texas law defines intoxication:
(a) not having the normal use of mental faculties; (b) not having normal use of physical faculties; or (c) having a blood/alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater.
In many cases, a DWI begins with a routine traffic stop. Something as simple as a lane change, speeding, or even a minor equipment issue can lead to an interaction with law enforcement. Officers are trained to look for specific signs such as the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or unsteady movement. Field sobriety tests may be requested — and while many people believe these tests are definitive, they are often subjective and influenced by factors such as nerves, fatigue, or even physical conditions.
A skilled DWI attorney should argue that field sobriety tests are imperfect. An experienced lawyer has seen many drivers struggle with a test simply due to the conditions — uneven pavement, high heels, or underlying medical issues — that have nothing to do with intoxication.
Officers may also ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Many people believe that refusing the test will prevent their arrest — this is patently untrue. In fact, refusing the breathalyzer can bring additional penalties. (Note: breathalyzer machines have occasionally been known to give inaccurate readings due to medical conditions like GERD or a hiatal hernia.)
The First 24–48 Hours After Arrest
What Happens and Why It Matters
The first 24 to 48 hours after a DWI arrest are often the most confusing and overwhelming. For many individuals, this is their first experience with the legal system. After being pulled over and arrested, a person is typically taken into custody, booked, and processed — which may include fingerprinting, photographs, and documentation of the arrest. Depending on the situation, they may be released on bond within a relatively short period or held temporarily until arrangements can be made.
Important: During this initial period, law enforcement is actively gathering and preserving evidence — breath or blood test results, officer observations, dashcam or bodycam footage, and any statements made during or after the stop. What is said and how tests are administered can all become critical components of the case. Call an attorney as early as possible.
Emotionally, this stage can be overwhelming. It is common to feel anxious, embarrassed, or unsure about what to do next. Questions about court dates, potential consequences, and daily life begin to surface immediately. This is where many people unintentionally make mistakes — not because they intend to, but because they simply do not understand the process. What happens during these first 24–48 hours sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Consulting with a Tarrant County DWI Lawyer can help you learn what lies ahead so you can make an informed plan for dealing with a Tarrant County DWI arrest.
Your Driver’s License & the ALR Process
A Separate Process That Moves Fast
One of the most immediate and often overlooked consequences of a DWI arrest in Texas involves your driver’s license. Many individuals assume license status will be addressed later in court — but in reality, the process begins almost immediately through what is known as the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program. This is a separate process from the criminal case, and it operates on its own timeline.
The ALR hearing focuses on whether there was reasonable suspicion for the initial stop, probable cause for the arrest, and whether proper procedures were followed during testing. If your appeal is denied, as many are, a skilled Tarrant County ALR attorney may be able to help you obtain a Texas Occupational Driver’s License so that you can still commute to work while awaiting trial.
Losing driving privileges affects work, school, and family responsibilities. Understanding how the ALR process works — and acting on it immediately — is critical to maintaining those privileges and protecting your options going forward.
Navigating Your Criminal Case
How the Case Builds and What to Expect
While the administrative process unfolds, the criminal side of your DWI case is also moving forward. This is where the State begins building its case based on evidence collected during and after the arrest. Contrary to what many people believe, this process does not resolve quickly — it often takes months, as evidence is reviewed, reports are completed, and legal procedures are followed.
A DWI case is not just about what happened during the arrest — it is about how that information is presented, challenged, and interpreted over time. The details matter, and each case is unique.
Potential Consequences & Hidden Costs Restructured
A DWI conviction in Texas can carry a range of consequences that extend well beyond the immediate legal process. Many individuals are surprised to learn how a single incident can continue to impact different areas of their life long after the case is resolved.
In addition to court fees, people convicted of a DWI without adequate legal counsel often face various unexpected fees that can add up to thousands of dollars on top of the $500–$600 already paid in court and probation fees:
Beyond the tangible consequences, there is also a personal aspect to consider. The stress, uncertainty, and long-term implications of a DWI can take a toll emotionally. It is not just about resolving a case — it is about understanding how that case fits into your life moving forward.
Why Acting Early Can Make a Difference
Timing Is One of the Most Critical Factors
One of the most important factors in any DWI case is timing. The decisions made early on can have a lasting impact, yet this is often the stage where people feel the most uncertain. Waiting too long can limit available options and make it more difficult to address key issues later — including that critical 15-day ALR deadline.
Acting early allows for a more thorough understanding of the case from the beginning. It provides an opportunity to review the details, identify potential concerns, and take the necessary steps to protect your driving privileges and legal standing. Every DWI case is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach — which is why taking the time to understand the specifics early on is so valuable.
A DWI arrest is not the end of the road — but it is a situation that requires attention, awareness, and timely action. As an experienced Tarrant County DWI attorney, Shane Lewis can help lessen the stress by giving you strong, reliable legal counsel and advice that will take some of the sting out of the criminal process.