A DWI arrest in Longview can put your license, your job and your record at risk in a single night. But an arrest is not a conviction. With an experienced DWI defense lawyer on your side, you have options — and the sooner you act, the more of them you keep.
This guide explains the penalties you may face in Texas, the two separate battles every DWI case involves and how a local attorney can challenge the evidence against you.
What Counts as DWI in Texas?
In Texas, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated if you operate a vehicle in a public place while:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, or
- You have lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, prescription medication or a combination
That second definition means you can be arrested for DWI even with a BAC under 0.08, or after taking a legally prescribed medication.
Penalties for DWI in Texas
DWI penalties increase with each offense and with aggravating factors. Depending on the facts, a conviction can bring:
- Jail time — from a few days on a first offense to years in prison for felony DWI
- Fines and court costs in the thousands of dollars
- Driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock device requirements
- Higher insurance rates and possible job loss
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
A third DWI, a DWI with a child passenger or a crash causing serious injury can be charged as a felony.
The Two Battles in Every DWI Case
Most people don’t realize that a DWI arrest starts two separate cases:
- The criminal case in Gregg County court, which decides guilt and penalties
- The administrative license case, which can suspend your driver’s license automatically if you refused or failed a breath or blood test
You have only a short window after your arrest to request a hearing to fight the license suspension. Miss it, and the suspension can take effect on its own. Learn more about DWI license suspension and revocation and how to protect your right to drive.
How a DWI Defense Lawyer Challenges the Evidence
DWI cases often rely on evidence that can be challenged. A skilled defense attorney will examine:
- The traffic stop — did the officer have a lawful reason to pull you over?
- Field sobriety tests — were they given and scored correctly, and did conditions like weather, footwear or medical issues affect your performance?
- Breath test results — was the machine properly maintained and the operator certified?
- Blood tests and warrants — was the blood drawn, stored and tested correctly, and was the warrant valid?
- Body-cam and dash-cam video — does the footage match the police report?
If key evidence was obtained unlawfully, your attorney can ask the court to suppress it. That can lead to reduced charges or a dismissal.
Why Choose Ryan R. Hill as Your Longview DWI Lawyer
Ryan R. Hill, a DWI defense lawyer in Longview, has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience in East Texas. Clients choose the firm because of:
- Deep local roots in Gregg County courts
- Membership in the National College for DUI Defense and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Experience with every type of DWI — first offense, repeat, felony, drug and prescription DWI and minor-in-possession cases
- Help with occupational and restricted licenses so you can keep driving to work
- Se habla español
See the full range of DWI cases we handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a DWI defense lawyer for a first offense? Yes. A first DWI can still mean jail time, fines, license loss and a permanent record. A lawyer can challenge the evidence and look for alternatives to a conviction.
Can I beat a DWI if I failed the breath test? Possibly. Breath test machines must be properly maintained and operated, and the stop itself must be lawful. Problems with either can weaken the case.
Will I lose my license after a DWI arrest? Not necessarily. You can request a hearing to fight the suspension, and you may qualify for an occupational or restricted license.
What if I was arrested for DWI on prescription medication? You can still be charged if the medication impaired your driving. These cases are often harder for the state to prove, and a defense lawyer can challenge the evidence of impairment.
How much does a DWI defense lawyer cost? Fees depend on the charge and the complexity of the case. Ask about costs during your free consultation.
Talk to a Longview DWI Defense Lawyer Today
If you were arrested for DWI in Longview, Gregg County or anywhere in East Texas, time matters. Call Ryan R. Hill, Attorney at Law, at 903-296-3075 for a free consultation.
