When you get a DWI in Dallas county it is natural to feel ashamed, alone, deeply disappointed in yourself and even angry. It is also natural when falsely accused to feel deep resentment, bitterness towards the police and rage over feelings of violation and disrespect. If you get down on yourself please know that there will always be an end to this saga. “Drink. Drive Go to Jail” is NOT the law. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is NOT the law. Know that many good people have been where you are.
When you face a DWI in Dallas County it can be scary, intimidating, and exhausting. Throughout the process of your case, you will want a caring, knowledgeable, and hard-working team on your side. The Coffey Firm commits itself to helping you through this process.
Each of our attorneys work hands-on to ensure that you will feel comfortable, and are aware of all of your options. Our confidential evaluations are free, all you need to do is call us!
The Texas Penal Code defines a DWI, in section 49.04 as “A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.”
The Texas Penal Code defines Intoxicated, in section 49.01 as “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance in the body, or having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more.”
Did you know that for a DWI in Dallas:
- The State can still charge you for DWI if you are under .08 despite this being the legal amount?
- The State can still charge you for DWI based on prescription medication? For marijuana? For drugs?
- Most large North Texas counties have magistrates on standby to get a warrant for blood if you refuse to give a sample of breath or blood? As a result, there is no such thing as “No refusal weekend” anymore.
- You have a right to refuse to answer questions in a DWI? However, you must submit to handing over license, insurance and registration.
- You have a right to refuse to perform the field sobriety tests? In other words, the United States Supreme Court does require you step out the vehicle.
- The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s standardized field sobriety tests have been subject to scientific peer review criticism? For example, Doctor Spurgeon Cole study and Doctor Steve Rubenzer paper both criticize the SFSTs.
- Texas law requires that all Texas DWI blood test submissions include a margin of error?
- There are all kinds of scientific issues and concerns with proper breath and blood testing? For instance, fermentation can be a large problem in testing blood.
How do I find a license suspension or revocation?
You can go to the Texas DPS Website
You will need the following information:
- Texas Drivers License Number
- Date of Birth
- Last 4 Digits of your Social Security Number
The punishment range for a DWI in Dallas is:
1st DWI: Class B Misdemeanor, 3 – 180 Days, up to $2,000 fine
2nd DWI: Class A Misdemeanor, 30 Days – 1 Year, up to $4,000 fine
3rd DWI: 3rd Degree Felony, 2 – 10 Years, up to $10,000 fine
DWI w/Child Under 15: State Jail Felony, 6 Months – 2 Years, up to $10,000 fine
** If you get charged with a DWI with a B.A.C. of over .15 you will automatically be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor**
More about Mimi Coffey
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), and Possession charges. We can also help you try to seal your record or avoid probation revocation.
Mimi is also listed on several “top criminal lawyer near me” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI attorney Dallas County, DWI attorneys Collin County and DWI attorneys Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.