Balcones Heights Texas DWI / DUI Lawyer Who Fights for You

Michael & Associates will accept felony and misdemeanor criminal cases of all types in the San Antonio area. We work on cases that include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

DUI / DWI
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Assault & Battery
Family Violence
Domestic Abuse
 

We don’t practice:

Traffic Law
Family Law
Immigration Law
Civil Law

Our firm is licensed to practice law in every county in the state of Texas, including Bexar County. We are accepting new clients across the state, in all major metropolitan areas.

Just like any other city in Texas, when you are stopped in Balcones Heights (or anywhere else in Bexar County), anyone operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can be charged with DWI. Your BAC is the number that represents the saturation level of alcohol in your system. Exactly how many drinks it takes to reach or exceed 0.08% varies from person to person. Your height, weight, and gender are all contributors. It primarily relies on how long it has been since you took a sip of alcohol. 

In Bexar County, it all comes down to whether or not you have any prior convictions.
 
First Offense
A fine as high as $2,000
Up to 6 months in jail, with 3 days mandatory
Losing your license for a year
 
 

Second Offense
A fine as high as $4,000
From 30 to 365 days in jail
Losing your license for as many as two years
 
 

Third Offense
$10,000 fine
2 to 10 years in prison
Losing your license for as many as two years

 
Additional penalties that might apply for having an underage passenger in the motor vehicle:
Increased fines up to $10,000
Up to two years in jail
Six additional months of driver’s license suspension

Facing a traffic stop in Balcones Heights, TX, for suspected DWI? Follow these steps to protect your rights and prevent your situation from worsening.

1. Do not flee from police

Fleeing from an officer in Balcones Heights can lead to immediate arrest and prison time. Stay calm and pull over safely—you cannot outrun the police, and attempting to do so will escalate charges.

2. Stay calm and keep your hand visible

When the officer approaches your vehicle in Balcones Heights, keep both hands visible, ideally on the steering wheel. Politely provide your license and paperwork when asked, but first inform the officer where you’re reaching. You don't want to create a misunderstanding.

3. Be polite, but don't offer unnecessary information

If asked why you were stopped, politely say, “I’m not sure, officer.” Admitting to any violation can provide the police with probable cause to use in Bexar County courts, thereby weakening your defense. Always be respectful—you’re likely on bodycam.

4. Know your rights

In Texas, you can refuse breathalyzer or field sobriety tests, but refusal triggers an Administrative License Suspension (ALR) for up to one year. A DWI conviction in Balcones Heights may result in license suspension anyway. Consult a lawyer to fight for the best outcome.

5. Understand what's next

If the officer suspects DWI—based on slurred speech, alcohol odor, or bloodshot eyes—you may be detained. Police may request a breathalyzer or a blood test. Refusal leads to license suspension, and officers in Balcones Heights can obtain a warrant to draw blood forcibly. Cooperate once a warrant is issued to avoid unnecessary force.

6. Remain silent and ask for a lawyer

Don't answer questions without a lawyer present. Politely request to speak with your attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can challenge evidence and protect your rights in Bexar County courts.