A conviction for DWI in Tarrant County can lead to:
- Jail time
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Driver's license suspension
- A 30% to 90% price increase for insurance premiums
- A permanent criminal record
- Loss of employment opportunities
However, remember that being arrested does not necessarily mean you'll be convicted. Our mission is to ensure one mistake doesn't derail your life. We prioritize getting your charges dismissed or reduced, and we're prepared to take your case to trial if that's what it takes to achieve a favorable outcome.
Types of DWI Charges in Fort Worth and Their Penalties
First-Time DWI
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Driver's license suspension
- Permanent criminal record
We've helped many first-time offenders avoid convictions through dismissals, plea bargains, or deferred adjudication. Some may qualify to seal their record later.
Second DWI
- Class A misdemeanor
- Up to one year in jail
- Minimum 3-day jail term (even with probation)
- Fines up to $4,000
- No eligibility for deferred adjudication
- Up to 24 months of probation
Even a dismissed first DWI can be used against you. Tarrant County courts treat second offenses very seriously.
Third or More (Felony DWI)
- Felony charge
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Minimum 10 days in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- Felony on your permanent record
These cases require a skilled and aggressive defense team with extensive experience in felony trials.
Common DWI Enhancements
Certain factors can increase penalties significantly:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher – Class A misdemeanor, permanent conviction
- Open Container – Mandatory 6-day jail sentence
- Child Passenger – Felony charge with up to 2 years in prison
These enhancements also come with harsher license suspensions and probation terms.
Why Choose Michael & Associates for a Tarrant County DWI?
We're a white-glove law firm committed to exceptional legal defense and client service. Every member of our DWI team has a proven track record defending clients in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County. We handle DWI cases in surrounding counties as well and are known for delivering results.
Local Experience in Fort Worth & North Texas Courts
Our DWI lawyers are well-versed in the Fort Worth legal system. We have established deep relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff — providing you with a strategic advantage from day one.
Aggressive, Trial-Ready DWI Defense
We treat every DWI charge as if it’s headed to trial. Our team digs into the evidence, challenges procedural mistakes, and builds a tailored defense designed to protect your freedom, license, and record.
Unmatched Perspective
Many of our attorneys have spent their entire careers in criminal defense, while others bring experience as former prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and even judges. This diversity lets us see your case from every angle and think outside the box.
Client Service that Stands Out
We’re proud of our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and the glowing testimonials from clients we’ve defended. You’ll always be treated with respect, empathy, and urgency.
24/7 Access to Experienced Attorneys
DWI arrests don’t keep office hours — and neither do we. Our DWI lawyers are available in Fort Worth around the clock to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Clear Communication, No Surprises
One of our senior trial attorneys will review your options and keep you updated every step of the way. We don't pass you off to a junior associate. We will also text reminders of all important deadlines and appearances.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing
No hidden fees or nickel-and-diming. We prefer to focus on your defense, not your wallet.
Free Case Review and Confidential Guidance
Start with a no-obligation consultation. Our lawyers will review your DWI arrest, explain your rights, and give you a clear plan of action.
Our Proven Strategy for Beating a DWI in Fort Worth
Our approach is aggressive, strategic, and backed by experience on both sides of the courtroom.
Here's what we do for you:
- Launch a full investigation into your arrest
- Review body cam footage, field sobriety tests, and test procedures
- Identify constitutional violations or legal errors
- Cross-examine the arresting officer
- Work with expert witnesses when needed
- Fight for a dismissal, reduction, or acquittal
Whether it's negotiating a favorable deal or going to trial, we do what it takes to get results.
What Counts as a DWI in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, you commit DWI if you operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. You're legally intoxicated if:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or
- You've lost the regular use of mental or physical faculties due to drugs, alcohol, or both.
You can still be charged even if your BAC is under the legal limit or if you refuse testing. While it is within your rights to refuse a breath or blood test, doing so often triggers automatic license suspension.
What Happens to Your License After a DWI?
After a DWI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will begin an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. If you don't request an ALR hearing within 15 days, your license will be automatically suspended for 90 to 180 days, or longer for CDL holders.
How We Help:
- File immediately for an ALR hearing to delay suspension
- Represent you at the hearing
- Use the hearing to cross-examine officers and gather evidence
- If needed, file for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL) – we can’t remember the last time we had an ODL request denied
We work fast to protect your driving privileges and keep you on the road.
Consequences of a DWI Conviction
Even a first-time DWI conviction in Texas can follow you for years. In addition to fines and possible jail time, a DWI on your record can create serious, long-term problems:
Employment and Career
- A DWI shows up on background checks.
- It can jeopardize professional licenses and limit job opportunities.
Commercial Driving
- Holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) can lose their license — and, often, their livelihood.
Auto Insurance
- Premiums may rise 30–90%.
- Higher rates can continue for 3–5 years.
Gun Ownership
- A felony DWI conviction can permanently bar you from owning or possessing firearms.
Ignition Interlock Device
- Judges may order an ignition interlock device as a condition of probation.
- These devices are costly, inconvenient, and must be installed in every vehicle you drive.
Statistics: DWI Case Outcomes in Fort Worth
The first thing to understand about a DWI charge is the case outcome. Most cases don’t end up going to trial – instead, an outcome gets worked out with the prosecutor. That process takes longer than average in Tarrant County, with nearly 40% of 2024 felony DWI cases still unresolved.
You can see the data from Fort Worth DWI charges below:
| Disposition |
1st DWI |
2nd DWI |
Felony DWI |
| Dismissal |
2.2% |
1.25% |
2.9% |
| Convicted – Guilty or Nolo |
45% |
56% |
43% |
| Deferred Adjudication |
16.5% |
1.85% |
1.4% |
| Motions to Revoke Granted / Revoked |
5.8% |
6.7% |
7.6% |
| Motions to Revoke Denied / Continued |
3.3% |
3.2% |
5.4% |
| Other* |
26.7% |
29.1% |
39.5% |
| Conviction by the Court |
0% |
0.07% |
0% |
| Acquittal by the Court |
0.05% |
0.07% |
0% |
| Conviction by the Jury |
0.7% |
0.5% |
0.2% |
| Acquittal by the Jury |
0.22% |
0.4% |
0% |
Source: https://courtsdata.traviscountytx.gov/CriminalAnalytics/
*Other includes cases that are currently unresolved.
