Mansfield, Texas DWI Lawyer You Can Rely On

Michael & Associates will accept felony and misdemeanor criminal cases of all types in the Dallas/Fort Worth 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 Texas, including Dallas and Tarrant counties. We are accepting new clients across the state, in all major metropolitan areas, including Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Cedar Hill.

Just like any other city in Texas, when you are stopped in Mansfield (or anywhere else in Tarrant County and across Fort Worth and Dallas), 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 Tarrant County and all of North Texas, the penalties you face for a DWI depend on 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

Being pulled over in Mansfield, Texas, for suspected DWI can be stressful — but what you do next can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how to handle the situation calmly and legally.

1. Don’t Try to Evade the Police
Trying to flee from officers in Mansfield or anywhere in Tarrant County can instantly escalate your case to a felony. It’s never worth it. Pull over safely, remain calm, and stay in your vehicle. Fleeing leads to additional charges and can result in jail time.

2. Keep Your Hands Visible and Stay Calm
When the officer approaches your window, place both hands on the steering wheel where they can be clearly seen. If you're asked for your driver’s license, registration, or insurance, calmly explain where you're reaching before moving your hands. Avoid sudden movements.

3. Be Respectful — But Don’t Volunteer Information
If the officer asks, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” — your safest response is, “I’m not sure, officer.”
Don’t admit to speeding, swerving, or drinking — these statements may be used against you later in Tarrant County court. Always stay polite; most traffic stops are recorded on bodycam or dashcam.

4. Know Your Legal Rights
You are not required to perform field sobriety tests or answer questions about drinking. You also have the right to refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, but this will likely result in an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) — a civil penalty that suspends your license, even without a conviction.
Still, a refusal may be better than providing potentially incriminating evidence. Talk to a Mansfield DWI lawyer immediately to understand your options.

5. Understand What Happens Next
If the officer believes you’re intoxicated — due to slurred speech, glassy eyes, or the smell of alcohol — you may be arrested. If you refuse testing, police can obtain a warrant for a mandatory blood draw. Cooperate once a warrant is issued to avoid physical force or obstruction charges.

6. Use Your Right to Remain Silent — And Request an Attorney
Do not answer further questions without a lawyer present. Say, “I would like to speak with my attorney.”
Invoking your right to counsel is not an admission of guilt — it’s a smart legal move. A skilled Mansfield DWI defense attorney can challenge test results, question the legality of the stop, and fight to protect your license and freedom in Tarrant County court.