DWI After a Cowboys Game at AT&T Stadium: Stadium Area Stops and Your Defense

Attending a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington is always an exciting event. Whether you’re there to cheer on the team or enjoy the overall atmosphere, it’s easy to let loose and have fun. However, if you choose to drive after the game and find yourself pulled over by law enforcement for suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), it could quickly turn into a serious legal situation.

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Given the large crowds and the party atmosphere surrounding the stadium, DWI arrests are common after events. Law enforcement is vigilant in this area, knowing that alcohol consumption tends to increase significantly during such high-energy events. That’s why understanding the legal process and your rights is crucial if you’re stopped by an officer near AT&T Stadium. In this blog, we will explore the potential scenarios of a DWI stop near the stadium, common defense strategies, and how an experienced DWI defense attorney can help protect your rights.

The Stadium Environment: Increased DWI Risk and Law Enforcement PresenceDWI After a Cowboys Game at AT&T Stadium Stadium Area Stops and Your Defense

AT&T Stadium, the iconic home of the Dallas Cowboys, is a large venue that attracts thousands of fans for every game. The excitement around Cowboys games brings a unique set of challenges for drivers and law enforcement. With so many fans attending the event and drinking alcohol, it’s not uncommon for police officers to increase patrols in the stadium area, especially after the game ends.

Key Areas for DWI Stops Around AT&T Stadium

When it comes to DWI enforcement, certain areas surrounding AT&T Stadium are more likely to see increased police presence. These areas are known for having heavy traffic, especially right after the game when many fans are heading home.
  • Parking Lots and Tailgate Areas: Many fans gather in parking lots before and after the game to tailgate. If you’ve been drinking, these areas are often where officers will begin their patrols, looking for signs of impaired driving. Officers are trained to spot behaviors like weaving between parking spaces or delayed reaction times.
  • Main Roads Near the Stadium: Roads like Collins Street, Randol Mill Road, and AT&T Way often experience a rush of vehicles leaving the stadium after an event. These are prime locations for DWI checkpoints or traffic stops. Officers may set up sobriety checkpoints on these busy roads, screening drivers for signs of intoxication.
  • Surrounding Highways and Access Roads: Highways such as I-30 and I-820, which connect directly to AT&T Stadium, also see increased patrols during game days. These roads lead to and from major traffic areas, and police often use them to monitor vehicles for impaired driving.
During peak times after a Cowboys game, these high-traffic areas are especially vulnerable to police scrutiny. Officers are actively on the lookout for drivers showing signs of impairment, so the likelihood of a DWI stop increases significantly.

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What to Expect During a DWI Stop After the Game

If you’re stopped after a Cowboys game for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you might wonder what to expect during the encounter. A DWI stop is a serious event, but understanding the process can help you stay calm and make better decisions. Here’s what typically happens during a DWI stop near AT&T Stadium:

1. The Initial Stop and Interaction with Police

The officer may pull you over for a minor traffic infraction such as speeding, swerving, or even failing to signal. Once they approach your vehicle, they will be looking for signs that suggest you might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These signs can include:
  • Bloodshot or watery eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady movements
  • The smell of alcohol on your breath
The officer’s first goal is to assess whether they have probable cause to continue investigating. They may ask you questions like where you’re coming from, whether you’ve been drinking, or if you’ve had any drugs. It’s important to remember that while you’re not required to answer self-incriminating questions, how you respond can set the tone for the rest of the stop.

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2. Field Sobriety Tests: What They Entail

If the officer suspects you’ve been drinking, they may ask you to perform a field sobriety test (FST). Field sobriety tests are used by officers to assess whether a driver is intoxicated. Common FSTs include:
  • The Walk-and-Turn Test: This involves walking in a straight line, turning on one foot, and walking back in the other direction. The officer is looking for balance issues or an inability to follow instructions.
  • The One-Leg Stand Test: You’re asked to stand on one leg for a set period while counting aloud. This test evaluates your ability to maintain balance, which can be affected by alcohol.
  • The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test: This test examines the movement of your eyes when following a moving object. It helps the officer identify involuntary eye movements, which can be a sign of alcohol consumption.
It’s important to know that field sobriety tests are not always accurate. Factors such as fatigue, medical conditions, or even nervousness can cause you to perform poorly, even if you haven’t been drinking.

3. Breathalyzer or Blood Test: What Happens Next

If the officer believes you are intoxicated based on the field tests, they may request that you take a breathalyzer test to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Texas, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. If your BAC is above this limit, you will likely be arrested for DWI. However, you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test. But keep in mind that refusing a test can lead to immediate consequences, such as a license suspension. Additionally, police may request a blood test, especially if they believe you’re under the influence of drugs rather than alcohol.

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4. Arrest and Processing at the Station

If you are arrested, you’ll be taken to a nearby station for booking. During this time, additional tests may be conducted, and you will likely face charges for DWI. The officer will prepare a report that includes your BAC level, the results of any sobriety tests, and other evidence gathered during the stop.

Common Defenses in DWI Cases

A DWI charge is serious, but there are several ways to defend against it. Here are common defense strategies used by experienced attorneys to challenge DWI charges:

1. Challenging the Legitimacy of the Stop

One of the most effective defenses is to challenge the initial reason for the stop. Police can’t pull over a vehicle without a reasonable suspicion of illegal activity. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop your car, your attorney could argue that the stop was unlawful, and any evidence obtained as a result of that stop should be inadmissible in court.

Case Results

Not Guilty

.17 Alcohol Level Was Reported

Case Dismissed

Arrested for DWI

Thrown Breath Score Out

.17 Breath Test

Case Dismissed

Assault Causing Bodily Injury of a Family Member

Case Dismissed

Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 3, under 28 grams

Trial – Not Guilty

Continuous Sexual Abuse of A Child

Case Dismissed

Driving While Intoxicated With a Blood Alcohol =0.15

Trial – Not Guilty

Violation of Civil Commitment

Dismissed-Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted

Driving While Intoxicated

Dismissed-No Billed by Grand Jury

Assault Causing Bodily Injury of a Family Member with Prior

Case Results

Not Guilty

.17 Alcohol Level Was Reported

Case Dismissed

Arrested for DWI

Thrown Breath Score Out

.17 Breath Test

Case Dismissed

Assault Causing Bodily Injury of a Family Member

Case Dismissed

Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 3, under 28 grams

Trial – Not Guilty

Continuous Sexual Abuse of A Child

Case Dismissed

Driving While Intoxicated With a Blood Alcohol =0.15

Trial – Not Guilty

Violation of Civil Commitment

Dismissed-Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted

Driving While Intoxicated

Dismissed-No Billed by Grand Jury

Assault Causing Bodily Injury of a Family Member with Prior

2. Field Sobriety Test Errors

Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by many factors unrelated to alcohol consumption. Poor performance on an FST doesn’t necessarily mean you’re intoxicated. Your attorney could argue that your physical condition, fatigue from attending a long game, or even weather conditions (such as standing on an uneven surface) affected your performance.

3. Breathalyzer or Blood Test Inaccuracies

Breathalyzer machines must be calibrated regularly to provide accurate readings. If the machine wasn’t properly calibrated, the results could be inaccurate. Additionally, if you weren’t given a reasonable opportunity to request a second test, this could be grounds for challenging the results.

4. Medical or Physical Conditions

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or neurological disorders, can mimic the symptoms of intoxication, including slurred speech, confusion, or unsteady movements. If you suffer from a condition that could have contributed to your behavior during the stop, it may provide a strong defense.

Why You Need an Experienced DWI Attorney

Navigating a DWI charge is difficult, and the consequences can be severe, including fines, license suspension, or even jail time. If you’ve been arrested for DWI near AT&T Stadium, hiring an experienced attorney is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected. A skilled DWI defense attorney can help you understand the legal process, investigate the details of your case, challenge evidence, and potentially reduce or dismiss charges. At Deandra Grant Law, we specialize in defending clients against DWI charges in the Arlington and Dallas areas. Contact us today for a free consultation. If you’re arrested for DWI after a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, don’t panic. While it’s important to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement, understanding your rights and options is crucial to building a strong defense. Remember that not every stop leads to a conviction, and there are several ways to challenge the evidence against you. Reach out to Deandra Grant Law for experienced legal representation. Our team is here to fight for your rights and ensure that your case is handled with the attention and care it deserves.

To learn more about this subject click here: What’s the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI?