Stop & Arrest
Your rights at the stop, checkpoints, implied consent, blood warrants, and jail release.
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Deandra Grant Law defends people charged with DWI across Dallas-Fort Worth, North Texas, and Waco. We handle every level of the offense, from a first-offense DWI to high-BAC, repeat, and felony charges, including DWI with a child passenger, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, and drugged driving. Clients work with us from any of our six Texas offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Denton, Rockwall, and Waco.
A DWI charge is not a conviction, and the evidence behind it is rarely as solid as it looks. The firm has tried more than 500 cases to verdict and built its reputation on the science, led by a forensic lawyer-scientist who authors the Texas DWI Manual and trains other DWI attorneys. That combination of trial record, forensic credentials, and statewide recognition is why clients across Texas trust us with their cases.
Getting started is simple and at no cost to you. Call us or schedule an appointment online to talk through what happened, understand your options, and arrange representation. The sooner we begin, the more we can do to protect your license and your record.
What Is a DWI in Texas?
In Texas, DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, a person commits a DWI by operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. “Intoxicated” means either:
- Losing the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, drugs, or a combination, or
- Having a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
A first DWI is usually a Class B misdemeanor. The charge rises quickly with a high BAC, a child passenger, repeat offenses, or an accident that injures or kills someone.
This is the short version. For the full breakdown, see What Is a DWI?, and for how it differs from an underage charge, see DWI vs DUI in Texas.
Explore DWI Topics
A Texas DWI case has many moving parts. Each hub below covers one part in depth, from the roadside stop to clearing your record.
Tests & Evidence
How breath, blood, and field sobriety tests work, and how each one can be wrong.
Explore Tests & EvidenceALR & License
The 15-day rule, ALR hearings, suspensions, and how to keep driving.
Explore ALR & LicensePenalties
Jail, fines, probation, interlock, and classes, broken down by offense level.
Explore PenaltiesCourt Process
What happens from your first court setting through plea, diversion, or trial.
Explore Court ProcessCollateral Consequences
How a DWI affects your job, insurance, immigration status, guns, and travel.
Explore Collateral ConsequencesRelated Offenses
Public intoxication, open container, MIP, evading arrest, and more.
Explore Related OffensesRelated Charges
The full range of DWI charges we handle in courts across Texas. Each of the following has dedicated page coverage with detailed analysis of the specific legal issues and forensic challenges involved.
Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)
Operating a watercraft while intoxicated, carrying penalties similar to a Texas DWI.
Learn MoreDriving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
A DWI based on drugs rather than alcohol, where the State must prove impairment from a controlled substance.
Learn MoreMarijuana DWI
Driving while impaired by marijuana, prosecuted the same as alcohol-based DWI.
Learn MorePrescription Drugs DWI
Driving while impaired by prescription medication, charged the same as alcohol DWI.
Learn MoreCDL DWI
A commercial driver charged with DWI faces license disqualification and career-ending consequences.
Learn MoreDWI with Child Passenger
Driving while intoxicated with a child under fifteen aboard, a felony in Texas.
Learn MoreFirst-Offense DWI
A first driving-while-intoxicated charge in Texas, usually a Class B misdemeanor.
Learn MoreIntoxication Assault
Causing serious bodily injury to another while driving intoxicated, a third-degree felony.
Learn MoreIntoxication Manslaughter
Causing a death while driving intoxicated, a second-degree felony in Texas.
Learn MoreSecond / Multiple DWI
A second or subsequent DWI carries harsher penalties than a first offense.
Learn MoreUnderage DWI
A driver under twenty-one with any detectable alcohol faces DWI or DUI charges.
Learn MoreCase Results
Real outcomes from real Texas DWI cases we have taken to verdict.
reduced
Intoxication Manslaughter
Felony intoxication manslaughter reduced to a misdemeanor before trial
dismissed
Boating While Intoxicated
Boating while intoxicated charge dismissed
dismissed
DUI
DUI charge dismissed
dismissed
DWI 0.15
DWI with high blood alcohol content dismissed
dismissed
DWI 2nd
Second offense DWI charge dismissed
not-guilty
DWI
Not guilty verdict on DWI charge at trial
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique.
Why Deandra Grant Law for DWI Defense
Six reasons clients across Texas trust us to defend their DWI charges.
Unmatched Forensic Credentials
Attorney Deandra Grant is the only Texas DWI attorney holding the ACS-CHAL designation, a pharmaceutical-science master's, and forensic-toxicology training.
500+ Trials Statewide
Since 1994 the firm has tried over 500 cases to verdict statewide, exclusively DWI and criminal defense.
Former Prosecutor
Attorney Deandra Grant prosecuted DWI cases as a Dallas County ADA, so she knows exactly how the State builds them.
Mitigation at No Cost
Comprehensive mitigation reports with clinical assessments, work specialists charge $3,500 to $5,000+, provided at no additional cost.
We Wrote It
Attorney Deandra Grant authored the Texas DWI Manual and 17 legal books defense lawyers across the state rely on.
Credentialing Authority
Attorney Grant administers and grades the ACS-CHAL and DUIDLA board exams that certify other DWI attorneys nationwide.
As Seen In
The media outlets that turn to our attorneys for insight on Texas DWI law.
Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
Meet the forensic-trained trial lawyers who will personally handle your case.
Deandra M. Grant
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Douglas E. Huff
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Jada Fairley
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Jason Bowes
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Kevin Sheneberger
Read Attorney ProfileOffices Handling These Cases
Find a Deandra Grant Law office near you, with locations across Texas.
Allen
1333 W. McDermott Drive, Suite 180, Allen, TX 75013 Visit This Office
Dallas (HQ)
3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75219 Visit This Office
Denton
1317 E. McKinney Street, Suite 101A, Denton, TX 76209 Visit This Office
Fort Worth
4500 Airport Freeway, Suite 101, Fort Worth, TX 76117 Visit This Office
Waco
605 Austin Avenue, Suite 5, Waco, TX 76701 Visit This OfficeCourthouses We Appear In
Bell County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Bell County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Collin County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Collin County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Cooke County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Cooke County, Texas: where cases are heard in Gainesville,…
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Coryell County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Coryell County, Texas: where cases are heard in Gatesville,…
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Dallas County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Dallas County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Denton County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Denton County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Ellis County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Ellis County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Grayson County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Grayson County, Texas: where cases are heard in Sherman,…
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Johnson County Courthouse
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Johnson County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Kaufman County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Kaufman County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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McLennan County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in McLennan County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Rockwall County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Rockwall County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
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Tarrant County Courts
Everything you need to know about criminal court in Tarrant County, Texas: where cases are heard at the…
View Courthouse InfoBooks & Guides
Free books and guides to help you understand your Texas DWI case.
The Texas DWI Manual
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Surviving Your DWI in McLennan County
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Surviving Your DWI in Bell County
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Surviving Your DWI in Hays County
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Surviving Your DWI in Tarrant County
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Surviving Your DWI in Travis County
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Surviving Your DWI in Kaufman County
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Surviving Your DWI in Rockwall County
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Surviving Your DWI in Ellis County
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Surviving Your DWI in Grayson County
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Surviving Your DWI in Cooke County
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Surviving Your DWI in Collin County
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Surviving Your DWI in Denton County
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Surviving Your DWI in Dallas County
Get the BookBlogs
Clear articles on Texas DWI law, common defenses, and the court process.
Ask Deandra: What’s the Difference Between an Ignition Interlock and a SCRAM Device?
Read ArticleAsk Deandra: How Does a DWI Impact My CDL?
Read Article
Ask Deandra: When Does a DWI Become a Felony in Texas?
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Ask Deandra: What Is the Penalty for a Third (or More) DWI in Texas?
Read Article
Ask Deandra: What Is the Difference Between Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter?
Read Article
Ask Deandra: What Is the Penalty for a Second DWI in Texas?
Read ArticleVideos
Watch our attorneys explain DWI charges, penalties, and how we build defenses.
Can an Officer Legally Make Me Exit My Vehicle During a DWI Investigation in Texas? | Find Out Now!
Watch the Video
Can Fatigue or Sleep Deprivation Mimic Intoxication Signs in Texas? | Learn More from Deandra Grant
Watch the Video
Can Boots, Heels, or Sandals Affect Field Sobriety Test Performance in Texas? | Find Out Now
Watch the Video
How Long Can Officers Wait Before Administering a Blood or Breath Test in Texas? | Find Out Now!
Watch the Video
Can a Judge Require Random Alcohol Testing While My Case is Pending in Texas? | Learn More Now
Watch the Video
Can I Be Charged with DWI in Texas if the Officer Misinterpreted My Medical Condition? | Call Us
Watch the VideoWhat Our Clients Say
What our clients say about working with Deandra Grant Law.
★★★★★
Lifesavers! Deandra Grant Law Helped Me Navigate My DWI Charge I can't recommend Deandra Grant Law enough! From the very beginning, they were incredibly supportive and understanding throughout my DWI case. Their expertise in the legal system was reassuring, and their communication was fantastic. They kept me informed every step of the way and truly fought for the best possible outcome in my case. Thanks to my attorney, Kevin , I was able to get the charges reduced, and avoid jail time. If you're facing a DWI charge, don't hesitate to contact them. They're the best!
blazer
★★★★★
Deandra Grant Law and the whole staff were very helpful in my DWI case. Through the client portal they are very quick to help and answer any questions you have. To them no question is a stupid one and they will always answer truthfully and respectfully. I was looking at a possible 24 months supervised probation but this team worked magic and got me 16 months! Amazing—highly recommended to anyone who is having doubts about their DWI case.
Christian Sherwood
★★★★★
Highly recommended! Excellent, efficient, and highly educated attorney's and staff that keep up with the "now" and not the past. If you find yourself in the middle of a criminal charge or want to clear your record on an eligible non conviction/not guilty charge (including DWI), give Hamilton Grant a call, they are the best! I promise :)
Christina Edwards
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions Texans ask most about DWI charges and defense.
Is a DWI a felony in Texas?
Most first and second DWIs are misdemeanors. A DWI becomes a felony on a third offense, when a child under 15 is in the car, or when someone is seriously injured or killed.
What is the legal alcohol limit in Texas?
The limit is a BAC of 0.08 for most drivers, 0.04 for commercial drivers, and any detectable amount for drivers under 21.
How long do I have to save my license after a DWI arrest?
You have 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing. If you miss that deadline, your license suspension begins automatically.
Can I refuse a breath or blood test in Texas?
Yes. Texas implied consent law means refusal carries a license suspension, but you can still decline, and there are situations where that matters for your defense.
Will I lose my license after a DWI?
Not automatically, if you act in time. A suspension can come from the ALR process and from a conviction, but requesting the ALR hearing within 15 days protects your license while the case proceeds. We handle the ALR hearing and the criminal case together.
Can a DWI be removed from my record?
Sometimes. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may qualify for an expunction. Certain cases can be sealed with an order of nondisclosure.
Do you have to be driving to get a DWI in Texas?
No. Texas law has no statutory definition of "operating" a vehicle, so courts apply a "totality of the circumstances" test. A person found behind the wheel of a parked car, even asleep with the engine running, can be charged if the facts show they took action to use the vehicle.
Do old DWI convictions still count in Texas?
Yes. Texas removed its 10-year "remoteness" rule in 2005, so a prior DWI can raise a new charge no matter how long ago it happened. A decades-old first DWI can still make a new one a second offense.
Where can you be charged with a DWI in Texas?
Anywhere that counts as a "public place," which Texas defines broadly as any place the public can access, including streets, highways, parking lots, and the common areas of apartments and office buildings, not just public roads.