How to Find the Best DWI Lawyer in Texas
The best DWI lawyer for your case is a board-certified criminal defense attorney who practices daily in your local courthouse, has tried DWI cases to juries, and understands both prosecution and defense strategies. Finding this attorney requires researching local specialists, checking their trial experience, and meeting them before you hire.
A DWI conviction in Texas under Texas Penal Code § 49.04 carries consequences that follow you for life. Your choice of attorney directly affects whether you face jail time, lose your license, or carry a permanent criminal record. Here’s how to find the right lawyer for your case.
Step 1: Search for DWI Lawyers in Your County
Start by finding attorneys who practice in the courthouse where your case will be heard. Search “[Your City] DWI Lawyer” to build an initial list. Local matters because Texas DWI law is the same statewide, but every courthouse operates differently.
An attorney who appears daily in your courthouse knows the judges, prosecutors, and what arguments work in specific courtrooms. They understand which prosecutors negotiate and which push every case to trial. They know which judges are strict on first offenses and which focus on rehabilitation.
For example, if your case is in Tarrant County, you want an attorney at the Tim Curry Justice Center regularly. Hiring an out-of-town lawyer means paying for someone to learn what local attorneys already know. Varghese Summersett has DWI defense teams across North Texas and the Houston area, including:
- Fort Worth DWI Lawyer (Tarrant County)
- Dallas DWI Lawyer (Dallas County)
- Houston DWI Lawyer (Harris County)
- Fort Bend DWI Lawyer (Fort Bend County)
- Collin County DWI Lawyer (Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney)
- Denton County DWI Lawyer (Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound)
- Irving DWI Lawyer (Dallas County)
- Southlake Criminal Defense (Tarrant County)
Step 2: Check Experience, Reviews, and Results
Narrow your list by examining each attorney’s track record. Look for lawyers who have handled hundreds of DWI cases, not dozens. Check Google reviews, Avvo ratings, and client testimonials. See if they’ve been recognized by organizations like Super Lawyers or Texas Monthly.
Pay attention to how long the firm has practiced DWI defense specifically. General practice attorneys who occasionally handle DWIs lack the specialized knowledge that dedicated DWI lawyers develop. Board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization signals advanced expertise.
Former prosecutors often make strong DWI defense attorneys because they understand how the state builds cases and where weaknesses exist.
Step 3: Schedule Consultations With Your Top Choices
Contact your top three to five attorneys and request consultations. Most experienced DWI lawyers offer free initial consultations by phone, video, or in person. This meeting is your opportunity to evaluate whether this attorney is right for your situation.
Prepare a summary of your arrest, including the date, location, whether you took a breath or blood test, and any statements you made. The more information you provide, the more specific guidance the attorney can offer.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions During Your Consultation
Your consultation reveals whether an attorney has genuine expertise or is simply a good salesperson. Ask direct questions and expect specific answers.
Essential questions for any DWI attorney:
- How many DWI cases have you personally tried to a jury verdict?
- Are you board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?
- Have you worked as a prosecutor? In which counties?
- How often are you personally in the courthouse where my case is pending?
- Will you handle my case, or will it be passed to an associate?
- What is your approach to my specific situation?
Be cautious of attorneys who offer to start your case for little or no money down. This often indicates a volume-based practice where your case becomes one of hundreds. Similarly, question attorneys who sent you a solicitation letter. The best DWI lawyers rarely need to chase clients because their reputation generates referrals.
Trust your instincts about communication. If an attorney seems rushed, dismissive, or unable to explain legal concepts clearly, that pattern will continue throughout your case.
Step 5: Hire the Attorney Who Fits Your Case and Budget
Every DWI case is different. A first-time DWI with a .09 BAC requires a different approach than a third DWI with a blood draw. The attorney who’s right for one case may not be right for another.
Consider cost carefully, but don’t choose based on price alone. Cheap representation often means inexperienced representation. We regularly see clients who hired a low-cost attorney initially, then come to us after their case has been damaged. Fixing mistakes costs more than doing it right the first time.
Your driver’s license, your criminal record, and potentially your freedom are at stake. This is not the time to bargain hunt.
Why Varghese Summersett for DWI Defense
Our team includes former Tarrant County and Dallas County prosecutors who now defend clients facing DWI charges. We’ve prosecuted thousands of DWIs and understand exactly how the state builds these cases. Now we use that knowledge to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
We question police officers about their training, their procedures, and their mistakes. We review dash cam and body cam footage that often tells a different story than the police report. We examine whether the traffic stop was legal, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether blood or breath samples were properly handled under Texas Transportation Code § 724.012.
Our attorneys have obtained dismissals and reductions even when clients were intoxicated because officers made procedural errors. From improper stops to mishandled evidence, these mistakes create opportunities that experienced defense attorneys know how to use.
We take time to understand your goals. For some clients, that means fighting for a jury trial. For others, it means negotiating the best possible resolution. Your strategy depends on your circumstances, and we tailor our approach to what matters most to you.
With offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, our DWI defense team represents clients throughout Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a DWI Lawyer
How much does a good DWI lawyer cost in Texas?
Experienced DWI attorneys in Texas typically charge between $5,000 and $15,000 for a first-time DWI, with felony DWI cases or cases going to trial costing more. Fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and your county. Be wary of attorneys charging significantly below market rates.
Can a lawyer get a DWI dismissed in Texas?
Yes, DWI cases can be dismissed when defense attorneys identify problems with the traffic stop, the arrest, the field sobriety tests, or the handling of blood or breath evidence. Not every case qualifies for dismissal, but an experienced attorney will evaluate every potential weakness in the prosecution’s case.
Should I hire a lawyer for a first-time DWI?
Absolutely. A first-time DWI in Texas carries up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a license suspension of up to one year under Texas Penal Code § 49.04. Beyond legal penalties, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing. An attorney may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed.
What’s the difference between a DWI lawyer and a regular criminal defense attorney?
DWI defense requires specialized knowledge of breath and blood testing science, field sobriety test protocols, ALR hearings, and ignition interlock requirements. Attorneys who focus on DWI defense understand these technical areas at a level that general criminal defense attorneys typically do not.
How quickly should I hire a DWI attorney after my arrest?
Contact an attorney within the first few days after your arrest. You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing to fight your license suspension. Missing this deadline means automatic suspension. Early involvement also allows your attorney to preserve evidence and begin building your defense immediately.
Get a Free Consultation With an Experienced DWI Attorney
If you’re facing a DWI charge anywhere in Texas, call Varghese Summersett today at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation. Our team of board-certified criminal defense attorneys and former prosecutors will review your case and explain your options. Whether you need a Fort Worth DWI lawyer, a Dallas DWI attorney, a Houston DWI lawyer, or representation in Collin County, Denton County, or Fort Bend County, we’re ready to fight for you.
