A DWI arrest in Irving can feel overwhelming, but the arrest itself doesn’t have to determine your future. At Varghese Summersett, our Irving DWI lawyers have successfully defended hundreds of clients facing drunk driving charges throughout Dallas County. With former prosecutors, board-certified legal specialists, and over 1,200 five-star reviews, we bring the trial experience and personalized attention that your case deserves.
In this article and video, we walk you through the steps you need to take if you’re stopped on suspicion of DWI, what you should do afterward to start protecting your future, and why contacting an experienced Irving DWI lawyer as soon as possible is crucial. Time is of the essence.
What to Do If You’re Arrested for DWI in Irving: 5 Critical Steps
The steps you take immediately after a DWI arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Whether you were arrested in Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, or anywhere in Irving, following these critical steps will protect your rights and strengthen your defense.
1. Exercise your right to remain silent. First and foremost, remain calm and polite with the officers. While you should never resist arrest or become argumentative, you also have constitutional rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights respectfully but firmly. Be courteous with officers, but do not discuss the details of your case or answer questions about drinking without an attorney present.
2. Request an ALR hearing within 15 days. You have only 15 days from your arrest to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license through an Administrative License Revocation hearing. Missing this deadline means your license will be automatically suspended, so time is of the essence. At Varghese Summersett, we will handle the ALR hearing for you.
3. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. This cannot be stressed enough: anything you say can be used against you in court. Do not talk about the details of your case with jail staff, other inmates, friends, or family — especially on recorded jail phone lines. All jail calls are monitored and recorded, and prosecutors routinely use these conversations as evidence.
4. Document everything while details are fresh. Before memories fade, write down everything you remember about the traffic stop and arrest. Document what the officer said, how the field sobriety tests were conducted, whether you were read your Miranda rights, the weather and road conditions, and any other observations you can recall. Note the time of the stop, whether the officer seemed to follow proper procedures, and if there were any witnesses present. These details can prove invaluable as we build your defense strategy.
5. Call Varghese Summersett immediately at 214-903-4000. As soon as possible after your release, contact our experienced Dallas-area DWI defense team. Our former prosecutors and board-certified criminal law specialists know Irving cases inside and out. The sooner we can begin investigating your case — preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing dash cam or body camera footage — the stronger your defense will be.
Our team is intimately familiar with the Irving courts, local procedures, and prosecutors. We know what happens from the moment handcuffs go on to your final court appearance — and we know exactly how to protect your rights at every stage. This local knowledge, combined with our background as former prosecutors, gives us unique insight into how the state will build its case against you and how to effectively counter their strategy
What Happens After You’re Arrested for DWI in Irving
Understanding the arrest process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you to make informed decisions. When Irving police arrest you for DWI, you’ll typically be transported to the Irving City Jail, located at 305 N O’Connor Road, Irving, TX 75061, for booking and processing.
During this time, officers will collect your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs. They likely will also conduct a formal breath or blood test if you gave consent or if they obtained a warrant.
The booking process can take several hours to complete. You’ll likely be held until you are arraigned and can post bond or are released on a personal recognizance bond, depending on your criminal history and the specific circumstances of your arrest. If your case involves aggravating factors — such as a high blood alcohol concentration, an accident, or a child passenger — the bond amount may be higher and release may take longer.
After release, you’ll receive a court date. DWI cases are handled by the Dallas County criminal courts, either in the county criminal courts at law or the county district courts, depending on whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Most first-time DWI or second DWI offenses are classified as misdemeanors, and these cases are typically prosecuted in the Dallas County Criminal Courts at Law.
If your DWI offense involves aggravating circumstances (such as multiple prior DWIs, serious injury, or child endangerment), it will be treated as a felony. Felony DWI cases are filed in the Dallas County Criminal District Courts.
Working with an experienced Irving DWI lawyer at this stage is critical — your attorney can guide you through court appearances, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight to protect your driving privileges and record. Many people are unaware that time is crucial after a DWI arrest. You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license — a deadline our attorneys never let clients miss.
Why Local Experience Matters in Irving DWI Cases
Irving sits at the crossroads of multiple highways and serves as a major hub for both residents and visitors to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The city’s location means the Irving police actively patrol areas such as Las Colinas, the entertainment district near the Toyota Music Factory, and major thoroughfares, including State Highway 114, Interstate 635, and Interstate 35E. Our attorneys regularly handle cases arising from stops in all these areas and understand the specific enforcement patterns and procedures local officers follow.
DWI cases in Irving are prosecuted through the Dallas County court system for most misdemeanor and all felony charges. Our former prosecutors are familiar with the judges, understand how Dallas County prosecutors evaluate cases, and have established relationships built on professionalism and credibility. This familiarity enables us to negotiate more effectively and anticipate prosecution strategies, providing our clients with a significant advantage.
We serve clients throughout the Irving area, including Valley Ranch, North Irving, South Irving, and the Las Colinas business district. Our Dallas office, located at 2100 Ross Ave., offers convenient access for clients in Irving, just a short drive away via Interstate 35E or State Highway 114.
How Varghese Summersett Defends Irving DWI Cases
Every DWI case is unique, and cookie-cutter defense strategies rarely produce the best results. Our approach begins with a comprehensive investigation of every detail surrounding your arrest. We obtain and scrutinize all police reports, dash cam and body camera footage, and calibration records for breath testing devices. We examine whether the traffic stop was legally justified, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered, and whether your rights were violated at any point.
Challenging the scientific evidence is often crucial in DWI cases. Breath and blood tests are not infallible, and improper administration or equipment malfunctions can produce inaccurate results. Our team includes attorneys with specialized training in DWI science who can identify flaws in testing procedures and challenge unreliable results. We’ve successfully excluded blood test results, breathalyzer readings, and other evidence when proper protocols weren’t followed.
Beyond the technical aspects, we focus on you as a person, not just a case number. Our Irving DWI lawyers take time to understand your circumstances, your concerns, and what’s at stake in your life. Whether you’re facing a first-time DWI charge or a more serious repeat offense, we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation and goals. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to take your case before a jury when that’s the best path forward.
The Stakes in an Irving DWI Case
A DWI conviction carries consequences that extend far beyond fines and court costs. Even a first-time conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, driver’s license suspension, increased insurance rates, and mandatory DWI education classes. For many professionals, a DWI conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, and security clearances.
The penalties escalate dramatically with aggravating factors. If your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher, if a child was in your vehicle, or if you have prior DWI convictions, you face enhanced charges with more severe consequences. A second DWI becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail, while a third DWI is a third-degree felony with potential prison time.
These stakes make it critical to have an attorney who takes your case seriously and fights aggressively for the best possible outcome. Our Irving DWI lawyers have helped clients achieve dismissals, reductions to lesser charges, not guilty verdicts at trial, and favorable plea agreements that minimize the impact on their lives and futures.
What Sets Varghese Summersett Apart
When you’re facing DWI charges in Irving, you need more than just any attorney — you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for you. Our firm stands apart for several reasons. We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the state builds DWI cases and how to dismantle their strategies. Several of our attorneys hold board certification in criminal law, a distinction earned by fewer than one percent of Texas attorneys and recognized as the highest level of expertise in the field.
Our track record speaks for itself, boasting over 1,200 five-star reviews from clients who have experienced our dedication firsthand. We’ve handled thousands of criminal defense cases throughout North Texas, including complex DWI trials and challenging negotiations. Yet despite our size and success, we maintain a client-first approach that ensures you receive personalized attention and direct communication with your Irving DWI lawyer throughout your case.
We’re not a high-volume firm that treats clients as numbers. We carefully select the cases we accept so we can dedicate the time and resources each client deserves. From your first consultation through the resolution of your case, you’ll work with experienced Irving DWI lawyers who genuinely care about protecting your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing a DWI arrest can leave you with countless questions about what comes next. From costs and timelines to license suspensions and the possibility of getting charges reduced or dismissed, it’s natural to feel uncertain about your options. To help you better understand the process and what to expect, our experienced Irving DWI lawyers have answered some of the most common questions below.
How much does an Irving DWI lawyer cost?
Legal fees for DWI defense vary based on the complexity of your case, whether it goes to trial, and other factors. We offer free consultations, during which we’ll review your case and provide transparent information about costs. Many clients find that investing in experienced legal representation saves them far more in the long run by avoiding convictions, reducing charges, or minimizing penalties. Call 214-903-4000 today for a free consulation with an experienced Irving DWI lawyer.
Should I just plead guilty to my Irving DWI?
Never plead guilty without first consulting an experienced DWI attorney. Many cases that seem straightforward have viable defenses — illegal stops, improper testing procedures, or rights violations. Even if the evidence appears strong, an attorney may be able to negotiate a better outcome than you could achieve on your own. A DWI conviction has lifelong consequences, so it’s worth exploring all your options first.
Can I get my Irving DWI dismissed?
Dismissals are possible when we identify serious flaws in the state’s case — such as an illegal stop, violation of your rights, or unreliable test results. While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, we’ve achieved dismissals for many clients by thoroughly investigating cases and aggressively challenging weak evidence. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
What happens to my license after a DWI arrest in Irving?
Your driver’s license faces automatic suspension through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process, which is separate from your criminal case. You must request an ALR hearing within 15 days of your arrest to challenge the suspension. Our attorneys handle both the criminal case and the ALR hearing, giving you the best chance to keep your driving privileges.
How long does an Irving DWI case take?
The timeline varies considerably based on whether your case is resolved through negotiation or goes to trial, the court’s schedule, and the complexity of your case. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others — particularly those going to trial — may take a year or more. We work efficiently while ensuring we thoroughly prepare your defense and pursue the best possible outcome.
Do I need an Irving-based attorney, or can you help from Dallas?
While our primary office is in Dallas, we regularly represent clients in Irving and throughout Dallas County. Our familiarity with the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures gives you the same advantage as a local attorney. Our Dallas location is convenient to Irving, and we’re committed to being accessible whenever you need us.
Contact Our Irving DWI Lawyers Today
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Irving, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, or anywhere in the Dallas area, don’t wait to seek legal help. The decisions you make in the days following your arrest can significantly impact your case. Our team is ready to review your situation, explain your options, and begin building your defense immediately.
We offer free, confidential consultations where you can speak directly with an experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney about your case. There’s no obligation, and everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Irving DWI lawyer and take the first step toward protecting your freedom, your license, and your future.
Varghese Summersett
Dallas Office
Phone: 214-903-4000
