Posted by Wade Sparks
A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge in Texas can feel like a life sentence before the gavel even drops. In Tarrant County—home to bustling Fort Worth and strict law enforcement—DWI arrests are all too common. One mistake shouldn’t define your future, but without the right defense, it could. At Wade Sparks, the Law Spartan, we’ve defended countless clients against DWI charges, and we’re here to explain what you’re up against—and why a skilled criminal defense attorney is your best shot at freedom.
What Is a DWI in Texas?
In Texas, a DWI occurs when you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if alcohol or drugs impair your normal faculties. Tarrant County police and Texas DPS troopers are aggressive about enforcement, often using:
- Sobriety checkpoints
- Field sobriety tests (e.g., walk-and-turn)
- Breathalyzers or blood tests
- No Refusal Weekends
- Stakeouts outside of bars
First Offense Penalties: Even a first-time DWI can mean up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a license suspension of up to a year. Add court costs, probation fees, and a criminal record, and the stakes climb fast.
Common Questions About DWIs in Tarrant County
1. Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer? Yes, but it’s complicated. Texas’s “implied consent” law means refusing a test triggers an automatic 180-day license suspension. However, refusal might limit the prosecution’s evidence. A DWI attorney can weigh your options based on the stop’s details.
2. What If I Wasn’t Drunk—Just Tired or Medicated? Police don’t need a high BAC to charge you. If they believe prescription meds, marijuana, or fatigue impaired you, you’re still facing a DWI. We’ve beaten these cases by challenging subjective officer observations.
3. How Long Will This Stay on My Record? A DWI conviction in Texas is permanent unless you fight it. Even a dismissed charge can linger without sealing your records—something we can pursue for you.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for a DWI
Facing a DWI alone is like walking into a lion’s den unarmed. Here’s why hiring a Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer is non-negotiable:
- Challenging the Stop: Was the traffic stop legal? We scrutinize body cam footage and police reports for Fourth Amendment violations. An unlawful stop can get your case thrown out.
- Disputing the Evidence: Breathalyzers malfunction. Field sobriety tests are flawed. Blood tests can be mishandled. Our team works with forensic experts to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating Pleas: If the evidence is stacked against you, we can push for reduced charges—like reckless driving—or lighter penalties, sparing you jail time.
- Protecting Your License: Texas’s Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process kicks in fast. You have just 15 days after arrest to request a hearing. We fight to keep you driving.
- Avoiding a Record: A conviction tags you for life—hurting jobs, housing, and more. We aim for dismissals or not-guilty verdicts to keep your slate clean.
The DWI Process in Tarrant County
- Arrest: Booked at Tarrant County Jail, you’ll face a bond hearing.
- ALR Hearing: We contest your license suspension within 15 days.
- Pre-Trial: We negotiate with prosecutors and file motions (e.g., to suppress evidence).
- Trial: If needed, we defend you in court—often at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Every step is a chance to win—or lose. Without a lawyer, you’re at the mercy of an overworked system.
Tarrant County DWI Stats You Should Know
- In 2023, Texas saw over 25,000 DWI arrests statewide (TxDOT data).
- Tarrant County ranks high for DWI incidents, thanks to its population and nightlife hubs like West 7th Street.
- Repeat offenders face felony charges—up to 10 years in prison.
Don’t become a statistic. One call to a criminal defense attorney can change your outcome.
Why Choose Wade Sparks?
At Wade Sparks, the Law Spartan, we know Tarrant County’s courts, judges, and prosecutors inside out. Here’s what we bring:
- Local Expertise: Decades defending DWIs in Fort Worth and beyond.
- Proven Wins: From dismissals to acquittals, we’ve saved clients from the worst.
- 24/7 Availability: Arrested at 2 a.m.? We’re on it.
Act Now—Your Future Depends on It
A DWI charge isn’t the end—it’s the start of your fight. Don’t let Tarrant County’s tough-on-crime stance ruin your life. Call 817-371-3250 or visit www.lawspartan.com for a free consultation today. Time’s ticking—those 15 days to save your license won’t wait.
Got a DWI question? Drop it below or reach out. We’re here to help Tarrant County drivers like you.
