DWI Lawyer Dallas
» Print This PageFacing DWI or DUI Charges in Dallas? You Could Lose Your License, Your Job and Your Freedom.
A DWI arrest in Dallas County changes everything in a matter of hours.
Your driver’s license is already at risk before you ever step inside a courtroom, because Texas law triggers an administrative license revocation process the moment you are booked.
If you do not request an ALR hearing within 15 days, that license suspension becomes automatic, and there is nothing anyone can do to reverse it.
The criminal side of your case carries consequences that go far beyond a fine.
A first DWI offense in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail.
A second DWI offense jumps to a Class A misdemeanor with up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year of incarceration.
A third DWI is a third degree felony that carries 2 to 10 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
And those are just the criminal penalties.
A DWI conviction stays on your record permanently in Texas, affecting job applications, professional license renewals, housing applications, and background checks for the rest of your life.
Your insurance rates will increase dramatically, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense.
Community service, mandatory DWI education classes, court costs, and probation fees can easily push the total financial impact beyond $10,000 even on a first offense.
The criminal justice system in Dallas County does not give you time to figure things out.
Prosecutors in this district are aggressive, well-funded, and experienced at securing DWI convictions.
Without a Dallas DWI lawyer who knows how to challenge the evidence, question the arresting officer’s procedures, and fight for a dismissal or reduction, you are walking into that courtroom at a severe disadvantage.
The difference between a DWI conviction that destroys your career and a defense strategy that protects your future comes down to the criminal defense attorney standing next to you.
How Michael Lowe Can Help You Fight Your DWI Charges in Dallas
Defending against a DWI charge in Dallas requires more than someone who knows the law.
Michael Lowe brings a dual perspective as a former Dallas County prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, with more than 50 DWI jury trials in Dallas County, Collin County, Tarrant County, Denton County, and courts across Texas.
He provides aggressive defense against every type of DWI or criminal charge, including the following areas.
First DWI Offense Defense
A first DWI offense in Texas is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, but the serious consequences it carries demand an aggressive defense from the start.
Michael Lowe examines every detail of your arrest, from whether the arresting officer had reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop to whether field sobriety tests and breath or blood test procedures met proper standards, fighting for a dismissal or reduction to a non-alcohol-related criminal offense.
Second DWI Offense Defense
A second DWI offense in Dallas is a Class A misdemeanor with mandatory jail time, a longer license suspension, and a required ignition interlock device.
Michael Lowe challenges the prosecution’s evidence at every stage, investigating whether prior convictions were properly obtained and whether your current arrest followed constitutional procedures to prevent enhanced DWI penalties.
Felony DWI Defense (Third Offense and Beyond)
A third DWI becomes a third degree felony in Texas, carrying 2 to 10 years in state prison.
Michael Lowe has the felony trial experience required to defend these cases, fighting to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the reliability of blood alcohol testing, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
DWI with a Child Passenger
Texas law treats DWI with a passenger under 15 years old as a state jail felony, even on a first offense, carrying 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Michael Lowe defends parents and caregivers facing these criminal charges by challenging the circumstances of the arrest and the evidence supporting the intoxication allegation.
Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter
When a DWI arrest involves an accident that caused serious bodily injury or death, the charges escalate to intoxication assault (a third degree felony) or intoxication manslaughter (a second degree felony), with prison sentences ranging from 2 to 20 years.
Michael Lowe’s experience with over 150 jury trials positions him to defend these complex, high-stakes criminal cases aggressively.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings
The administrative license revocation process is separate from your criminal DWI case and is handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Michael Lowe represents clients at ALR hearings to fight license suspension, challenge the arresting officer’s testimony, and gather evidence that strengthens the criminal defense case.
Challenging Breath and Blood Test Results
Breath and blood tests are not infallible, and the science behind blood alcohol concentration testing contains vulnerabilities that a trained defense attorney can exploit.
Michael Lowe investigates whether testing equipment was properly calibrated, whether samples were collected and stored according to required procedures, and whether flawed testing warrants having the evidence thrown out entirely.
Field Sobriety Test Challenges
Standardized field sobriety tests are subjective and prone to error, particularly when administered improperly or under poor conditions.
Michael Lowe evaluates the arresting officer’s training, the conditions at the scene, and whether the tests were conducted according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards to identify grounds for suppression.
Occupational License Assistance
If your driving privileges are suspended due to a DWI charge, you may qualify for an occupational license that allows you to drive for essential purposes such as work, school, and medical appointments.
Michael Lowe helps clients obtain a temporary driving permit so they can maintain employment and daily responsibilities while their criminal case is pending.
DWI Probation Violations
A probation violation on a DWI case can result in the original suspended jail sentence being imposed in full.
Michael Lowe represents clients accused of violating probation conditions, working to prevent incarceration and keep community supervision intact.
A Former Prosecutor Who Knows Exactly How Dallas County Builds DWI Cases Against You
Most DWI attorneys in Dallas look at your case from one direction.
Michael Lowe looks at it from both.
As a former prosecutor in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, he spent years building cases against defendants, preparing witnesses, and presenting evidence to juries.
This means your defense strategy anticipates the prosecution’s moves before they make them.
His Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, held since 2007, signals to prosecutors and judges that the attorney across from them will scrutinize every piece of evidence and hold the state to its full burden of proof.
Fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys who practice law in criminal defense hold this certification from the Texas Board, requiring ongoing demonstrated competence and peer recognition within the legal community.
Michael Lowe has tried more than 150 jury trials, including over 50 DWI cases taken to verdict in Dallas County, Collin County, Tarrant County, and courtrooms across Texas.
He dedicates 100% of his practice to criminal defense, which means your case receives focused attention rather than being shuffled between practice areas.
Other attorneys may handle DWI cases occasionally alongside divorces, personal injury claims, or civil litigation.
Michael Lowe defends people accused of crimes, and that’s all he does.
Your DWI Case Has a Deadline. Get the Defense You Need Before It Passes.
Every day that passes after a DWI arrest in Dallas is a day the prosecution uses to strengthen its case against you.
You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing and protect your driving privileges, and that clock is already running.
Michael Lowe offers a free consultation to discuss the details of your DWI arrest, evaluate the evidence, and explain your options clearly.
The decisions you make right now determine whether this DWI arrest defines your future or becomes a chapter you put behind you.
Call (214) 526-1900 today to schedule your free consultation.
Take the first step right now, because the prosecution already has.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Charges in Dallas
What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI in Texas?
In Texas, DWI (driving while intoxicated) applies to adults 21 and over who are impaired or have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. DUI (driving under the influence) is a separate, lesser charge that applies specifically to minors under 21 who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Most adult drunk driving cases in Dallas are charged as DWI offenses with significantly more severe penalties.
Can a DWI be dismissed in Dallas County?
Yes, DWI cases can be dismissed in Dallas County if the defense attorney identifies problems with the prosecution’s evidence, such as an illegal traffic stop, improperly administered field sobriety tests, flawed blood alcohol testing procedures, or constitutional violations during the arrest. Michael Lowe has taken more than 50 DWI cases to jury trials across Dallas County and surrounding courts, fighting aggressively for dismissals and favorable outcomes.
What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test during a DWI arrest in Texas?
Refusing a breath or blood test triggers an automatic administrative license revocation with a 180-day suspension for a first refusal. Texas implied consent laws mean that by driving on Texas roads, you have already given legal consent to testing when lawfully arrested for DWI. Prosecutors will often seek a warrant to obtain a blood sample regardless of your refusal.
How much does a DWI lawyer cost in Dallas?
DWI defense costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it involves a misdemeanor or felony charge, and whether the case goes to trial. Michael Lowe offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain the fee structure. Payment plans may also be available for select clients.
Do I need a lawyer for a first DWI offense?
A first DWI offense in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor that carries up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, license suspension, mandatory DWI education classes, community service, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced DWI attorney can challenge the evidence, fight for a dismissal or reduction, and protect your driving privileges at the ALR hearing.
What is an ALR hearing and why is it important?
An Administrative License Revocation hearing is a civil proceeding conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety that determines whether your driver’s license will be suspended following a DWI arrest. You must request this hearing within 15 days of your arrest, or your license will automatically be suspended 40 days later. The ALR hearing also provides an opportunity to cross-examine the arresting officer and gather evidence for your criminal defense case.
Can I get an occupational license if my license is suspended for a DWI?
Yes, Texas law allows individuals whose driving privileges have been suspended to apply for an occupational license, also known as a temporary driving permit. This restricted license allows you to drive for specific essential purposes such as commuting to work, attending school, and driving to medical appointments. Michael Lowe assists clients in obtaining occupational licenses to maintain their daily responsibilities during the pendency of their case.
Will a DWI conviction affect my employment in Dallas?
A DWI conviction creates a permanent criminal record in Texas that appears on background checks conducted by employers. Jobs that require driving, positions in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government roles are particularly affected. The long-term career damage from a DWI conviction is one of the most important reasons to invest in an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for a dismissal or reduced charge.
What is an ignition interlock device and when is it required?
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that requires you to provide a clean breath sample before the engine will start. Texas courts can order installation as a condition of bond or probation for any DWI offense, and it is frequently required for second DWI offenses and cases involving a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is paid by the defendant.
