Pearsall, TX DWI Defense Lawyer

Reliable Drunk Driving Defense Attorney for Clients in Pearsall

One night of drunk driving can have lasting consequences for your future. In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is strictly criminalized, carrying the threat of jail time, fines, and license suspensions for anyone accused of the offense. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you can fight an accusation of DWI in court.

At Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, our skilled Pearsall, Texas DWI defense attorney can provide you with strong advocacy and clear legal advice during the legal proceedings of a drunk driving charge. We will fight to demonstrate your innocence, seeking a full dismissal of charges whenever possible. We will take your case seriously, providing you with a personalized legal strategy based on the facts of your arrest.

Is Drunk Driving a Misdemeanor or a Felony in Texas?

Under Texas law, a first-time DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offense is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor. A conviction can carry up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of as much as $2,000, and a lengthy driver's license suspension. However, note that subsequent DWI convictions escalate in severity. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. A third offense will result in felony charges.

Certain circumstances turn a DWI into a felony regardless of your prior record. Intoxication assault, which refers to the crime of causing serious bodily injury while driving intoxicated, is a third-degree felony, carrying two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Why Blood Alcohol Concentration Matters in DWI Charges

Texas presumes a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher to be legally intoxicated. That presumption simplifies the prosecution's burden at trial, since they need only establish the chemical result without proving impairment separately.

Elevated BAC levels can trigger enhanced penalties: a BAC of 0.15% or above may lead to increased fines and longer license suspensions under state law. Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test invokes the Department of Public Safety's Administrative License Revocation process, often resulting in an automatic suspension for 180 days or more. Chemical testing devices must be properly maintained and calibrated, and any lapse in maintenance records or operator training can form the basis for challenging the reliability of the BAC reading.

Ways to Challenge a DWI in Pearsall

Defending a DWI charge requires meticulous review of every step taken by law enforcement. Common strategies for DWI defense include:

• Questioning whether officers had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate the traffic stop or arrest
• Contesting the accuracy and administration of standardized field sobriety tests
• Examining breath and blood testing equipment maintenance logs, operator certification, and calibration records
• Verifying chain-of-custody and proper handling of blood samples in laboratory facilities
• Exploring medical conditions or prescription medications that could have affected observable impairment or test results

Our firm understands the stakes of an intoxication charge. We will review all of the available evidence—from dash-cam footage and police radio transmissions to laboratory procedures and medical records—to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. If you face misdemeanor or felony DWI allegations, you need a strong advocate who will stand by your side from arraignment through trial.

Meet With a Pearsall, Texas DWI Defense Attorney

At Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we have years of experience representing clients accused of criminal offenses. We will work hard to defend you against a DWI charge, building a case tailored to your specific circumstances. To schedule an initial consultation, call us at 210-226-0965 or contact our Pearsall DWI defense lawyer.