Category Archives: DWI

What Constitutes a Child Passenger Under Texas DWI Laws?

Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, DWI, DWI With Minor

It can start out so innocently. Maybe you’re at a family barbecue or holiday celebration and have a couple of drinks before taking the family home. Or maybe you have a work lunch and enjoy a cocktail or two before picking up your kid from school. But then you get pulled over.

Every Texas DWI case is serious. But if you are charged with driving under the influence while a child is in the vehicle, the stakes are even higher.

Many people are surprised to learn that Texas law treats DWI offenses involving child passengers differently than other DWI charges. Understanding who qualifies as a “child passenger” under Texas law is a critical first step in understanding the charge you may be facing.

The Legal Definition of a Child Passenger in Texas

Under Texas law, a child passenger is defined as a person younger than 15 years of age.

Let’s say a driver is alleged to have been intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle with a child under 15 in the car. The offense may be charged as Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger—a separate and distinct criminal offense from a standard DWI.

Importantly, the law does not require that the child be harmed, injured or even aware of the driver’s intoxication. The mere presence of a child under 15 in the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense is enough to trigger the enhanced charge.

How This Charge Differs From a Standard DWI

Many first‑time DWI incidents in Texas are charged as misdemeanors. A person found guilty may be eligible for certain diversion programs or probation options that can lessen the impact of a conviction. However, DWI with a child passenger is automatically charged as a felony, regardless of the driver’s previous criminal history.

This means that even someone with no prior arrests faces life-altering consequences if a child passenger is involved. A felony conviction can carry long‑term consequences beyond jail or probation, including damage to employment prospects, professional licenses and parental rights.

Does the Child Have to Be the Driver’s Child?

No. Texas law does not require the child passenger to be related to the driver. The child could be a relative, a friend’s child or any other minor under the age of 15 who was in the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense.

Additionally, the child’s seating position in the vehicle does not matter. Whether the child was in the front seat, back seat or third row is legally irrelevant to whether the charge applies.

The Importance of a Strong Defense

If you are accused of any crime, you need to recognize the value of a strong defense. Even misdemeanor drinking and driving charges call for an experienced Texas defense lawyer. Felony cases, however, make it that much more important to protect your rights.

Contact Our Texas DWI Defense Team Today

Prosecutors pursue felony cases aggressively. But in every case, the State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced attorney can sort through all the facts, evidence and elements of the case to find the best strategy to protect you.

At Lee & Wood, GP, we have handled countless DWI cases in Texas courts. We can defend your rights in and out of the courtroom. Call us today at 817-678-6771 or contact us to schedule a consultation.

7 Potential Legal Defenses Against DWI Charges in Texas

Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, Defenses, DWI

Facing a DWI charge in Texas can be frightening, especially if it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. In some instances, confusion and fear can take over, causing you to make mistakes. The good news is that a DWI arrest doesn’t automatically mean a conviction.

Texas law provides several avenues for challenging DWI charges. Understanding these potential defenses is a powerful first step. Below are some of the most common and effective legal defenses that may apply to DWI cases in Texas.

1. Lack of Reasonable Suspicion for the Traffic Stop

Virtually every DWI case begins with a traffic stop. Texas law requires officers to have reasonable suspicion before pulling someone over. This means they must be able to articulate a specific reason, such as speeding, swerving or a broken taillight, that caused them to pull you over.

If the officer lacked a valid reason, the entire stop may be deemed unconstitutional. When that happens, evidence gathered afterward, including field sobriety tests and breath tests, may be thrown out.

2. No Probable Cause for Arrest

Even if the stop itself was lawful, officers must have probable cause to make an arrest. Signs like bloodshot eyes, not answering questions, the smell of alcohol or “nervousness” aren’t always indicators of intoxication. Video footage, witness statements or inconsistencies in the officer’s report may expose a lack of credible evidence to justify the arrest.

3. Flaws in Field Sobriety Tests

Standard field sobriety tests, like the walk-and-turn or the one-leg stand, are notoriously subjective. Factors like fatigue, medical conditions, uneven pavement, poor lighting or even distracting traffic can impact performance. If these tests weren’t administered correctly or under proper conditions, the results can be challenged.

4. Breath Test Inaccuracies

Breathalyzer machines must be maintained, calibrated and operated according to strict Texas Department of Public Safety guidelines. When they aren’t, results can be unreliable. Additionally, medical conditions such as acid reflux, dietary habits or even certain medications can artificially inflate breath-alcohol readings.

5. Problems With Blood Test Procedures

Blood tests, while often seen as more accurate than other tests, are far from infallible. Chain-of-custody errors, contamination, improper storage or lab technician mistakes can all compromise results. Texas labs have faced scrutiny in the past for procedural failures. Any irregularity may open the door to a strong defense.

6. Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

Alcohol takes time to absorb into the bloodstream. It’s possible for a person’s BAC to rise between the time of the traffic stop and the administration of the test. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and subsequent testing, your blood alcohol content at the time of driving may have been below the legal limit.

7. Violations of Your Constitutional Rights

If officers fail to follow proper procedure, such as neglecting to read you your Miranda rights or conducting an unlawful search, your constitutional protections may have been violated. These violations can lead to key evidence being suppressed, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case. These rights are important in every criminal case.

A Defense Attorney Knows When To Use These Defenses and More

A strong defense in drunk driving cases should not be left to chance, considering how serious the consequences are. There are countless ways to approach DWI defense, if you know what to look for.

At Lee & Wood, GP, our drunk driving defense attorneys have handled countless criminal cases across Texas. Call us at 817-678-6771 or send us a message.

Understanding Boating DUI Charges in Texas

Criminal Defense, DWI

Boating is a cherished pastime in Texas. Thousands of residents and visitors take advantage of the state’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters each year.

A day on the water often includes relaxation, recreation and sometimes alcohol. Yet many people are unaware that operating a boat while intoxicated is treated just as seriously as driving under the influence.

Boating under the influence, commonly called a BUI or boating DUI, can carry significant legal consequences. Knowing how Texas handles these charges can help boaters stay safe and avoid life‑altering penalties.

What Counts as Boating Under the Influence?

Under Texas law, it’s illegal to operate a watercraft while intoxicated. This includes motorboats, personal watercraft (like Jet Skis), sailboats and any other vessel powered by engines or sails.

In Texas, a person is considered intoxicated if:

  • Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher
  • They lack normal mental faculties due to alcohol, drugs or both
  • They lack normal physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs or both

Importantly, law enforcement has broad authority to stop and inspect watercraft for safety compliance. If an officer suspects impairment—for instance, if they notice slurred speech, reckless behavior or unsafe navigation—they may conduct sobriety tests similar to those used during roadside stops.

Penalties for a Boating DUI

The consequences of a boating DUI in Texas can be severe, even for first‑time offenders. A first BUI offense is generally a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to:

  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • Fines of up to $2,000
  • A mandatory alcohol education program

If a person’s BAC is especially high or if they have prior convictions, the penalties escalate quickly. A second offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor, carrying increased jail time and fines. A third offense is a third‑degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. (Learn more about the differences between misdemeanors and felonies.)

Violations Related to Boating DUI

Boating under the influence can be charged along with a number of other crimes. You may be facing related allegations, including:

  • Speeding (violating boating speed restrictions)
  • Violating a no-wake zone
  • Equipment and lighting violations (insufficient life jackets, operating without life jackets, operating without a sound-producing device or a fire extinguisher, or improper lighting)
  • Failure to register a vessel or to display a boat registration decal or numbers
  • No registration card
  • Moorage violations, trespassing or operating in a restricted area
  • Removal, defacement or destruction of signs, depth markers or informational signage on waterways
  • Violations involving children operating a boat or not wearing a life preserver

Your BUI defense needs to account for all allegations against you, from the most serious to the least, in order to protect your future.

Defending Against a Boating DUI Charge

Several defenses may apply in a boating DUI case. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney experienced in maritime and Texas DUI laws is essential to understanding which defenses may be available to you.

At Lee & Wood, GP, our Texas defense attorneys have extensive experience with boating DUI cases. We can craft the strong defense you need. Call us at 817-678-6771 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Guns and Alcohol: Does Having a Weapon in the Car Matter During a DWI?

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In 2021, Texas law changed to allow people to carry a handgun in many public places without a license. Still, many Texans take the time to obtain a license to carry (LTC), as there are situations where the license is beneficial.

Whether you have a license or not, if you have a firearm in the car while driving under the influence, you are likely to face serious criminal charges. Here’s why.

From One Crime to Two

When it comes to a concealed weapon, behavior that would be legal in one situation can be illegal in another.

Your right to carry that weapon is dependent on you not committing another crime at the same time. So when it comes to drunk driving, your previously legal right to carry a firearm becomes a crime because you’re armed while committing the crime of driving while intoxicated.

Basically, if you’re carrying a gun in Texas, you cannot commit any criminal offense. If you do, the possession of the gun becomes an offense in itself. Instead of one crime, you’ll be facing charges for two offenses. Either way, you need a strong criminal defense lawyer.

A Sharp Increase in Potential Criminal Penalties

The charge for carrying a concealed weapon while committing the DWI will likely be a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties, if you’re found guilty, can include up to a year in jail and a hefty fine. That’s roughly twice the punishment typically handed out for a first-time drunk driving conviction.

In addition to the jail time and fines, you can face the loss of your LTC for a minimum of five years. Similarly, DWI convictions can lead to loss of driving privileges. With all of these possible punishments, it’s hard to overestimate how important it is to defend your rights with a strong defense.

The Importance of a Strong DWI Defense

In these cases, the unlawful carrying of a weapon charge is based on the drunk driving violation. That means if you’re not guilty of driving while intoxicated, you’re also not guilty of unlawfully carrying a weapon. While every DWI defense is important, the presence of a weapon places added weight on your defense.

For both the DWI and the weapon charge, you may have a defense based on an illegal search. There are strict rules about when and how law enforcement can conduct a search. If the evidence needed to convict you was obtained in violation of those rules, it can be thrown out.

You Need Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers

After an arrest for DWI with a concealed weapon, you should contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Lee & Wood, GP, our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in Texas criminal courts. We can help you understand your options and craft a strong defense to protect your rights. Call us at 817-678-6771 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.

Public Intoxication in Law and in Practice

Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, DWI, Public Intoxication

It’s not unusual for someone charged with public intoxication to be confused about why the police got involved. Few, if any, Texas criminal laws are as broadly written as the law against public intoxication. Believe it or not, virtually anyone who’s had any alcohol at all could potentially be charged and suffer severe consequences.

What the Texas Public Intoxication Law Says

As with any criminal charge, it’s a good idea to speak to an experienced defense attorney to understand how the law applies to your case. A general understanding is helpful, but it’s no substitute for knowledgeable legal counsel.

Texas law has a simple definition for public intoxication. If you appear in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that you may endanger yourself or someone else, you could be arrested and found guilty of public intoxication. The issues with this law are grounded in the specifics.

The Definition of Intoxicated

The definition of intoxicated for the purposes of this law is “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol” or other drugs. Combinations of drugs or both drugs and alcohol are also included.

It can also mean having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. However, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to be over the legal limit to be found guilty of public intoxication. Police can claim that your behavior indicated intoxication. They don’t have to test your blood alcohol content to support this charge.

What Being “A Danger” Entails

The law does require evidence that you were a danger to yourself or others.

Without a strong defense, making the case that you were a danger may be simple for a determined prosecutor. You could trip over your own feet and find yourself accused of staggering into traffic. This may seem far-fetched, but there are many innocent situations that have been the basis of public intoxication charges.

How Public Intoxication Laws Are Used in Practice

It’s obviously not the case that everyone who’s had any alcohol will face public intoxication charges. It’s not hard to find an intoxicated pedestrian in almost any campus or hot spot on a Friday or Saturday night. So why do some people get arrested and others are left alone?

Some suggest that public intoxication arrests are used as a form of crowd control. If you get in the way of the police, they can arrest you for public intoxication with very little evidence. Others suggest that it’s used to arrest people who annoy law enforcement, or even as an excuse to check someone for more serious criminal issues.

Unfortunately, a criminal charge is an incredibly high price to pay for irritating a police officer. Though it’s a misdemeanor, it still appears on your criminal record and can interfere with your ability to get a job or find housing.

Get the Legal Protection You Need

If you’ve been accused of public intoxication, you need an attorney. Call Lee & Wood at 817-678-6771 or contact us online to discuss your case.

Navigating Your Underage Child’s DUI

DWI

The Texas criminal justice system takes an unusually harsh stance when it comes to underage crimes. Juvenile DUI cases are no exception.

We know you want to do everything possible to get help for your child and to see them get through this. If your child has been arrested for drunk driving, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking and Driving

In general, drivers who are of age must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher to be convicted of driving drunk. That is not true for minors.

The Texas zero-tolerance law means any amount of alcohol is enough to support a juvenile DUI conviction. The legal limit for young drivers is 0.00.

Driver Age and BAC Can Affect The Penalties

While zero tolerance is the starting point, there is an additional consideration when it comes to the age of your child and their BAC.

Drivers between 18 and 20 who are pulled over for drinking and driving with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher face harsher penalties. This could be the difference between facing community service and facing jail time.

What Parents Can Do

Few people would like to be judged by the worst mistakes they made when they were young. Juvenile drinking and driving is a serious issue, but it shouldn’t dictate the rest of your child’s life. There are steps you can take as a parent to make the situation better. Here’s how to start:

  • Contact an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney. The attorney can help explain their rights and advocate for them through the legal proceedings.
  • Support your child through the stress and uncertainty of the legal process.
  • Help your child take accountability for the actions that led to this.
  • Seek help, including rehabilitation, substance abuse counseling or other recovery programs.

Obviously, you want your child to learn a lesson and to avoid similar situations in the future. But that does not mean you should let the system run its course. The best result is the one reached with a skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney.

Related Legal Concerns

There may be legal implications surrounding how your child acquired the alcohol or drugs involved in their underage DUI case. Providing alcohol to someone underage is a serious offense. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors can seek a substantial fine and up to one year in jail for the party responsible.

Call Lee & Wood for Serious Criminal Defense Representation

Speaking to a defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest can make a tremendous difference. If your child has been arrested or charged with underage DUI, the time to act is now. Call Lee & Wood at 817-678-6771 or contact us online to get started on a strong defense for your child.

Right To Remain Silent: When To Speak to Officers in Texas

Criminal Attorney, Criminal Defense, Defense attorney, DWI

Your right to remain silent plays a significant role when it comes to interacting with police, but it’s not quite the whole picture. When can you assert that right? Is it always the best strategy? What about situations where you aren’t under threat of arrest?

Your criminal defense attorney can handle these issues once you’ve chosen one. Until then, what should you do?

Silence Is Better Than Lying

Saying nothing is specifically protected in many instances. Saying something untrue is not protected. It’s always better to stay silent than to say something that isn’t true!

When you choose silence as your response, be consistent. Remain silent. Wait until you’ve had a chance to speak with your lawyer to make any statement at all.

Situations Where You Have To Speak

This is a tricky area. Texas law includes a Failure to Identify (Section 38.02) law that requires someone who has been lawfully arrested to provide their name, address or date of birth when requested by a peace officer.

It also makes it a crime to give a false answer to those questions if you’ve been lawfully detained. The same is true if the officer has good cause to believe you witnessed a crime.

There are also provisions regarding drivers. If you’re a driver who’s been detained for an alleged offense, such as a DWI, you must show the officer your license when requested. If you don’t or can’t, you must give your name, address, date of birth, or driver’s license number.

At a traffic stop, hand over your license and proof of insurance when asked. But don’t answer questions about your driving, your destination or anything else.

Violations of the Failure to Identify law are punishable as misdemeanors.

Be Polite in Silence or in Speech

Silence is your right and is almost always the right choice. But whether you remain silent or choose to speak, it’s best to be polite and calm around police officers.

Getting pulled over or arrested is incredibly stressful. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, angry, scared or frustrated. It’s important to try to stay calm and wait for your attorney to help you.

It’s also important to remember that even if the situation got away from you in the beginning, you can stop talking at any point. If you’ve made statements in anger or fear, you can still assert your right to remain silent once you’ve calmed down. The less you say without an attorney present, the better off you’ll be.

Police Can Lie to You

While you’re not allowed to lie to police, the reverse is not true. Police officers can lie about the evidence against you. They can lie about what they saw. They can lie about what will happen to you if you just start talking to them. When the police tell you you’ll be better off talking to them, that is not the truth.

Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Exercise your right to remain silent. Wait until you’ve spoken to your attorney before making any statement to the police. Call Lee & Wood, GP today at 817-678-6771 or contact us online.

A Life Sentence for Drinking and Driving

DWI

Punishments for many crimes have gotten more severe over the years. One of the reasons America’s prison population has grown is that people are being sent there for longer stretches. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is no exception, as sentences are much longer than in generations past.

Still, most people would be surprised at the thought of a life sentence for DWI. What situations could result in such a drastic sentence?

Misdemeanor Drinking and Driving

First, DWI can be a misdemeanor. The Texas Department of Transportation lists the penalties for a first offense DWI as:

  • A maximum fine of $2,000.
  • Up to 180 days in jail, including three mandatory days.
  • The loss of your driver’s license for up to a year.

In most cases, a first offense DWI will not lead to the maximum penalty.

Escalating Penalties & Felonies

Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties than first offenders. The second offense can lead to a maximum of one year in prison. The third offense is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. Prior offenses are “enhancers,” meaning they can lead to longer penalties upon conviction.

However, a prior DWI is not the only thing that can lead to a longer sentence. If your blood alcohol level is above .15, roughly twice the legal limit, you can face harsher penalties. Another form of enhancement is getting caught drinking and driving with a child in the car, which is an automatic felony.

Arguably the most serious enhancers are DWI accidents that injure or kill other people. A DWI accident that leads to a death can lead to charges of intoxication manslaughter. That’s a first- or second-degree felony.

How Does DWI Lead to a Life Sentence?

It may be surprising to see how drinking and driving can lead to a life sentence. Felonies and enhancements can increase your jail time and fine, but it’s not just that; it’s a matter of repetition. A fifth DWI conviction, even with no injuries or deaths, can be punished by life in prison in Texas. This is not a regular occurrence, but it’s a possibility.

A Comal County man was recently sentenced to life in prison following his sixth DWI conviction. None of the accidents led to a loss of life. The first offense occurred in 1986 and was followed by convictions in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and, most recently, in 2023. That pattern was considered serious enough to warrant a life sentence.

Strong Defense in DWI Cases

Every DWI charge is serious. If you’ve been arrested, you can’t afford to take the matter lightly. If you can avoid a conviction, you owe it to yourself to explore all your options.

At Lee & Wood, LP, our Texas criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience in DWI cases. Call us today at 817-678-6771 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

What Is Texas’s Zero Tolerance Law for Young Drivers?

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When you hear about Texas’s “Zero Tolerance Law,” it’s referring to the state’s position on alcohol consumption by drivers under 21 years old.

The law says that if someone under 21 is driving with even the smallest detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they will be charged with DWI or DUI. The law applies to anyone under 20 who is driving a car, boat or airplane.

The DWI charge is for drivers under 21 who have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. If the underage driver has a BAC of less than 0.08, DUI is the charge. These rules apply to any driver who is under 21; they do not need to be a Texas resident or have a Texas driver’s license to face charges.

Penalties for Young Drivers Under the Texas Zero Tolerance Law

If convicted under the Zero Tolerance Law, underage drivers face these possible penalties:

  • First or second DUI offense: Underage drivers can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. If convicted, they face up to $500 in fines, 20 to 40 hours of community service and mandatory alcohol awareness counseling.
  • Third DUI offense under age 17: This is also a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties include a $500 fine, 40 to 60 hours of community service, mandatory alcohol awareness counseling, and possibly the installation of an ignition interlock device to stop you from driving with any alcohol in your system.
  • Third DUI offense age 17 to 21: This is a Class B misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, 40 to 60 hours of community service, and a one-year driver’s license suspension.
  • First DWI under age 21: This is a Class B misdemeanor with the same possible penalties as the third DUI offense.
  • Second DWI under age 21: This is a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000, jail time of 30 days to a year, and a driver’s license suspension of 6 to 18 months.
  • Third DWI under age 21: This is a third-degree felony with fines up to $10,000, jail for two to 10 years, and the suspension of the driver’s license for six months to two years.

Driver’s License Suspension for Violations of the Zero Tolerance Law

Notice that the DWI penalties include driver’s license suspensions while the DUI penalties do not. However, in DUI cases, separate from the criminal charges above, there will be an administrative proceeding to suspend the license.

Getting an underage DUI leads to these license suspensions:

  • First offense: 60-180 days
  • Second offense: 120 days to 2 years
  • Third offense: 180 days to 2 years

To avoid the DUI driver’s license suspension, you must request a hearing. This allows you to make an argument for why your license shouldn’t be suspended. You should discuss this possibility with your attorney.

Get Help Fighting Underage DWI or DUI Charges in Texas

Don’t make the mistake of simply pleading guilty to DWI or DUI charges under the Zero Tolerance Law. There may be a weakness in the case that a defense lawyer can use to help you avoid the worst outcomes.

Call the Fort Worth DWI and DUI defense attorneys of LEE AND WOOD, GP today at 817-678-6771 or email us to get a free case evaluation.

Is it Legal to Refuse a DWI Field Sobriety Test in Texas?

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Yes, you may legally refuse to take a field sobriety test in Texas. In our opinion, based on decades of experience handling DWI cases, you should refuse.

How Field Sobriety Tests Are Usually Conducted

When an officer pulls you over and suspects you may be driving while intoxicated, the investigation begins with the officer’s observations. They look for bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol.

Officers usually also ask some innocent-sounding questions like, “Where are you headed tonight” or “Had anything to drink tonight?”

If the officer thinks more investigation is needed, they may ask you to step out of the car. You should always obey this instruction; do not refuse to get out of your car, and keep your hands where the officer can see them.

Once you’re out of the car, the officer will probably say they’re “going to do a couple of tests to make sure you’re okay to drive.” Officers use lines like this to get drivers to submit to field sobriety tests without directly asking them to consent to the test.

They hope you’ll just go along with it. Even though the officer acts as though you must take the tests, you are not legally obligated to take them. If the officer tries to start a field sobriety test, you should politely decline.

How to Politely Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Texas

As soon as the officer asks you to stand on one leg, walk in a straight line or wants to test your eyes, that’s the point where you should refuse. But you should not be argumentative or belligerent about it.

Don’t raise your voice. Don’t tell the officer the tests are junk and you’re too smart for them. Remember, the officer’s body camera is recording all the audio and video of the incident.

Instead of getting aggravated, simply inform the officer that you’re choosing not to take any field sobriety tests. Calmly saying something like, “Officer, I understand I have the right to refuse these tests, and I am exercising that right.”

Can I Refuse Breath and Blood Tests in Texas?

Yes, you have the right to refuse any requests for breath and blood tests. Once you refuse, the officer must obtain a search warrant to administer the test. If the officer does get a warrant, don’t fight the blood draw. Allow your blood to be taken.

You will likely be transported to jail, then to a hospital where blood is drawn, then back to jail. A bond will be set, or you might be released on personal recognizance.

Will You Get Arrested for Refusing to Perform Field Sobriety Tests?

The officer might arrest you for DWI after you refuse the tests, but they’ll be arresting you because they think they have enough evidence without the tests. They cannot arrest you simply because you refuse to take the tests; refusal itself is not a crime. However, your driver’s license can be suspended for 180 days if the officer arrests you.

Contact Our Fort Worth DWI Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Arrested for drunk driving? Call a Fort Worth DWI lawyer at Lee & Wood, GP at 817-678-6771 or email us as soon as possible. We handle DWI cases in Tarrant County, Dallas County, Denton County and all surrounding areas.