When facing a DUI or DWI charge in Fort Worth, TX, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. The legal process can feel overwhelming, but with a Fort Worth criminal lawyer like Casey Cole or Shawn Paschall by your side, you don’t have to face it alone.
Experienced criminal defense attorneys help you navigate every stage of your case—from arrest to resolution, protecting your constitutional rights, negotiating with prosecutors, and fighting to reduce or dismiss charges. Whether you’ve been accused of drunk driving or drug possession, the right legal defense can make all the difference between conviction and a second chance.
DUI and DWI: Understanding the Legal Distinction
Understanding the difference between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can help you recognize the severity of the charges you’re facing and the specific legal strategies needed to protect your rights.
- DUI typically applies to minors under the age of 21 who operate a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
- DWI, on the other hand, applies to adults (21 and older) whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or who are otherwise deemed impaired by drugs or alcohol—even if their BAC is below the legal limit.
Texas law defines intoxication not only by BAC level but also by the loss of the normal use of your mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs. This means you can still be charged with DWI even if your BAC is below 0.08%, as officers may use observed impairment during field sobriety tests—such as slurred speech or unsteady movement—as evidence against you.
In short, DUI is generally considered a less severe offense for underage drivers, while DWI is a class B misdemeanor that can lead to harsh penalties for adults. Both fall under Texas Penal Code regulations, and both can have lasting impacts on your criminal record and driving privileges.
Common Consequences of a DUI/DWI Charge in Texas
The penalties for a Texas DWI or DUI conviction can be severe, even for first-time offenders. These consequences can affect not only your license, but also your freedom, employment, and overall quality of life.
Legal Consequences of a Fort Worth DWI or DUI Charge
Here are some of the most common legal consequences of a DWI charge in Texas:
- Hefty Fines and Court Costs: A first-time offense can result in fines of up to $2,000, while repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances can increase that amount dramatically. Additional court fees, probation costs, and mandatory education programs can also add up quickly.
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for anywhere between 90 days and two years, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, prior offenses, and cooperation during the arrest.
- Jail Time: Even for a first offense, jail time is possible. A first DWI is typically a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to up to 180 days in jail. Subsequent convictions or aggravated cases—such as driving with a high BAC or causing injury—can result in much longer sentences, sometimes measured in years rather than months.
If you have prior DWI convictions, the consequences become even more severe, potentially escalating to a felony charge and longer jail time. That’s why working with an experienced Fort Worth DWI lawyer is critical to protecting your future.
Aggravated Consequences of a DUI or DWI Charge
Certain aggravating factors can elevate the offense to a felony under Texas DWI law. These situations carry significantly harsher penalties, longer jail time, and permanent effects on your criminal record:
- Driving with a Child Passenger: If you’re arrested for DWI while a child passenger under 15 years old is in the vehicle, the charge is automatically elevated to a state jail felony. Penalties can include up to two years in a state jail facility and fines of up to $10,000.
- Intoxication Assault: If a DWI accident results in serious bodily injury to another person, you may be charged with Intoxication Assault, a third-degree felony. This offense carries potential penalties of two to ten years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: One of the most serious drunk driving offenses under the Texas Penal Code, Intoxication Manslaughter applies when an impaired driver causes the death of another person. This second-degree felony can result in two to twenty years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Time is a major factor in a DUI or DWI case. Hiring a DWI attorney in Fort Worth, TX, immediately after your arrest gives your defense team the best chance to:
- Challenge whether there is sufficient evidence (e.g., the traffic stop or arrest procedure).
- Review blood alcohol concentration testing methods for errors.
- Negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options.
- Protect your driver’s license by requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days.
- Ensure that your rights are protected during every stage of the legal process.
An early start allows your Fort Worth DUI attorney, whom residents trust, to build a strong, evidence-based defense, reducing stress, uncertainty, and the potential for costly mistakes.
How Criminal Lawyers-Fort Worth Can Protect Your Rights
The role of a criminal lawyer extends far beyond courtroom appearances. At Cole Paschall Law, your attorney serves as your advocate, advisor, and shield against the complexities of Texas criminal law.
Here’s how a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer can help you:
Protect Your Constitutional Rights
Skilled criminal defense lawyers ensure that law enforcement respects your constitutional protections during every step of your arrest and investigation. This includes reviewing whether the officer had probable cause for the traffic stop, verifying the accuracy of blood alcohol concentration testing, and ensuring no illegal search or seizure occurred.
A strong Fort Worth criminal defense team will use any violations of due process to challenge the prosecution’s case and potentially weaken or have your DWI or DUI case dismissed.
Handle Complex Paperwork
DUI and DWI attorneys manage extensive documentation, from court filings to administrative license hearings. Missing a single deadline or submitting an incorrect form can have serious consequences.
With the support of an experienced DWI lawyer, you can rest assured that every filing, hearing request, and motion is handled promptly and correctly, allowing you to focus on your personal and professional life while your defense team handles the legal burden.
Investigate Evidence
A seasoned DWI lawyer knows how to evaluate every detail of the prosecution’s evidence. This includes examining police reports, breathalyzer calibration logs, dashcam footage, and officer testimony.
By identifying inconsistencies or procedural errors, criminal defense lawyers can often cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative and strengthen your defense. In many cases, a detailed evidence review by an experienced DWI lawyer can reveal mistakes that lead to reduced penalties or even a dismissal of the DWI charge.
Negotiate with Prosecutors
Not every case goes to trial. Often, your Fort Worth criminal defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, minimize penalties, or explore alternative sentencing options.
Because prosecutors are focused on securing a DUI or DWI conviction, having strategic and persuasive criminal defense lawyers on your side ensures that your interests are protected during negotiations. An experienced DWI attorney understands local court systems and knows when to pursue plea agreements that best safeguard your criminal record and future.
Build a Defense Strategy
Every case requires a tailored plan. Your Fort Worth criminal defense team will develop a defense strategy based on your circumstances—challenging the legality of the stop, questioning the validity of field sobriety tests, or disputing BAC results.
The ultimate goal of a skilled DWI lawyer is to protect you from a DWI conviction and help you move forward with a clean slate. With the right representation, your defense is built not just on the facts of the case, but on a deep understanding of how Texas DWI law and local courts operate.
Why Casey Cole and Shawn Paschall Are Trusted DUI Lawyers
Casey Cole and Shawn Paschall are among the most respected criminal defense attorneys in Fort Worth, TX, known for their dedication, results, and reputation for defending clients in complex DUI or DWI charges and other criminal matters.
Casey Cole: Experienced Fort Worth Defense Lawyer
Casey Cole brings over two decades of experience as one of Fort Worth’s most respected criminal defense attorneys, known for his commitment to protecting clients’ rights and achieving favorable results in complex criminal cases. He has represented thousands of individuals across Tarrant County, handling everything from DWI charges and drug possession to assault and theft cases.
As a trusted Fort Worth DWI lawyer, Casey uses his in-depth knowledge of courtroom procedure and Texas DWI law to develop smart, evidence-driven defense strategies that minimize penalties and safeguard his clients’ futures.
Shawn Paschall: Trusted Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
Shawn Paschall, a seasoned trial attorney and former prosecutor, offers his clients a rare dual perspective that few criminal defense attorneys can match. Having spent years on the other side of the courtroom, he understands exactly how the state builds and pursues DWI charges and how to dismantle those cases effectively.
As a dedicated Fort Worth DWI lawyer, Shawn combines his prosecutorial insight with a deep understanding of Texas criminal law to anticipate the government’s strategies, challenge weak evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength.
Together, they lead Cole Paschall Law, a firm built on trust, transparency, and results. Whether you’re facing a DWI conviction, drug charges, or other criminal offenses, their combined experience as top DUI lawyers and criminal defense attorneys ensures your future is in capable hands.
How Cole Paschall Law Can Secure Your Future
At Cole Paschall Law, the firm’s experienced DWI attorneys understand what’s at stake and work tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
Our proven approach to Fort Worth criminal defense focuses on building strategies that not only address the immediate case but also safeguard your long-term interests and help you yield a favorable outcome on your case:
- License Protection: A suspended driver’s license can disrupt every part of your life—from commuting to work to supporting your family. The firm’s seasoned Fort Worth DWI lawyer team takes immediate action to challenge license suspensions through Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings and negotiate for occupational licenses when necessary.
- Record Management: A DWI conviction or related charge can follow you for years, limiting career opportunities and personal growth. Cole Paschall Law’s criminal defense lawyers help clients explore options for record sealing or expungement, giving them the opportunity to move forward without the burden of a permanent criminal record.
- Personalized Defense Plans: Every case is unique. The firm’s DWI attorneys develop personalized defense strategies based on your specific evidence, background, and goals. Whether that means challenging the legality of a traffic stop, questioning breathalyzer or blood test results, or negotiating a plea deal that minimizes penalties, they tailor every detail to your circumstances.
- Long-Term Guidance: Facing a criminal charge can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. The compassionate team at Cole Paschall Law doesn’t stop at courtroom representation—they provide ongoing guidance, helping clients rebuild their lives after their case concludes.
Taking the Next Steps After a DUI Charge
Being arrested for a DWI or DUI can be overwhelming, but the actions you take immediately after your arrest can significantly impact your case and your future. Each decision matters, from protecting your driver’s license to minimizing damage to your criminal record.
Here’s what to do next:
- Contact a Fort Worth DWI Lawyer Immediately: Before speaking to law enforcement or prosecutors, consult a trusted criminal defense attorney. An early consultation with DUI or DWI attorneys ensures that your rights are protected and that no damaging statements are made. Your lawyer can explain the process, advise you on what to expect, and begin gathering critical evidence to strengthen your defense.
- Document Everything: Write down every detail you can remember—where you were stopped, how the officer conducted sobriety tests, and any witnesses present. Small details often make a big difference in a criminal defense case, especially when evaluating whether the stop or arrest was lawful.
- Request an ALR Hearing: In Texas, you only have 15 days after a DWI charge to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Failing to do so could result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Experienced DWI attorneys can file this request on your behalf and represent you at the hearing to help preserve your driving privileges.
- Follow Legal Advice: Your Fort Worth DWI lawyer will develop a personalized strategy based on your situation. This may include reviewing dashcam footage, challenging blood alcohol concentration results, or negotiating with prosecutors. Following your DWI attorney’s guidance is crucial to improving your chances of a positive outcome and avoiding long-term effects on your criminal record.
- Stay Proactive: Attend all court appearances, complete any required evaluations or classes, and maintain consistent communication with your legal team. Demonstrating accountability can influence how judges and prosecutors view your case, often leading to better resolutions within the criminal defense process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI offense?
A first-time DUI is usually a Class C misdemeanor for minors and can result in fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education. For adults charged with DWI, penalties may include jail time, license suspension, and fines up to $2,000.
How long will a DUI stay on my record?
A DWI or DUI conviction can remain on your criminal record permanently unless you qualify for an expungement or nondisclosure.
Can I keep my driver’s license after a DUI?
Yes, but you must request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest to contest the suspension. Your attorney can help you through this process.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Fort Worth?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, but hiring an experienced Fort Worth DWI lawyer is an investment in protecting your rights and minimizing long-term consequences.
Can I expunge or remove a DUI from my record in Texas?
Yes, in certain cases. If your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, you may qualify for expungement or record sealing under Texas law.
How long do I have to respond to a DUI citation?
You generally have 15 days to request a hearing to protect your driver’s license. Acting quickly is essential to preserving your rights.
Can a DUI charge result in jail time?
Yes. Even a first DWI charge can lead to up to 180 days in jail, depending on circumstances and prior offenses.
Don’t Face DUI Charges Alone—Reach Out to Cole Paschall Law
When your future is on the line, trust the Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers who know how to fight for you. Casey Cole and Shawn Paschall have built their reputations on protecting clients across Tarrant County from serious criminal allegations.
Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, DWI, or drug charges, and other criminal law issues, Cole Paschall Law provides the skilled representation you need to move forward with confidence.
Schedule a confidential consultation today with a skilled DWI lawyer who will fight to secure your freedom, reputation, and future.
