DWI Defense

Tarrant County DWI Attorney

Facing DWI charges in Tarrant County requires an attorney who understands how DWI cases are prosecuted in the local court system. At Cole Paschall Law, our Tarrant County DWI attorneys have spent decades defending clients in Tarrant County criminal courts. We know the prosecutors, the judges, and the specific procedures that shape how your case will be handled from arrest through resolution.

Tarrant County is one of the most heavily prosecuted jurisdictions in Texas for DWI offenses. Law enforcement agencies across the county — from Fort Worth Police to Arlington PD to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office — conduct frequent DWI enforcement operations, sobriety checkpoints, and no-refusal weekends. If you have been arrested for a DWI anywhere in Tarrant County, you need a local attorney who knows how to fight these charges effectively. Call 817-477-4100 for a free consultation.

How DWI Cases Are Prosecuted in Tarrant County

DWI cases in Tarrant County are prosecuted by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Misdemeanor DWI cases (first and second offenses) are handled in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts, while felony DWI cases (third offenses, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter) are prosecuted in the Tarrant County District Courts.

Tarrant County prosecutors are known for taking DWI cases seriously. They have dedicated DWI prosecution units and work closely with law enforcement agencies to build cases. This is why having an experienced Tarrant County DWI attorney on your side is critical — you need someone who knows how to counter the prosecution’s strategies.

DWI Penalties in Tarrant County

DWI penalties in Tarrant County follow Texas state law but can vary based on the specific court and judge handling your case:

• First DWI: Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, license suspension up to 1 year, mandatory DWI education
• Second DWI: Class A misdemeanor — 30 days to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000, license suspension up to 2 years, ignition interlock device
• Third DWI: Third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, license suspension up to 2 years
• DWI with BAC 0.15+: Class A misdemeanor with enhanced penalties even on a first offense
• DWI with Child Passenger: State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in state jail, fines up to $10,000

No-Refusal Weekends in Tarrant County

Tarrant County regularly conducts no-refusal weekends, during which judges are available around the clock to sign blood draw warrants. If you refuse a breath test during a no-refusal operation, police can quickly obtain a warrant to draw your blood. These operations are common during holidays (Fourth of July, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl weekend) and other high-traffic periods.

Even if your blood was drawn under a no-refusal warrant, there are still defense strategies available. Our attorneys challenge the validity of the warrant, the procedures used to draw and test the blood, and the chain of custody of the sample.

The ALR Process in Tarrant County

After a DWI arrest in Tarrant County, the Texas Department of Public Safety initiates the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process to suspend your driver’s license. You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and is conducted by an administrative law judge.

The ALR hearing is also a valuable discovery tool. Your Tarrant County DWI attorney can subpoena the arresting officer, cross-examine them under oath, and obtain evidence that may be used in your criminal defense. At Cole Paschall Law, we always request ALR hearings — both to protect your driving privileges and to gather evidence for your defense.

Cities We Serve in Tarrant County

Cole Paschall Law represents DWI clients throughout Tarrant County, including Arlington, Bedford, Keller, North Richland Hills, Aledo, Saginaw, Hurst, Euless, Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, Mansfield, Burleson, and all other communities within Tarrant County. No matter where in the county you were arrested, our attorneys can represent you.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DWI in Tarrant County, do not wait to seek legal representation. The earlier you involve an experienced DWI attorney, the stronger your defense will be. Contact Cole Paschall Law at 817-477-4100 for a free, confidential case evaluation.