DWI Process

The Cochran Firm

In Texas, the DWI (driving while intoxicated) process begins when a person steps behind the wheel of a car after drinking and is spotted by law enforcement.  In Texas, it is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle after he/she has been drinking or taking drugs.  It is also illegal for a person to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%.  Anytime a person drinks and drives or drives with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, he/she may be charged with DWI if he/she is stopped by police.

Law Enforcement & DWI Stops

In order for police to make a legitimate DWI traffic stop, they must have reasonable doubt that a person is driving while intoxicated.  Sings that may lead to police making a DWI traffic stop include erratic driving behaviors like weaving in between lanes, driving at excessive speeds, driving too slow, ignoring traffic signs or making illegal turns.  When police notice that a driver is engaging in these behaviors, they will have sufficient cause to stop the driver for suspected DWI.

Once a driver has been stopped for DWI, police will look for further signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes or open containers of alcohol.  If they believe that the person is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, they will ask the person to perform a breath test and field sobriety tests.  If the person fails the field sobriety tests, refuses to take the breath test or has a breath test result of 0.08% or higher, he/she will be arrested for DWI.  The person will then be escorted to the local police department for charges and booking. 

What to do After a DWI Arrest?

After people have been arrested for DWI, it is important that they contact a skilled DWI defense lawyer.  By getting a DWI attorney involved immediately after their arrests, people stand a much better chance of posting bail, avoiding grueling questions from police officers and getting their DWI charges reduced. 

Dallas DWI Defense Lawyers

The Cochran Firm has immense experience helping those who have been charged with DWI in Texas.  If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated, contact our Dallas DWI defense lawyers today!